Altona’s Rob Richardson last week celebrated his 80th birthday and reflected on a lifetime of community involvement with Goya Dmytryshchak.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I was born here 80 years ago. My grandfather Harold Phair built Altona Primary School. My grandmother Harriet had the tuck shop in Upton Street and also the lolly bar at the local picture theatre. I’ve been involved in the local community over many years at St Eanswythes Church, junior football, Altona Lifesaving Club, local Freemasonry at Altona Lodge and Altona Laverton Historical Society.
I was schooled at Altona Primary School and later went to Footscray Technical School, and was recorded as the school’s ice skating champion in 1954.
My football career started with Altona Juniors then Newport, also playing cricket for the Yarraville Scottish Society.
I joined the St John Ambulance rescue squad specialist unit as a first responder and took part in several major incidents such as the West Gate Bridge collapse.
I joined Freemasonry in 1960 and was a Master first in 1969 – the youngest in the No. 7 group, then five times more – four more in Seaholme No. 813 and once in Altona No. 572. I was installed to Grand Rank in 2019 as Past Grand Standard Bearer. This November, I am celebrating 60 years as a proud Freemason.
I’m currently president of Altona Probus and president elect for 2021.
You became a Scottish lord this year. Can you tell me about that?
After another world tour and a visit to Scotland three years ago, chasing up family ancestry, I found an old property in the family name so I reclaimed part of the ancestry in July.
For the past nine years, you’ve presented a Life and Style program on radio station WYNFM 88.9. How did the did the coronavirus pandemic affect your broadcasting and your personal life?
It had a big effect, not being able to see family here in Melbourne and in Adelaide, particularly not seeing my grandchildren Sienna and Allegra. Also, not being able to be on radio since March, but now returning now on Apple 98.5FM on Thursdays from 10 to noon.
What do you like about Altona?
It is one of the jewel suburbs in Melbourne – its beach, parks and bike trails.
What would you change?
Nothing except putting a border fence around it to keep it to ourselves.
What’s your favourite local cafe/restaurant and why?
I enjoy the Bistro at the Altona Sports Club, for location, and views across the bay.
What are some of your fondest memories of the local area?
Saturday matinee movies, motor racing around Cherry Lake, a safe lifestyle.
