Latest News
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Robb College Scholarships for 2025
With thanks to our Alumni and Industry Partners up to 15 Residential Scholarships are open for you to apply for (subject to finance). Apply now - closes 5th January. NEW Sports-Leader Scholarship available. Go here for details and link to UNE site to apply:-
Latest Newsletter from Robb College October 2024.
Latest news on prominent Alumni, Robb Events, Robb Sports, Robb Awards.
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2024 Robb Rugby Mens Sport Tour of Japan.
Robb College Mens Rugby Club tour to Japan. The Robb Men made us all proud as they represented Robb and UNE in great style.
2024 Robb Women in Sport Tour of New Zealand.
First ever international tour for Robb College Women in Sport Clubs to New Zealand. The Robb ladies made us all proud as they represented Robb and UNE in great style. See video from Robb WIS. Go here: Instagram
UNE Sports Awards for 2024
Robb College wins multiple awards at UNE Sports Awards Dinner....Club of the Year, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, Full Blue and Sports Recognition.....well done to Robb students. Good sports at Robb....
Robb College take-out Grand Final for 1st XV Rugby Premiers 2024.
Robb College win 4 Grand Finals in Big Weekend of Sport for Robb
The Robb Womens Hockey, the 3rd Grade Rugby and the Womens Rugby 10’s were all just pipped in the semis. Three Netball and the Rugby 1st XV teams all won their premierships in Grand Finals. A recovery took place after 5.00pm at the Great Hops Brewery.
We thank all those who came along, cheered and were seen in Green!
Robb College Rural Focus Dinner 17th July 2024.
“BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE HERD”
GUEST SPEAKER: Lucinda Corrigan
Director Rennylea Pastoral Company, Chair of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit at UNE
NEWS-FLASH - DONOR CHALLENGE MET for 2024. Challenge repeated for 2025…
Robb College thanks the many Alumni who helped us Match $100k by 30 June. Over $230k was raised which gives us 25% towards our target by 2029. This will enable us to start the Sports-Leader scholarship in 2025. Our generous Benefactors have issued the challenge again to match $100k by 30th June 2025. Please dig-deep and have your donation doubled. Tax deductible.
Robb College Foundation launches appeal to establish a platform of sports-leader scholarships and prizes…
Robb College has a great history and culture of sporting endeavour.
Robb College SCR and friends LUNCH Trivia fundraiser 30 June 2024
Join us for a trivia-fun lunch event to help Robb’s Sporting Team Tours…
Robb Alumna Mandy Bishop to speak at 70th Anniversary Alumni session.
On Wednesday 26 June 2024, UNE will be hosting the second of our Alumni Panel sessions - 1974 - 1993 'Creative and Cultural Change' from 5pm in the Arts A1 Lecture Theatre at the UNE Armidale campus.
Emeritus Professor Wal & Mrs Pam Whalley receive Life Patron awards from College.
After 55+ years given in partnership to Robb College, Wal and Pam Whalley were honoured as Life Patrons at a College Formal dinner.
Robb College Foundation reaches $1.0m in trust funds
Record year for total scholarships/prizes. Launching Appeal for Sports Scholarships. Two new Employers join our co-operative scholarship & student development program.
We thank all our Donors and Industry Partners.
Robb Family succession of Historic Uralla Sheep Station
Hugh and Cathie Sutherland hand over the reins of their historic, New England property.
Latest Newsletter from Robb College May 2024.
Latest news on prominent Alumni, Robb Events, Robb Sports, Robb Awards.
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Robb College launches Charity Appeal for 2024
Robb students have launched their 2024 charity fund-raising for “Anya’s Wish”. This will raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute’s work to find a cure for a rare bone cancer.
The Long Lunch is booked-out but you can still help by donating directly to the Robb Charity fund. All funds will go to the Institute.
Robb Academic Dinner 2024
Congratulations to our Prize and Scholarship winners plus all our High and Distinction level achievers awarded at the Robb Academic and Commencement dinner. Many thanks to our Alumni and Employer-sponsors for their support and funding our awards.
Would you sail in the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race if you were blind?
Robb College old boy and past UNE Lecturer, Dr James Hunter, who lost his sight in 2015, will join a special crew this New Year to raise funds for children living with disabilities. Can you help him with his appeal and reaching Hobart ?
UNE launches new 2024 Residential, on-Campus marketing campaign
Called: “Let Our History Shape Your Future” it highlights the uniqueness of studying on-campus in Armidale.
40th Reunion Sydney 2023
Over 90 Robbers, families and friends gathered in Coogee to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1983 Robb 1st XV Premiership win….well it was a good excuse.
Robb Student wins UNE 2023 Sports Person of the Year award.
