The Annual Prize Giving on Friday 7 December was the announcement of the 2018 Newington Medallists.  The Australian Award was received by Rob Wild (ON 1965).

Robert Owen (Oscar) Wild has had a lifetime association with Newington.  Rob attended Newington from 1958 to 1965.  His Father Owen also attended Newington from 1930 to 1933 and his son Christopher from 1986 to 1991.

Rob was a keen sportsman whilst at the College commencing during his time at Wyvern House, where he played in the 1^st XI and 1^st XV and was awarded Cricket Colours.  In the Senior School Rob was a specialist middle and long-distance runner.  He won Open 880 yards and Open Mile races in the College’s Annual Sports carnival and in 1964 was runner up and in 1965 the winner of the Ellison-Stewart Trophy for middle distance running.  Rob was a member of the 1^st XV and 2^nd XI and was awarded Football Colours in 1964 and 1965.

It was not only on the sporting field that Rob displayed his leadership qualities.  By 1964 he was a Cadet Platoon Commander and also served on the Student Representative Council.  In 1964 he was appointed a prefect and in his final year in 1965 he was Senior Prefect.

In the December 1965 issue of The Newingtonian Rob wrote ’No matter how many years go by, no matter where I go or how I live, no matter what happens, I shall never forget those eight wonderful years as a schoolboy at Newington: and no matter how much the times change, “Dear Newingtonia” will always warm my breast and “Adieu, Old School” will choke my voice.’

Rob’s leadership qualities were evident early on, not only from his time at the College but in his early career where he started in the building products division of CSR, whilst also completing a BA in Marketing and Business from the University of Wollongong.  He had several management positions within CSR before he moved onto Cordells, where he spent 25 years before retiring as Managing Director.

Rob’s commitment to the College has been steadfast throughout the years.  Rob has been an active Old Boy through becoming a member of the Founders Society and, until recently, a Committee Member of The 70 Club. 

In 2011, Rob and Jenny Wild tragically lost their beloved son Christopher.  To honour Chris, they established The Chris Wild (ON 1991) Indigenous Bursary.  Chris was a school teacher and his passion was teaching Indigenous children.  Chris and Jenny along with family and friends wanted to honour Chris’ passion for Indigenous education.  Rob works tirelessly with the College to ensure the sustainability of the Bursary and to ensure that many Indigenous boys will have the opportunity to have a Newington education.

Rob has lent his support to many families that have experienced the same loss that they have through the mentoring programme Compassionate Friends NSW, an organisation which offers and provides friendship and support to bereaved parents and their families following the death of a child.

In addition to his work with Compassionate Friends, Rob, over recent years, has also been providing support for Newington families who have lost a child.  Considering the personal tragedy that has overtaken him and his close and loving family, his commitment to helping others deal with their own tragedies marks him as a man of extraordinary character and faith.

It is because of Rob’s community spirit, his leadership qualities and unwavering love of Newington that it is an honour to name Rob Wild the Newington Medallist (Australia) for 2018.