MOST locals in the Bay know Robert (Bob) Westbury as a former councillor and mayor for Port Stephens.

Most won’t know just how much Bob has done for our community over the years, or that he has completed in 26 Bridge to Bridge Waterskiing races.

When Bob left school, he became an apprentice butcher.

At one time he owned the Woolpack Hotel in Parramatta and El Toro in Liverpool.

On arriving at the Bay, Bob purchased the Marina Resort at which time he joined the Tourism Operators of Port Stephens (TOPS) which subsequently became Port Stephens Tourism and is now Destination Port Stephens where he served as Chairman for a period of nine-and-a-half years.

Serving on the committee of Nelson Bay Town Management and the Nelson Bay and District Business Chamber, Bob has worked on improvements of the township of Nelson Bay.

Bob is a vice chairman of the Real Futures Foundation, making positive differences to at youth risk in Port Stephens.

He has been proactive in bringing programs to local youth that help them gain skills and employment.

Bob also served on the Tomaree Community College and Salamander Bay Recycle Centre committees.

Bob has worked tirelessly to secure the futures of the homeowners on the Horizons Golf Resort where his efforts have seen the course under new management and flourishing.

Bob Westbury told News Of The Area that giving to the community has been a whole lot of tough love.

“My family and I really love the place, the people and the opportunities that are here.”

“I love that there are great opportunities for people to come here and start a business and there are also great opportunities for our local youth.”

 

By Marian SAMPSON