Tribute to Bob Williams
A researcher integral to laying the foundations to a prosperous Northern Territory agriculture sector in the past decade is being remembered as a caring colleague who nurtured future leaders.
Bob Williams passed away on 3 August 2022 after a battle with cancer. His former colleagues who worked closely with him have paid tribute to his efforts to establish what is now known as the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Developing Northern Australia.
Mr Williams worked as the Director of Plant Industries for several years.
Gas Taskforce Chairman Alister Trier recalled when he first met Bob in 2012 after he returned to the then Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF).
“He struck me as quietly spoken, confident and knowledgeable. Over time I learnt he was also caring, complex and strategic and clearly had a pathway that he was delivering on,” he said.
“A strategic area I remember Bob driving was what turned out to be the Developing the North CRC. While this started under another name and was a torturous process to navigate, Bob had a clear vision and key deliverables based on a systems approach to agriculture with the simple principal of identifying a rotational system that worked under a common set of infrastructure, complementary soil and weed management characteristics, and was economic.
“The CRCNA has taken a few twists and turns since then, however the systems approach to Agriculture is embedded in a lot of peoples thinking thanks to Bob.”
Mr Trier said Mr Williams could identify leadership qualities in his staff and worked to enhance those qualities.
“Bob saw value in people. He identified future leaders and put effort into nurturing them. He also managed those that needed it, and I don’t think I ever remember giving up on any particular issue that needed resolution.
“During Bob’s tenure at DPIF, the value of the Agricultural Industry increased exponentially, and while this is not all attributable to Bob, he identified the long terms issues that would need to be addressed and put mechanisms in place to focus the necessary research.”
“He also identified and networked key industry players to ensure there was consistency in thinking between the Department, and forward thinking members of industry.”
“Bob also had a playful side to him, very good on the dance floor, loved a glass of wine and basically enjoyed himself when the opportunity arose.”
Plant Industries Team Leader Chelsea Moore said Bob had a vibrant personality.
“He was one of the people who pushed for a CRC for Northern Australia and was extremely passionate about bananas to the point where his nick-name was banana Bob,” she said.
Scott Wauchope said he enjoyed his time working with Bob and found him to be very supportive and engaging.
“I valued his counsel and advice. Bob had credibility with industry and staff alike and was respected for his achievements and approach to building agriculture in the Northern Territory. He'll certainly be missed,” he said.
Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Senior Executive Lorraine Corowa expressed her deep sadness at hearing of Bob’s passing. “Bob was a fabulous colleague, always so giving of his time and knowledge”. Lorraine said she remembers fondly a trip they took together to Nhulunbuy to inspect a banana plantation in Yirrkala. “Bob was very good at engaging with growers and could definitely swing a machete to bring down a banana tree with one strike!”
Bob’s legacy will live on in the Territory, north Queensland and in the pacific where he will always be remembered and appreciated for his contribution to plant industries…particularly bananas!