Bob a deserving Citizen of the Year

Bob was named Forbes Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day official ceremony on Monday evening and the shock and humility at receiving the award was evident when he gave his emotional acceptance speech.

“It was surprising, overwhelming and I’m pretty proud too but there’s probably many other people that do a lot of other voluntary work, if not more, than I do,” he said.

“It was a humbling surprise...I’m very proud of it actually.

“I join a pretty elite band really when you think about it with Dan Herbert, Michael Walker, Murray Field and Kerry Dunstan all being Citizens of the Year.”

Bob said his phone hadn’t stopped ringing on Tuesday with so many people calling to congratulate him.

He said he owes much of this award to the late Kevin Cooney, who was the one who got him involved in volunteer work.

“It’s thanks to him that he steered me into Legacy and when he retired from the Mater Advisory Board, I took his place,” Bob said.

Bob has made a significant contribution to the Forbes community and he always has the interest of people at heart, particularly to those in need.

He has been involved with the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club as the current president, he is a stalwart of the Catholic Church in Forbes through his work with the Knights of the Southern Cross, is a volunteer driver for Parkes/Forbes Community Transport, a past president of the Central West Branch of Men of League and a member of Lachlan Legacy.

Bob said he greatly enjoys spending his days volunteering for these organisations.

“It fills my day in,” he said.

“I worked in the same job for 53 years and when I retired there was going to be a bit of a void.

“Now I can spend more time doing those things.”

President of the Forbes branch of Men of League, John Lasker, nominated Bob for the award and said he’s very pleased he did so.

“I thought he was worthy of it because he’s been involved in so many charities...there’s no one more deserving,” John said.

“He’s very well liked and a very humble bloke...I’ve never heard him swear in all the time I’ve known him, but he goes close when St George are beaten.

“I just got a big kick out of him winning it as much as he did.”

In his many years of involvement in the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club, Bob has gone above and beyond his duties, according to publicity officer Bruce Chandler in his letter of support for Bob’s nomination.

“The voluntary work that he carries out at the showground add testament to his stature,” he said.

“Rob cleans the horse stalls, waters the track, drags the track, welds and repairs broken equipment, pressure cleans the grandstand and somehow manages to help other bodies in the town.”

Chairman of the Knights of the Southern Cross, Michael Kupkee said Bob is a very quiet and unassuming person, who deserves some recognition for his efforts.

“Bob is a “fly under the radar” type of person, he is always first to put his hand up for any duties that may come along, always willing to help,” he said.

Bob is also a valued member of Lachlan Legacy, according to president Neil Biddle.

“He is a quiet achiever and has always been a dedicated worker for Legacy, always among the first to volunteer for various jobs as they arise,” he said.

Bob is also always the first to put his hand up for the long-distance trips or the early morning drop-offs to Parkes Airport as part of his volunteer driving for Parkes/Forbes Community Transport, which he has been involved with since it started.

“With clients, fellow volunteers and staff, Rob is always caring, respectful, courteous and helpful,” service administrator Jacquie Grallelis said.

“He is an absolute gentleman and a great asset to the community transport service here in Forbes.”

Bob was presented his award by Forbes’ Australia Day Ambassador Andy Paschalidis, along with Junior Citizen of the Year, Mitchell Ashcroft.