Surf Life Saver Profile of the Week - 2

Published: October 20, 2022 Last Updated: October 21, 2022

Welcome Rob and thanks for sharing with us
 
So lets get deep and meaningful straight up...

Q - How long have you been in the Coolum Surf Club and what motivated you to volunteer your time?
A - I joined Coolum Beach SLSC in January this year, having moved back to Queensland with my family, after 12 years away and living south of the border.  I have been involved with surf life saving in some form since I was 14. I first joined Noosa SLSC and would convince my family to drive me to Noosa from our home in the Mary Valley on the weekends and holidays. Back then, Noosa had bunk beds for the members who lived elsewhere, mainly Brisbane, but also as far away as Murgon to the Northwest. I have always been drawn to the ocean and to helping the community. So with these interests and motivations in mind – and living in Coolum Beach, joining the Coolum Beach  was always on the agenda.
 
Q - Is your experience so far what you thought it would be?
A - I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the level of welcome to my whole family and engagement with so many members of the club. To be honest, the experience has been beyond any of my expectations with what the club offers its members.  There is a strong sense of camaraderie, as well as a genuine commitment to surf lifesaving.  Its great!

 

On a lighter side...
 
Q - Where did you grow up (assumes you’ve grown up)?
A - My family moved to Redcliffe not long after I turned three, I believe.  In my teenage years we moved to a small town in the Mary Valley about 15km south of Gympie. I guess most of my growing up though occurred after I left home at 16 to start my working life as an Army apprentice.
 
Q - What was the best job you ever had?
A - I have been fortunate in that I was able to turn passions and interests into paying jobs, having completed a vehicle mechanics trade, becoming a physical training instructor before finally completing pilot training to fly Blackhawk and Iroquois helicopters while in the army.  The qualifications and experience from doing this is what positioned me for my best and favourite job of flying the lifesaver helicopter on the coast of Southern NSW.
 
Q - Any nicknames?
A - None that have stuck through the years, but while at Noosa, I was called Bushy and in my early apprentice years, I was called Dingo.  Right now, I answer fairly well to Rob.
 
Q - Any hobbies?
A - I still like tinkering with cars. I have a SAAB 900I convertible stored down south that one day I hope to bring up here.
 
Q - Favourite musician/music/band/musical
A - I like the Beatles, the Cars, The Ozark Mountain Dare Devils (who?? my wife is saying!), thoroughly enjoyed the stage performance of the Lion King.
 
Q - Can you cook and what’s your favourite dish to prepare?
A - Love to eat, not that keen on cooking! If I was to have a signature dish, it would be either Nachos or Caesar Salad.
 
Q - Pineapple on pizza – Yes or No?   
A - Absolutely Yes! (Yaaay!)