Congratulations to Benjamin Weaver who won the 2023 UNE Sports Person of the Year award . Ben paddles for Australia in the Under 24’s Auroras Tiger Boat crew in international racing tournaments.He recently returned from paddling in the 2023 Thailand campaign.
Robb A-Grade Netball wins UNE Sports Team award of the Year for 2023.
A grade attended the Sport UNE awards night on Wednesday and were awarded UNE Club Team of the Year.
40 Year Reunion in Sydney
You're invited! - Robb College Rugby - 1983 Premiers Reunion & 40th Anniversary luncheon - 28th OCTOBER - Coogee Beach Hotel, SYDNEY.
Two Robb Netball Teams win 2023 Grand Finals.
Great end to the season for the Netball girls. “Beauties” beat Mary White 39-33. A grade had a tight match and managed to beat Albies 30-29 after the buzzer with a penalty shot thanks to Georgia Dawes.
Seen at recent Robb College “Achievers” Dinner…
1992 Robb Alumn Andrew MacPherson delivered a terrific address at the recent Robb College "Achievers" Dinner. Inspiring and honest tips delivered with humility from his personal experiences in elite sport and international "Iron Man" triathlons to business, social and family achievements. Thanks for returning to Robb, Andrew and Amber....
Robb Rural Focus Dinner 2023 “Agribusiness ESG - Challenges & Opportunities”
CEO and Director of one of our largest beef exporters, Robb Alumn - Troy Setter delivers 20th annual Robb Rural Focus Dinner address.
Robb Career Day & Farm Management Workshop
Come and hear what support programs Boyce offer for you as an Undergraduate or Graduate studying Agri-Business, Accounting, Economics.
Join the Farm Management workshop for latest issues in Farm Financial Management presented by Boyce.
Tuesday 11th July Robb College
Follow Robb Student Savannah White as she plays Futsal for Australia in Spain
- FOLLOW SAVANNAH - you can follow Savannah here. Fourth and final game is on 7th July at 1.30am - Oztraylia time - (5.30pm in Spain on 6th which is 8 hours behind us). Go here to follow the progress of her Team:-
CLICK here- Australian Futsal B Team
Robb College Student to Play for Australia.
Savannah White has been selected to represent Australia in the under 19’s Futsal squad travelling to Spain to play in the Costa Blanca World Cup in July. She will play against over 20 countries in one of the fastest sports on the planet.
Savannah joined Robb College this year to study Environmental Science at UNE. Since 2017 she has been playing in the NSW State side and this is the second time she has been selected to play for Australia.
She is receiving elite sports training and support from UNE Sports and the Robb College Foundation has announced they have awarded her a special "Olympus" prize to help fund her residential fees and to assist Savannah towards the time and costs for her exceptional effort and her studies.
Robb College Charity for 2023
Robb College is proudly supporting "Cowboy Hats for Kate" as their 2023 charity. Funds raised are dedicated to finding a discovery to aid the treatment of brain cancer. Please click below for how you can help the students -
Prof. RDB Wal Whalley receives Emeritus award from UNE & recognition from Robb College.
Adjunct Associate Professor R.D.B Whalley has been appointed as an Emeritus Professor for his service and sustained contribution to UNE over 33 years.
To recognise over 50 years service to Robb, the College announced the naming of the “Whalley Learning Space” in his honour at the Academic Dinner.
Seen presenting the award to Wal by the President of the SCR Kim McConville.
See the Latest News from Robb College
April 2023 Newsletter
Latest news on prominent Alumni, Robb Events, Robb Sports, Robb Awards.
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Cotton Seed Distributors joins Robb co-operative program.
The largest, cotton-seed producer in Australia partners with the Robb College Foundation to fund scholarships, leadership-training, work-experience and career opportunities for Robb students.
Boyce Accountants joins Robb co-operative scholarship program.
Leading regional accounting firm in Australia partners with the Robb College Foundation to fund scholarships, leadership-training, work-experience and career opportunities for Robb students.
2022 Robb Rugby Tour to Canada
37 Robb College Rugby players take off for 3 match tour of Canada and sightseeing.
Follow their tour here:-
Robb College launches new scholarships for 2023
With thanks to increased donations and corporate co-operative funding the Robb College Foundation is aiming to award up to 16 scholarships in 2023 including a new Meredith Scholarship for 1st Year students. This is named after the late Ben Meredith who was the the first Head of College 1960-66.
New and returning students can apply for these scholarships now (click on button below).
The program provides up to 6 scholarships per year a student can be resident in College. They are supported with Leadership training, work-experience and graduate career opportunities. There are 5 streams that provide from $12-18,000 per student in one of the streams or over 33% of the total residential fees.
New CEO for AACo
Robb Alumn David Harris appointed CEO of one of Australia's oldest and largest beef producers. David was in Robb College from 1999 - 2001 where he met his wife Tamara, played in the undefeated Rugby 1st XV in 2000 and completed a Rural Science Degree at UNE. See article below.
