When much-loved Geelong icon Bob Gartland OAM laid the concrete slab for the first Deakin University library 50 years ago, little did he know that he would become such a pivotal part of the University, and broader Geelong community.
By Michelle Courtney
When much-loved Geelong icon Bob Gartland laid the concrete slab for the first Deakin University library 50 years ago, little did he know that he would become such a pivotal part of the University, and broader Geelong community.
So pivotal in fact that, in 2024, his immense contribution was recognised with a Deakin Honorary Doctorate; making him Dr Robert Gartland OAM.
It was while working in the Commonwealth Bank as a 15 year old, making $15.50 per week, that his fateful relationship with Deakin University began.
‘I was seeing the builders’ labourers coming in depositing their $100 paycheck each week, and thought “why aren’t I doing that”?’ Bob laughed.
He began working as a builders’ labourer, then a steel fixer, dogman, and rigger; laying the concrete slab for the multi-storey library building at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds Campus.
‘My relationship with Deakin is as old as the University and has paralleled my own journey.’
Bob started a career with Hayden Real Estate in Real Estate in 1983 and, after some years, became Commercial Manager. In 1993, Bob sat in the Vice Chancellery waiting area at Deakin Waurn Ponds, for weeks on end, waiting to speak to then Vice Chancellor Professor John Hay about a 1.5 hectare parcel of land his office was selling on the Geelong waterfront. Bob thought the land would be a great addition to the Woolstores Campus project already underway with Deakin.
‘After many days of waiting, John gestured to me and said “Five minutes” and I think I sold him on the idea that day, and the deal was done.’ Bob chuckled.
Years later, in 1999, Bob started one of the most successful real estate businesses in Geelong with Gartland Real Estate; winner of multiple Geelong Business of the Year awards.
Bob said his relationship with Deakin was as old as the University and, in many ways, had paralleled his own journey.
‘My pathway through life has been diverse,’ Bob said.
‘I loved school, but I left early. My father thought that the bank was a great career choice for me. I have always believed in lifelong education, so to receive this great honour at this point of my life, from a place I love so much, is so valuable.’
Last year, Bob furthered his education with a post graduate degree in cultural heritage and museum studies at Deakin.
‘Deakin University is an integral part of who we are in Geelong; we think globally and act locally.’
‘I feel blessed to be part of the Deakin community and I am very grateful to my wife Phillipa who has always shared my journey, believed in, and encouraged, me.’
Bob is particularly proud of his work as patron and one of the founding ambassadors and fundraisers of the Anam Cara House Geelong palliative care facility, along with founder Diane Wright, Frank Costa, Father Kevin Dillon and the current team led by Diana Taylor.
When Anam Cara outgrew its original site at St Mary’s Presbytery, then Deakin Vice Chancellor Jane Den Hollander offered up two hectares on the strength of her relationship with Bob, and Anam Cara moved to the Waurn Ponds campus in 2022. Bob has now been involved with Anam Cara for 18 years.
After many years of advocacy and representation by Bob, the Geelong Sports Museum was opened this year in the Kardinia Park precinct, with support from Deakin’s Centre for Contemporary History.
Bob was recently awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (King’s Birthday honour) for his work in various community roles.
He was nominated for the Deakin Honorary Doctorate by Deakin University Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin. Deakin honorary degrees are conferred on individuals for distinguished contributions to the community. They honour achievements that are aligned to the University’s aims, and provide inspiration to members of the University community.
Professor Martin said Bob was a highly deserving recipient of the honorary doctorate, and integral part of the fabric of Deakin University and Geelong.
‘This award is recognition of Bob’s lifetime commitment to the social, cultural and sporting life of Geelong,’ Professor Martin said.
‘He has not only been a dedicated historian and community-minded contributor, but has also provided learning opportunities and cultural experiences to people in Geelong through the Geelong Football Club, Anam Cara House and other initiatives.’
Deakin Chief Advancement Officer, Jimmy Buck, said nominating Bob for the honorary doctorate filled him with immense pride.
‘Bob has poured his heart and soul into Geelong and Deakin, and we are truly a better community for everything he has contributed,’ Mr Buck said.
‘I am immensely grateful for Bob’s incredible dedication and deep connection to our region over many years, and the instrumental role he has played in creating more opportunities for the University and for Geelong.’
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