It's hard to miss Childers man Robbie Robinson.
The self-proclaimed “loud and noisy” local stands at six foot one and can always be found wearing his trusty hat.
But his larger-than-life personality and appearance are not what Robbie is best known for – instead, it's his unwavering support for the veteran community.
Robbie has been profiled as part of Bundaberg Regional Council's Our People Our Stories project which celebrates local people and their achievements.
The local likes to give back to the community through Legacy, RSL and Vietnam Veterans Association and is always proud to share the history of Australian’s fallen heroes.
He said it's because it is a subject close to his own heart.
“My father was a WWII veteran in the British Army and he went to Belgium with the British expeditionary force, came back by water and then went over to Malaya,” Robbie said.
“He was a Prisoner of War for three years under the Japanese and he met quite a few Australians during this time.
“As a family we immigrated to Australia in 1957 and we ended up in Sydney.
“I joined the army at 17 and stayed for 22 years.”
Robbie said when he got out of the army, he realised just how much he missed the comradeship.
“When I came home from Vietnam in 1970 my priority was to play sport and have a few beers – nothing much has changes expect for my knees,” he laughed.
“I joined the RSL in 1980 and then Legacy in 1990 to give back to the community.”
As part of his role with the organisations, Robbie said he had become an advocate for veterans and their families to help support them in many aspects of life, including socialisation.
“In Childers we have 23 war widows,” he said.
“We have initiated a monthly morning tea for the Legacy ladies and we go to a different café each month.
“It gives them an opportunity to get out because it's hard if they don’t get the support, even if it’s just a phone call, we are there for them.
“It’s a sense of duty to give something back.”
As a friend it makes me proud to say I know Robbo well and have seen him at work with/for his veterans. Good on yer mate. WW