Robb College pays tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II
The Robb College Community join the UNE and Armidale in paying our respects on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We remember when the Queen along with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne visited Armidale in 1970 and came to Robb College.
The links below take you to see more pictures plus articles with thanks to the Armidale Express.
Robb College 2022 Valedictory Dinner
Over 40 Valedicts celebrate completing their Degrees and time in Robb. Handover of President and new Robb Leaders. Prizes and Awards.
New book release - “Armidale History in Stories & Photos”
…at terrific compilation of stories and pics of characters and ‘legends’ in Armidale’s history - including stories of Robb College. Author Ian Johnstone is a friend of Robb College of many years and helped manage the “Cape-to-Cape” fundraiser in 1981 which started a tradition of annual charity fundraising continued today.
This is a great book to acquire as a gift or record for anyone who has been a part of Armidale.
Robb College student team win agri-tech start-up competition.
Hosted by UNE SRI, Agmentation 2022 fielded 9 teams who had to conceive and pitch a concept that could be commercialised to solve an agri-problem. The event brings together diverse talent from high schools, UNE students and researchers, startups and businesses, producers, innovators and technologists to identify tools that add value to farm businesses. The winning team receive $5,000 in funding to develop their concept further.
Out and About…
Seen at the recent Australian Cotton Conference - two Robbers - Chairman of Cotton Australia Nigel Burnett (Robb College early 2,000s) and Chair Australian Cotton Shippers Association - Roger Tomkins (Robb late1980's). Photo was taken by past Robb President (1986) and Director of the Robb Foundation Dr Guy Roth.
“Awesome” … Robb clinch victory in cross-college thriller…
Robb 1st Grade showed competition leaders, St Alberts, can be beaten in close finish last Saturday. The game took place at Bellevue in front of large Robb crowd including visitors from Sydney for Robb Ball plus 60 Robb Alumni attending two reunions.
Robb Students visit Schools…
Robb Student Leaders seen here at Scots College Schools Expo in Sydney. Students are coming to schools near you. Call the College for more information and click below for our brochure or to register for the College….
Newly appointed CE of the MDBA, Robb Alumn and Director of Robb Foundation - Andrew McConville delivers 19th annual Robb Rural Focus Dinner address
3 Robb Reunions
Two reunions organised for the 30th July in Armidale:- 20th Anniversary Group plus 25th Great Britain Rugby Tour Group. 6th August - Fundraiser Reunion organised by Robb Rugby Club to tour Canada.
Consolidated Pastoral joins Robb Industry partnership program.
One of the largest, privately owned, beef producers in Australia partners with the Robb College Foundation to fund scholarships, work-experience and career opportunities for Robb students.
DONOR CHALLENGE MET.
Robb Alumni raise over $86,000 to meet donor challenge from UNE Foundation.
With thanks to our loyal Alumni Donors we matched this challenge from the UNEF and have now raised over $112,000 before 30th June.
This will enable us to double the number of our 2nd Year student scholarships in 2023.
See article below on the progress of our appeal. We are now 92% towards our initial target of 4 scholarship pathways. Help us achieve $1.0m in funds. All donations are tax-deductible.
Latest News on Robb
See Robb Alumni stories and achievements.
Watch Robb Alumn Dr Don Walker's entertaining address at UNE graduation ceremony.
Latest News from the College.
Updates from UNE.
Robb College Charity for 2022
Robb College is proudly supporting "Are you Bogged Mate?" as their 2022 charity. Their mission is about helping country blokes talk about mental health & suicide in a way that works for them. "It's mental health delivered differently". Please support the Robb students charity
ANZAC DAY TRIBUTE
In 1954 William Menzies Robb was the first Registrar for UNE. He lived in Booloominbah and was instrumental in developing the grounds and the Collegiate System this University is famous for.
Olympic Gold Medalist & Robb Alumna addresses Fellows Dinner.
Suzy Balogh studied Rural Science at UNE, is a Director on the Robb Foundation Board and was the first Woman Gold Medallist for Australia in shooting in 2004. She attended 3 Olympic Games and now runs a successful small business, “Hitting Targets”.
She entertained Robb students with her tales of days in College to then tips on resilience and determination that helped her win Gold while suffering from severe back injury.
Suzy squeezed the Robb Dinner in while on tour, representing the Australian Olympic Committee.
Robb Foundation Appeal Progress
Robb Foundation AGM held. New Board elected. New Employers join Industry Partnership Program. Launch of new scholarships, Leadership Training and work-experience/employment opportunities in 2022 for Robb students.
Passing of eminent scientist and Robb Alumn - Prof Bernard Binden
Tributes from Robb College, UNE and his great friend Laurie Piper (first President of Robb College 1961) on the Robb History page (scroll down).
