District Governor Bob Gilchrist
Profile
Bob was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and in March 1959 immigrated to Australia through the sponsorship of the Apex Club Programme, intending to stay the mandatory two years. However he met and married Barbara and they now have been married for 44 years and have two sons, Ian and Jonathan.
Bob worked for the Ford Motor Company in various areas of the Product Development Department until retirement after 34 years of service. After a short break he returned to the workforce for a further 11 years as a medical courier for Pathcare Pathology Services. He finally retired in 2006.
Prior to joining the Lions Club of Leopold, Bob was involved in Community Service for many years. Within three months of arriving in Australia he joined the Apex Club of Barwon and remained a member for 8 years working on many projects including painting pensioner homes, collecting and distributing firewood, and constructing a traffic school.
Bob’s commitment to his club and to the Lions Organisation is uncompromising and can be attested in his club history with 13 of his 14 years as a member serving on the Board of Directors, together with 5 years as a District Officer. Together with his wife Barbara, who has always supported him, he has attended 12 District and 11 Multiple District Conventions and one International Convention – now two with his recent induction as District Governor. At those conventions he took part in many of the educational forums conducted within the business sessions.
He has completed a ‘Pride in Growth Membership’ Programme and attended the Senior Lions Leadership Institute Programme.
Strongly committed to continued growth in both District and the Lions organisation Bob has a particular interest in Youth Support Programmes and in developing ways of attracting younger members to our organisation.
During his time as a Lions Club member Bob has received various Lion Awards including the James D Richardson Honour Award, District Governor Appreciation and Service Awards, LCI Achievement Award (Leo Extension) and 100% President and Secretary Awards.
Interests outside of Lions include involvement with local theatre companies, playing pennant squash, bush walking and the occasional game of golf.