Robert (Bob)Richardson

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2007.

Bob Richardson grew up in the quiet country town of Premer in NSW attending Red Bend High School at Forbes as a boarder. Always the larrikin, he tried to return to Premer on many occasions and not necessarily at school holiday times. He couldn't wait for them!

Bob's parents, Sandy and Dulcie Richardson, owned the local garage and it was here that Bob first obtained his taste for anything mechanical. They were well-known in the district for being able to mend, modify or renew any part to keep the machinery going when it is most needed.

In 1981 he was approached by Will Shaw and in the usual tone was asked if he wanted to go to Darwin. Will was living in Premer at the time and keen to try this run with two drivers and hence, Bob became the first employee of Shaw's Darwin transport. They would run TNT Express to Darwin then reload copper dust at Tennant Creek for Gladstone and then load grain out of the Emerald area for Sydney. They could complete the round trip in eight days and started a lifelong friendship.

He later joined Brian Hales from Gunnedah before joining the Martins Group where he has spent the last 20 years working his way through the ranks, starting as a driver and progressing to operations manager and resource manager. Affectionately referred to as Richo, Bob is well-known for his sense of humour and his passion for his industry. He is actively involved in several industry associations. Bob lives on his property with his wife, Linda, and children, Madeline and Tom. He enjoys spending time with family and friends. Together with the rest of the Martins Group, Bob is an avid supporter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and many other charities.