Rob Robilliard
Rob Robilliard gave a lifetime of outstanding service to Scouting – starting with his journey as a Cub and Scout at 1st Cambridge (East London) in the Border Area where he concluded his youth membership with a Chief Scouts Award. He then moved up to the Transvaal (Gauteng) during his career and joined the 6th Pretoria (St Andrews Troop) as an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM / ATS) and later Scoutmaster (SM / TS) in the early 1980's.
He then left St Andrews and took on the position of Assistant Area Commissioner for Adult Leader Training (AAC: ALT) in the Northern Transvaal Area in the mid 1990's, thereafter, being appointed as the National Commissioner for Adult Leader Training (NC: ALT).
Rob was part of many developments in Scouts and was part of the team that developed the well-known "belt slide" advancement system for Scouts as well as the implementation of a revised adult leader training scheme.
He led many adult leader training courses, staffed on Weston PLTU and was a familiar figure at the South Eastern District badge valuation weekends.
Rob was acknowledged by Scouts SA for his outstanding contribution to Scouting by the award of the Medal of Merit (twice) and the Order of the Silver Protea.
He held that position until he emigrated to New Zealand.
In New Zealand Rob served as the Central North Island Regional Development Manager.
Rob returned to South Africa in 2019 to join in the Centenary celebrations of the 6th Pretoria) St Andrews Group where he had the chance, with his wife Sue, to meet old friends again.
Rob had over 45 years of Service to Scouting and was admired for his courage (often evidenced by his candid advice), conviction and kindness and readiness to support or guide any Scouter who called for assistance.
Rob "Went Home" on 29 December 2020.
GONE HOME - Rob Robilliard
Rob Robilliard, a long serving volunteer and staff member passed away at home on the 29th December 2020 at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness. Over 80 uniformed members of the Scout Movement gathered at St Andrew’s Church in Cambridge on the 5th January 2021 to celebrate his life and achievements and to support his wife Sue and sons Nicholas and Duncan.
Rob was a Scout Leader for 15 years in South Africa, before he became a member of the National Scout training team in South Africa. Rob also held the position of National Training Leader for South Africa, and in that role a member of a WOSM committee which looked at Adults in Scouting.
Upon moving to Aotearoa New Zealand Rob took up the Group Leader role for the Awatuna Sea Scout Group in Auckland. Rob also held the position of Zone Training Leader for Maharangi and was invited to join the Scouts Aotearoa National training team advisory panel. Rob was employed as the first and only Regional Development Manager for the Central North Island, a position he held for 10 years. He was also the only Life Member appointed for the Central North Island Region.
He resigned two years ago [in 2018] after a bout of ill health, but continued to contribute to the development of Scouts Aotearoa as a volunteer National Adviser, writing and editing manuals and booklets, many of them to do with recruitment of leaders and youth. Rob's enthusiasm for Scouting was unparalleled and will be missed.
From Scouts Aotearoa Annual Report 2021