Robb Charity Long-Lunch
Well done to the Robb Charity organisers who put on a big lunch recently and raised over $5,000 for the College charity cause this year; “Are You Bogged Mate?”
Sport & Supporting are great parts of being at Robb…
Robb First Years have excelled and enjoyed finding teammates at Robb. They have also enjoyed being supported by the College family.
Robb Leader Team raise over $10,000 for flood victims
Our Robb Leader team in 2022 are achieving great things including raising funds for families who are suffering from the flood damage in northern NSW.
Robb Commencement and Academic Awards Dinner.
Esteemed Alumni and Business Leaders return to Robb to welcome over 70 First Years and award 11 Prizes and Scholarships for 2022.
Robb launches Leadership Development Program
Robb Leader Team enjoys new workshop and coaching program.
Robb Alumna wins 1st Prize in Adelaide Festival Award.
“We are Wolves” by Katrina Nannestad wins Children’s Literature award 2022. Kate nee Brain was at College in the late 80’s where she met and later married fellow Robber, Carsten.
New Head for Robb College
We welcome Greg Mills as the new Head of Robb in 2022.
Three Robb Alumni receive 2021 Distinguished UNE Alumni Award.
1. A Rural Scientist who saved lives of those threatened by death squads.
2. A North Coast surfer who became one of the world’s most eminent Shakespearean scholars.
3. A Scientist who revolutionised animal welfare.
5 Employers join Industry Partnership Program with Robb Foundation.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE DETAILS
Robb Foundation launches new Irvine Scholarship for 2022.
Robb Foundation will fund 9 scholarships in 2022 including 4 for 1st Year students. With thanks to the many Alumni and SCR donors they received over $100k in donations and secured 3 new employers to join their Industry Partnership program..
“Latest Robb College & Alumni News…..
see Robb Alumni Award Winners…”
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO GO TO NEWSLETTER
Robb College Scholarship Winners in 2021:-
Warren Armidale Taroom Katherine Sydney B. Education B. Agribusiness B. Agriculture B. Agricul/Business B. Nursing Sinclair-Wilson Leadership Leadership Darren Ellis Whalley
Two Famous Robb Cricketers spotted in Armidale…
Dr Jim Irvine (Master of Robb 1981-90) and Michael Muldoon (Robb Alumn 1968-72) played in the UNEX “Tom Vincent Memorial Cup” held at UNE in March. For the story on UNEX and a tribute to Tom, who was an old-boy of Robb, click on the buttons below.
Passing of great sportsman, collegeman and best mate.
Tribute to Tom Vincent 1948-2018 by Mike Muldoon.
Robb College 1968-72.
Robb College welcomes 2nd Employer-Partner to our co-operative scholarship program.
Fresh Country Farms Australia is a large investor in agriculture in Australia and is headed-up by Nick Gill CEO who is a Graduate of UNE and a past Robb student.
Robb College welcomes over 70 new students and 190 total students into larger building for 2021.
Welcome Dinner to 1st Years at Robb 2021.
Robb moves to a new Home.
Student demand to come to Robb for 2021 was “booked-out” so the UNE has moved Robb into a larger College - what was Earl Page. Earl Page residents have been moved to share Austin College facilities. For first time in its history Robb has the opportunity to grow to 300 residents.
Over 70 First Year students for 2021 welcomed to Robb by SCR with BBQ.
Robb Alumni look back….and give back.
What does Robb College mean to them now...?
Why do they support our students today…?
Bobbi Campbell. Principal
Corporate & Commercial McInnes Wilson Lawyers
“Robb College provided me with life lessons and friendships which I value more than anything today. Living with students from across the nation, competing alongside them for Robb in various sports and learning in a new environment gave me the skills I needed to do what I love to do today. I can’t recommend the experience enough to anyone”.
Then there were 3 Robb Presidents sitting in a row….
….seen at Royal Oak Hotel to watch then weep for the Wallabies…..
Cam Dunnet President 2002, Neil Hetherington President 2001, George Wragge President 2006.
Cam is in marketing and helped establish this website, Neil is in fund-management and a Director on the Robb College Foundation Board and George is a Director for Colliers International.
In 1990 Robb College created the Largest Painting in The World.
See the article below and go to the History page for more details
Robb Alumnus James Cleaver awarded UNE 2020 Rising Star Award.
“…do everything with passion and confidence; offer solutions rather than criticisms and recognise the importance of social networks during difficult times.” were 3 recommendations by James to Robb students at the Robb College Valedictory Dinner in 2019.
James completed a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Economics at UNE and now applies these principles where he works for the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) linking primary producers to financial, agricultural, health and non-government services. He advocates on their behalf, straddling the city-country divide.
