The Hon. Robert I. (Rob) Knowles AO
The Hon. Robert I. (Rob) Knowles AO
Rob’s life was one of service — to his family, his community, the State and the Ballarat Grammar community.
Rob was a man of presence and warm humour — equally at home in the boardroom or at the beach house in Apollo Bay, surrounded by family. He met everyone with the same openness and fairness, usually accompanied by that unmistakable laugh.
Born and raised on a small farm at Clarendon, Rob left school at 15 to help run the family farm. His life took him from farming into public service and a distinguished career in politics and governance, where his qualities of empathy, integrity and connection with ordinary people stood out.
He loved family, friends, good food and the competitive spirit of a card game. He was happiest sharing stories, laughter and adventures with those he loved.
Rob will be deeply missed, but remembered with enormous affection.
Written and submitted by The Knowles Family
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
