Welcome Robert

 

Meet our member Robert Exner

On August 4, our club speaker was newer member Robert Exner who gave a very interesting and enlightening talk on his career, life in Dubbo and his involvement in Rotary. His talk via ZOOM was greatly appreciated by all members and we all look forward to his involvement with the club.

Robert was born in Sydney and first lived in Penshurst, where his admiration of St George Rugby League team started. His family later moved to Pymble and during his time at high school his passion for Ruby League was further enriched. Robert also was in a drama group, was the President of the local St Vincent de Paul Society and also worked in a nursing home; where his desire to help others was stimulated.

On leaving school he started playing professional RL for the North Sydney Bears but this was cut short due to injury, so he then spent some as a jackaroo in North Queensland. Robert then attended university and graduated with a Master’s degree in teaching in 1991.

In 1992 Robert was posted to Dubbo where the great community environment and rural lifestyle attracted both Robert and his wife Stacey to build on 12-acre block and remain in Dubbo for 26 years.

Robert joined Rotary in Dubbo in 2013 being attracted to the ideals of helping others and community service. Robert has served in most areas of club service and a number of the activities of his former club were with other clubs including wine tours in Mudgee, the popular Destination Outback - the 4-wheel drive rally through outback NSW areas and towns held each year, and debates with other clubs focussing on Rotary ideals and conduct. Dubbo club has a number of significant community activities including a Backyard Blitz conducted at the homes of older members in the town and fireside meetings with older Rotarians. The Dubbo club conducted meetings with minimal formality, but frequently had discussions on the guiding principles of Rotary service notably the 4-way test.

Robert and Stacey moved back to Sydney in 2019 and have three children, two at university and one in the building trade. We warmly welcome Robert to Balgowlah Rotary and greatly appreciate the time that he can devote to being a Rotarian with his busy schedule and teaching full time at Monte Saint’ Angelo Mercy College, North Sydney.