…and another Rural Scientist Robb Alumna
- Fanny Lumsden - smashing it in music…
Fanny Lumsden (Edwina to those who knew her in Robb) has won an ARIA for her latest album Fallow.. Fanny’s career has been growing strongly in country music and many students, gasping for a light-relief break from exam studies, have no doubt watched her performing on PlaySchool.
Click below to hear some of Fanny’s music. Her song Fierce is a ripper tribute to rural women and listen to This Too Shall Pass. I like her quote:
“If you are passionate about something, you should do it and share it without fear”
go here to help Fanny and buy her album: www.fannylumsden.net
well done Fanny and good luck in the awards!
Renewable energy giant Octopus Investments joins Robb Foundation co-operative scholarship program and offers research funding to UNE.
Sam Reynolds is Managing Director of Octopus investments and a past Robber. His company has joined the Robb Foundation Co-operative scholarship program and also offered to fund a research scholarship at UNE. Kate McClure from Octopus recently met UNE Officers including the VC and explored potential research projects and support to start-up ventures with UNE Smart Region Incubator.
Three Robb Alumni awarded Honorary Doctorate by UNE.
1. A Mathematician who became CEO & Chairman of COCA-COLA.
2. A Scientist who became a TV Star….he also advised Governments and the United Nations…
3. Another Scientist who became songwriter and member of iconic 80’s Rock & Roll group - COLD CHISEL.
Bush Poetry by Robber and family raises $100,000 for dementia research.
Allan Vagg is from Hillston. He attended Robb in early 2010’s and completed a Degree in Rural Science at UNE. He and his dad with other family “poet” members have raised $100,000 for dementia research through selling their book of bush poetry.
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO GO TO THE ARTICLE IN THE LAND.
CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO ORDER A COPY OF THE BOOK.
Robb Alumni look back….and give back.
What does Robb College mean to them now...?
Why do they support our students today…?
Andrew McConville. Chief Executive Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association
“I am constantly coming across Robb Alumni who are in key positions in companies and organizations around the world”.
“I fully endorse this appeal by the Robb Foundation to establish some quality scholarships and I encourage you to support it. Your investment will help motivate students to excel at their degrees, persevere and go on to amaze even themselves, providing a real foundation for our collective economic future”.
Libby Hufton
Manager
STOCKLIVE Pty Ltd for AAM Investment Group. President Robb College JCR in 2010.
“We identified that despite over a 50 year history, with many things in time changing, the core values and goals of Robb College had stayed constant. The best thing I see now is that another 10 years on and these continue to be at the fore front of the College today”.
Vice Chancellor announces $20m re-structuring for UNE.
Armidale Express 22nd July 2020
Double Degree Student James Gavin speaks about his time at UNE and Robb.
“The positive environment of Robb College with other students studying similar degrees has helped provide guidance to me throughout my degree…”.
Latest Robb Newsletter
If you did not receive this by email and wish to then please update your details using the link at the bottom of the newsletter. The newsletter comes out twice a year. Thankyou.
Robb Alumni look back….and give back.
What does Robb College mean to them now...?
Why do they support our students today…?
Dr Laurie Piper,
Honorary Research Fellow, CSIRO Agriculture and Food - Livestock and Aquaculture Program.
First President Robb College JCR 1960.
“ (Robb’s) … proud history, significantly extended in scope when women joined the Robb student body, is a rock which has anchored many successful careers in agriculture, business and academia both in Australia and overseas.
“…the HECS system leaves many students with significant debts when they graduate. The Robb Scholarship Program eases the level of debt for at least some of the students and is therefore very worthy of our support”.
Rosemary Richards
-
Bowman Richards & Associates
“The friendships developed during my time at Robb are lifelong and enduring. Robb provided a caring, inclusive and enjoyable learning and social environment which enabled me to develop skills and have experiences that have been invaluable throughout my career and life.
In my world of agribusiness I rarely go anywhere without running into an old Armidale connection.
Scholarships ensure that everyone has the opportunity to study and participate in college life regardless of their circumstances and the prevailing economic environment. My experience is that all those that have benefited from a scholarship really values this and more than repays it through their commitment and participation and willingness to give back”.
Heith Mackay-Cruise, Chairman UP Education NZ
“My mother and grandfather paid for me to go through university and I'm not sure I would have been able to afford my final year at college had it not been for the Sinclair-Wilson scholarship. I know how important is such financial support.
Robb College was the making of me as a person, I had a fantastic time socially, academically and culturally and my best friends are from my Robb College days. I feel it's incredibly important to give back to the Robb community and those who supported me".
Robb Residential Scholarship Winners 2020
Robb Ag-Bus student - Heath Whibley hits the news as “Speed Drone Flyer”
He is 2019 reigning Australian Freestyle Champion. Developing new skills for future career.
