It has been an eventful few weeks for one of our newest members Bob Gartland.

Besides recently joining the Contemporary Histories Research Group, Bob has been announced as the 2022 recipient of the RJ Hickey Award. Established in 1981 and named in honour of one of Geelong Football Club’s greatest servants, this prestigious Award recognises ‘Outstanding Service to Australian Football’. Bob joins a long list of luminaries including Lou Richards, Neil Trezise, Malcolm Blight, Ted Whitten, Ron Barassi, Tom Hafey, Kevin Sheedy, Frank Costa, and Mike Sheahan. He will receive the RJ Hickey Award at Geelong FC’s upcoming Hall of Fame dinner in July.

Bob also recently secured an additional $10,000 in funding for the Contemporary Histories Research Group to continue its support for the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust’s creation of the Geelong Sports Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2023 as part of the Stage 5 redevelopment of GMHBA Stadium.

(Photo credit: Geelong Football Club)