Celia Choong
Senior Marketing Consultant,Singapore
Arup Group Board Director,Dr Robert Care, has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The award is in recognition of Robert’s lifetime contribution to the engineering profession in Australia and around the world, as well as his support for community initiatives.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of New South Wales and Doctor of Philosophy from the same institution. He joined “Ove Arup and Partners” in 1977 and his career with Arup has included assignments in Hong Kong, the UK and Australia. In 1988 Robert had a brief spell working outside of Arup when he was appointed as Chief Engineer for the National Capital Development Commission, where he guided all engineering, design and construction activity within the capital territory.
Dr John Nutt, Chair of Ove Arup and Partners in Australia from 1973 to 1999, commented:
“Robert Care has made a significant contribution to the engineering profession, to the export of Australian services, and to the restructuring of the Australian Building Codes. In addition, he has given of his time and skill generously to overseas disaster relief. This award is well deserved.
In addition to his leadership of teams and projects undertaken by Arup, Robert has made a significant contribution to the wider business and local community. In 2006, Robert was appointed a Director of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), a key body for the Construction industry. He has also been a representative for Consult Australia.
In August 2008, Robert was elected Chair of RedR (Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief), a not-for-profit organisation that provides engineering personnel to humanitarian aid agencies worldwide.
Robert has also played an important role in Little Athletics-North Rocks Carlingford Centre, where he has been a zone coordinator (1997-1999), President (1994-1997) and on the State Officials panel from 1994 to 2007. Little Athletics is a not-for-profit organisation whose charter is to encourage the development of children of all abilities by promoting positive attitudes and a healthy lifestyle, through family and community involvement in athletic activities.
Chris Graham, COO of Arup Australasia, said
“I have worked alongside Robert for many years and much of what he does falls outside of his day-to-day accountabilities, not to mention his wider community engagements, all undertaken without any fuss. This award is thoroughly deserved.
Prior to becoming Group Board Member and CEO and Chair of Arup’s UKMEA region, Robert led the Australasia Region from 2004 to 2010, where he oversaw significant growth across teams delivering landmark buildings, infrastructure and advisory services.
“Robert’s made a huge impact on the success of Arup throughout the region by unleashing the capabilities of his people and giving them the freedom to succeed; yet always there in the background if you needed some help. Well done Robert.
+ Peter Bailey, Chair and CEO of Arup Australasia.