Robb College Darren Ellis Memorial Scholar and UNE Bachelor of Rural Science First Class Honours Graduate reports on lifting lamb exports to USA.
Congratulations to Claire Marriott and we wish you all the best in your new job with AACo.
CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE HER ARTICLE IN THE LAND.
Robb Foundation Scholarship Appeal raises 46% of target in first year.
Over $279,000 donated and pledged by 59 Alumni/SCR Members. Funds doubled in 3 years.
Registered scholarships doubled & new scholarship-pathway commenced. Launch of Wal & Pam Whalley Senior Fellows Scholarship. 33 Robb students apply for our 4 scholarships.
In 1970 Robb College was 10 years old when Queen Elizabeth visited Armidale & came to tea.
Click on picture to go to article in Armidale Express.
Calling all Robbers…
60th Anniversary reunion dates cancelled for 2020.
Due to a small hang-up we will be looking to hold an event in 2021. Keep an eye on this website for regular updates.
https://robbcollege.com/
Robb Musical Duo win Peoples’ Choice Award at Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Duo Prue (Wink) Fleming and Will Scholes met at Robb College during Orientation Week in 2015 and their college friendship grew into a creative partnership. The musicians now perform as Nate Scholes and took out the people's choice busking award at this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Two Robb Resident Tutors attend national Leadership course.
Amelia (on left) and Emelia (on right) were selected by UNE to attend a national leadership course for University Colleges in Melbourne late last year. Emelia was one of our Foundation Leader Scholars last year. Click on their pic to see Emelia’s report and what the girls wish to do for Robb.
Welcome to over 90 new Robbers for 2020
Robb is 95% full again in 2020 which is a great outcome after a turbulent year on the land in 2019. Let’s hope Mother Nature is kinder this year and we wish our “Freshers” a relaxed settling-in and a great year in College and at UNE.
What do students think of Robb now?
Robb Student excels in her Degree… congratulations Effie, great achievement. We wish you all the best for your future....and don't forget to join the Robb Alumni events coming up this year!
CLICK ON PIC TO SEE ARTICLE
What do students think of Robb now?
Forbes completed his Degree and was Chairman of Farming Futures in 2019. He was on Robb Rural Focus Committee in 2017.
CLICK ON PIC TO SEE HIS ARTICLE
What do students think of Robb now?
Claudia was a Robb Foundation Leader Scholarship recipient in 2017. See what she achieved and is doing now.
Well done to you Claudia and our best wishes for your future.
CLICK ON PIC TO SEE ARTICLE
What do students think of Robb now?
Lawson (on right in photo) completed his Degree in 2019 and was a member of the successful Robb 1st XV Premiers. We wish him the best for his future.
CLICK ON PIC TO SEE ARTICLE
Robb Scholar in Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team in USA
Claire Marriott was DUX and Darren Ellis Scholar in Robb and won a place in this team now touring USA. Claire is in the middle of the group picture.
CLICK ON PIC TO SEE HER REPORT
Robber hits the news
In 2017 Emily Hurst was a Robb Foundation Leader-Scholar and designed this website. Now her new business is being noticed. Click the pic for the article.
Letter from VC re new Robb Building
Update from VC December 2019 on progress of Robb Building. Click on pic for letter. Scroll down for artist pictures of new plans. Picture is of the Robb Dining Hall in July 2019 which is being re-furbished and preserved.
Robb Foundation launches new scholarship pathway to mark the College’s 60th year.
To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the College in 2020 the Robb College Foundation has commenced a new Robb College Residential Scholarship pathway.
Combining some old with new awards the new pathway provides a total of $12,000 for a 3 year degree up to $18,000 for a 4 year or post-graduate qualification for four students. The pathway includes the new Wal & Pam Whalley Senior Fellows Scholarship.
This has been achieved over many years with thanks to donations and past benefactions from over 260 Robb Alumni, SCR, family benefactors, sponors and supporters of the College.
Each scholarship is based on Academic, Leadership and Financial need basis. Commencing and continuing students can apply. Please go to the scholarship page on the UNE website at www.une.edu.au/scholarships for criteria and drop-down application details.
Robb Alumnist - Catherine Marriott - is awarded 2019 UNE Distinguished Alumni Award
Catherine recently attended our Appeal Dinner in Brisbane and has accepted becoming an Ambassador for the Robb Scholarship appeal. More details to follow.
Couple who met at Robb College hit the news on leading the way with water management in the north.
Thriving in drought: How investing big in water saved the Brown family
Click on the pic to go to the article.
Prominent Robber - Troy Setter is CEO of Consolidated Pastoral.
