General News
15 July, 2025
Ian Robertson: a life of public service
There’s a lot to remember over the eight decades of Ian Robertson’s life. From an accomplished farmer to decades of public service as a councillor his career marked various roles in-between.
The community came together earlier this year to remember and celebrate the life of one of their own — a man who spent his life living in and building up Central Victoria.
“From his earliest days growing up in the heart of Central Victoria Ian demonstrated the resilience, determination, and the deep sense of community that would come to define his life,” one eulogy read.
“Ian Robertson lived a life of quiet greatness, grounded in humility, hard work, and service to others. He leaves behind an enduring legacy — in the land he cared for, the institutions he helped shape, and the countless lives he touched.”
Although born in Daylesford in 1944, Mr Robertson went to school locally. Starting at the Majorca Primary School he’d continue at Carisbrook before moving on to the Technical College in Maryborough.
It wouldn’t be the last he saw of these schools either. By 29 he would join the Carisbrook Primary School council as a member for over 20 years — spending five as secretary.
He was also a member of the Maryborough Technical College council for five years in the 1980s.
Plus, a little less than a decade later, he’d spend another few years on the Highview School committee as an advisory member.
The beginning of the 1960s marked the beginning of his farming career. At 16 he’d spend his days working on his parent’s farm in Moolort while studying welding one night a week.
Like many local farmers he also volunteered his time as a part of the local fire brigade. Mr Robertson was a member of the Moolort CFA branch for 55 years.
In October 1966, Mr Robertson married Cherylyn Barker and built a house on 300 acres in Moolort. They had four children — Wayne, Tanya, Jodie, and Andrew.
Over the years Mr Robertson’s farming career grew and, like in other areas of his life, he found himself in governance roles while receiving awards for his efforts.
He joined the Victorian Farmers Federation in the 1970s and was president of the VFF’s Moolort branch for a decade.
He was also the president of the Moolort Silo committee for over 40 years.
In 2002, he was awarded the Moolort Grain Handling team award for “the great savings to Telstra thus helping shareholders”.
Speaking to Mr Robertson’s life Tony Rinaldi said to understand him was to know the things he loved and dedicated his time to.
From his love of sheep to his affinity with the Moolort Grain Silos Mr Rinaldi said the Moolort community remain “indebted” to him.
“Thanks to Ian and Fred [Seers’] vision and persistence, the Moolort grain site remains operational to this day. Ian was extremely proud of that achievement and it’s no exaggeration to say that without his perseverance and determination, it might never have happened,” he said.
“Moolort growers — and broader farming community — remain indebted to you, Ian. For that we say thank you.”
Since a young age, echoing his father’s example, Mr Robertson was always interested in local government.
It’s difficult to imagine that young boy knew the years in the sector ahead of him, across two shire councils, and time spent both as councillor and president/mayor.
Mr Robertson was a councillor of the former Shire of Tullaroop from September 1991 to January, 1995. He was also shire president, the equivalent of today’s mayor, in 1994/95 until amalgamations.
Those amalgamations didn’t see him out of local government, however. During the transition Mr Robertson served on the Advisory Committee to the Commissioners.
By March, 1997 he was a part of the newly formed Central Goldfields Shire Council.
As a South Ward candidate Mr Robertson told The Maryborough District Advertiser he pledged to be the voice of the local community.
“I would like to be there for the community, and will make sure issues are taken to council and dealt with appropriately,” he said.
“I believe I have the ability to provide the people with an honest, sound, active and progressive approach to council.”
After almost two decades the Central Goldfields Shire councillor, which included two stints as mayor, resigned for personal reasons in December, 2014.
Then Central Goldfields Shire mayor Wendy McIvor acknowledged Mr Robertson’s contribution to the community over his time in local government.
“He should be congratulated on the years of service he has provided,” Cr McIvor said.
“It is important to acknowledge the great work he has done over his time for the Tullaroop and Central Goldfields shires and the way he has represented and served his community.
“His contribution and level of service has been significant.”
Cr McIvor also made specific mention of Mr Robertson’s efforts for the Carisbrook community following the 2011 floods.
“I’m sure that the Carisbrook community will acknowledge the work he has done with the shires,” she said.
Their thanks came in the form of an afternoon tea, hosted by the Carisbrook Lions Club, which had around 85 people attend and included the presentation of a plaque.
The Carisbrook Lions Club had been a part of Mr Robertson’s life for decades.
He was a charter member of the Lions Club in 1981 and would be involved for over three decades. In that time he’d also serve as the Carisbrook Lions Club president for three years.
In 1987 he was named as Lion of the Year by the broader Lions Club organisation.
Plus, in 1990, he was the recipient of the Certificate of Appreciation “in appreciation of invaluable services and cooperation to the Newstead Lions Club”.
The committees Mr Robertson was involved in, the awards he received, go on.
They reflect a commitment in the local community, his community, and a shire he predicted great things for.
“I see a terrific period ahead for Central Goldfields,” he said in 2001.
“With dedication and strength from those in charge of the future it can be exciting and a time of growth.
“This is a community which can perform against the trend.”
