Vale, Bob Dalziel AM: A Victorian Rugby Stalwart  

Tue, May 30, 2023, 10:24 PM
Rebels Media
by Rebels Media

The Melbourne Rebels are mourning the death of foundation director, Bob Dalziel AM, who passed away on the 30th of May 2023.

A Founder of the Melbourne Rebels who was critical to the bid team that won Australia’s fifth Super Rugby license, Bob Dalziel AM was a prominent figure across business, rugby, industry, and the not-for-profit sector.

He served as an Australian Rugby Union Director from 2006-2009 before becoming a Founding director of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011, where he remained as a Director until his passing.

Bob Dalziel AM was a revered figure within Victorian Rugby, achieving life members status with Rugby Victoria, and the Victorian Schools Rugby Union, where he succeeded Sir Weary Dunlop to serve as Patron for over 25 years.

In 2019, he was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Victorian and Australian Rugby.

In acknowledgement of his contribution to the Rebels and Victorian Rugby, he was honoured with a stand at AAMI Park for Rebels home games.

Bob Dalziel AM's business acumen was extensive, including working across the retail, logistics, travel, property, telecommunications, and healthcare industries. 

His decorated business career included a 13-year stint at Coles Myer and 15 years with multinational consumer goods company Unilever. Most recently he served as Chairman of Pacwel and his own Family Office.

Bob Dalziel AM was also heavily involved in the not-for-profit sector with his involvement spanning forty years in tenure, most notably with Oxfam, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, White Lion, and the Fred Hollows Foundation, where he was honoured as a life member.

Melbourne Rebels Chairman, Paul Docherty, paid tribute to the incredible legacy Bob Dalziel AM made on Rugby, both at a state and national level.

“Bob Dalziel AM never took a back step in anything in life, not in his days as a rugby player, through every step of his business, sporting and philanthropic life," said Docherty. 

"He will not only be remembered as a Founder of the Rebels, a Director of RA, and for his tireless work in schools rugby, he will always be remembered for the person who was ever present across every facet of the game, and in particular our great Club.

"It was an honour and a privilege to serve with him as a Director over the last 6 years, in some of the toughest times rugby union has ever seen. He was the only man you ever needed in the trenches beside you.

"We wish the Dalziel family our heartfelt condolences. Like all of the communities he served, most passionately the rugby community, I will miss him dearly.”

Rugby Victoria President, Neil Hay, echoed Mr Docherty’s thoughts.  

"We are deeply saddened to hear of Bob Dalziel AM's passing," said Mr Hay.

"Today, we are mourning the loss of a true stalwart of Victorian Rugby, whose generosity and passion for our game at all levels was unparalleled. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt throughout our community.

"We are incredibly grateful for his lasting contributions and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time. May his legacy inspire generations to come." 

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