He is currently managing a $600m buy-out of the company but is taking time to join us at our appeal dinner in Brisbane. Come and mix with Troy and other Robbers in Brisbane 13th November to discuss how we can help our young, future farmers and professionals. Click on pic below for details.
click on this pic of Troy to see article on CPC buy-out
Over 20 Alumni attended Robb Appeal & Reunion dinner in Brisbane last November and donated over $15,000….here are some of the last to leave…..
from left to right: John Playfair (70’s), Jamie Moore (Head of Robb), Dr Jim Irvine (Head of Robb 80’s), Andrew Rankine (70’s), Julius Marinelli (80’s), Geoff Perry (70’s).
Robb student wins Global industry scholarship.
Congratulations Ruby Canning on being awarded a BBM Australia Global Industry Scholarship for Agriculture in the Livestock category!
Click on pic to go to full article
Robbers in the News….
Nick & Alex Anderson with Ollie. Improving cashflow and ground coverage.
CLICK ON PIC TO GO TO ARTICLE
Another Robb Alumni kicking goals.
Robb Alumnist, - Rob Massina has been elected the new president of the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia
Rob is originally from Finley and studied Ag Eco’s.
While in Robb College he was JCR Vice President in 2001.and played 4 years with the Armidale Nomads AFL team while in Armidale
click picture to go to article
Robb Rugby Japan Tour
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25th Aug - 6th Sept. 2019
Match 1: 27th August vs RAKUNO UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB, Sapporo - Won 43-5
Match 2: 27th August vs HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB, Sapporo - Won 50-33
Match 3: 1st Sept vs TOYO UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB, Tokyo
Match 4: 3rd Sept vs ASAHI UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB, Gifu
- Jobs for Robbers
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Experts predict 50% of all jobs will be lost by 2030
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GO TO JOBS FOR ROBBERS to get your FREE customised report. - Click on the picture.
August 17 2019 - 8:14PM
New England Rugby Union: Robb crowned premiers.
1st XV & 2nd XV are Grand Final Premiers.
History made for the College with 1st XV winning second year running.
Click on picture to go to article in Express
Robb 2nd Grade win Grand Final
2 Robb Netball
teams
in
Grand-finals Sat.24th
Come down and cheer on the girls.
Robb Old Boy hits the news.
RAS Rural Ambassador James Cleaver writes about the opportunities, experiences and benefits the show network offers communities.
Click on picture to go to article in The Land.
Robb Scholars & Students excel in recent international, national & local agricultural events.
In early July thirteen Robb students, along with sixteen other UNE students, went on an overseas study exchange tour in China and Vietnam. This was a 19-day trip which centred around the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) annual conference, which was held in the beautiful city of Hangzhou this year. UNE had three teams entered across two divisions in the IFAMA case study competition.
Anna Horton (Robb Fellows Scholar 2019) and James Allen from Robb were in UNE team 1 and UNE team 2 respectively.
Both teams made it to the final round, competing against seven other teams from around the globe. UNE team 1 took out first place, with UNE team 2 taking out second.
UNE IFAMA Team
July 18 2019
Numerous prizes won by UNE Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team
The UNE Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) team 'steaked their claim' on numerous prizes at the 30th Anniversary ICMJ competition awards at the Coles Presentation night in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Pip McKee, Jess Paton, Claire Marriott and Kieran Smith
The evening was celebrated by over 150 students, multiple industry sponsors, supporters and alumni.
UNE took a 15 strong team to the national conference and competition and came 3rd overall by 20 points against 12 Australian universities, and four international teams from our large trading partners Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and Texas Tech University, USA.
The UNE top team comprised Claire Marriott, Pip McKee, Kieran Smith and Jess Paton. The team were runner up team for retail cut and saleable item identification plus commercial evaluation.
Jess was the Robb College Fellows Scholar and Claire was Robb’s Darren Ellis Scholar in 2018.
Fellow team member and Robb Leader Scholar 2019 Jen Mitchell won 5th in lamb judging plus 5th in commercial evaluation. Ben Wieland won 5th and Claire Marriott 4th in overall placings.
Claire Marriott, Jen Mitchell, Kieran Smith and Jess Paton were also announced in the top 10 finalists and will go on to participate in an industry training week in South East Queensland in September. Five students from the top 10 finalists will be selected for a tour of the American meat industry in the New Year.
Fellow team member and Robb Leader Scholar 2019 Jen Mitchell won 5th in lamb judging plus 5th in commercial evaluation. Jen was also on both the Rural Focus and Farming Futures Committees.
Rural Focus Dinner and Symposium 2019
UNE Ag Week took place over 23rd-26th July in Armidale. The Robb Rural Focus Dinner and Symposium were key aspects to the week and a brilliant job of guest hosting was performed by the Robb Organising Committee which included Joel Maguire, Rebecca George, Jennifer Mitchell, Maddie Fryer and Emilia Inwood. Forbes Corby from Robb was also the Chairman of the Farming Futures Committee.
Nine speakers from leading family and corporate farm management teams spoke at the conference. The theme of the day was ‘Corporate vs Family Farming: Learning from each other.’
Forbes Corby and Rebecca George were part of a student group on the Q & A panel alongside speakers Andrew Roberts, David Brownhill & Jock Whittle.
“On the panel we discussed challenges for young people entering farming & what we think the future of farming looks like for our generation,” Becca says. The speakers highlighted the battle was more one of Good vs Bad Farming and the potential and opportunities that exists for Australian farmers
Rebecca George was also showcased on the UNE Agriculture Facebook page as part of the Farming Futures UNE Careers Fair, which is an opportunity for both high school and university students to meet industry representatives and consider careers in agriculture.
Joel Maguire and Forbes Corby Chaired the Rural Focus and Farming Futures committees respectively. They headlined this story about the symposium in the Armidale Express
click here to see article
Great to see Robb Scholars and students doing so well.
Call to Alumni to help Robb students suffering from impact of drought.
In 2019 Foundation launches $600k appeal to lift old awards and launch new ones.
On 22nd May over 30 Robbers attended the launch of the Robb Leaders Scholarship appeal in Sydney to hear the latest news on the College and the state of the Robb residential scholarships. They heard how the College is full, thriving and being re-built however there are many who are struggling to stay in College due to the drought.
“This year we had the largest number of applicants for our two meagre scholarships I have seen. Many were due to financial pressures created by the drought. We scraped together enough income to award a 2nd Leader scholarship but they are only 30% of the College fees and only for one year. Students are leaving College and UNE. Residential fees cannot be put onto HECS. These young people need our support now”.
The Robb Foundation have launched a 4 year plan to preserve and lift old awards and launch new ones. The plan will lift Robb’s scholarship funds from $400k to $1.0m and lift scholarships from 2 to 4 next year and to 8 by 2022 in time for the new building. If we can raise $200,000 this year we can commence this in 2020 in time for the 60th Anniversary. This will assist to lift and add to the academic culture in the College.
Donations and pledges raised so far are over $240,000. We are seeking pledges for 3 to 4 years. Donations are tax-deductible. Help us launch the Wal & Pam Whalley Senior Fellows Scholarship. This is in tribute to over 40 years of leadership and support Wal and Pam have given to Robb students and the College.
If you were ever thinking of giving back to Robb students then you do not have a better time than now”.
For more details please go to the Robb Leader Scholarship Appeal page -
www.robbcollege.com/foundation-leader-scholarship
Robb College Foundation – “You Gave Me Friends for Life”
Geoff Perry, Chairman Robb College Foundation
Our 2019 scholarship recipients
The Robb College residential Scholars for 2019 awarded:-
The College has chosen its Scholarship recipients for 2019. There was an increase in students looking for assistance this year, with the prolonged drought and subsequent pressure on finances being more noticeable. The Foundation awarded a second Leadership Scholarship as funds were available and the applicants of such a high quality.
Darren Ellis Scholarship: Maddie Fryer Leader Scholarship: Jennifer Mitchell Leader Scholarship: Emelia Inwood
Hometown: North Sydney/Dungog) NSW Hometown: Kempsey, NSW Hometown: Bathurst, NSW
Course Studied: Bachelor of Rural Science Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws
Robb College Building
In August 2018 we received a most welcome letter informing us that the State Heritage Minister had officially decided to drop the heritage listing of Robb College. After a 6–year delay the University has begun demolishing the residential blocks in preparation for their replacement which will be in keeping with the original design. The dining hall is being preserved and is undergoing refurbishment. Wherever possible, the basalt-blocks are to be re-used. We are delighted that the University recognizes the importance of the original layout of the buildings and is incorporating the original design principles in the modernisation of Robb College. Follow this page for updated photos and information on the development.
The rebirth of a transformed Robb College is well on its way. Work is progressing well on the site as the Residential Courts demolition is almost complete with all three existing residential buildings demolished to ground level. The Development Application for the new Robb College Residential Courts has been approved by the Armidale Regional Council and final approval now rests with the Vice Chancellor and UNE Council before construction commences.
The UNE Facilities Management Services team have provided these architectural renderings to give our alumni an indication of what the new Robb College will look like and some of the new facilities it will include. The redevelopment aims to meet the expectations and needs of today’s students with a number of accommodation options to choose from and improved contemporary facilities and fitout that complies with all of the relevant building codes and standards.
Robb Reunions
The Robb 3rd XV 1979 Premiers had their 40th reunion in Sydney early 2019
Robb sporting history
An historic moment occurred on 25th August 2018 with all 5 Robb College Rugby Grades reaching the Grand Finals. The 1st XV and the Ladies 7’s teams were victors on the day.
Robb Mens First XV Premiers 2018
Robb Womens 7’s Premiers 2018