Robert Bagnall Oam
Headland Preservation Group Committee Member 2013 – 2020.
On 24 July 2021, the Mosman community lost a life-long contributor with the death of Rob Bagnall, aged 71, from pulmonary fibrosis. HPG mourns the loss of this accomplished, astute and highly-respected colleague and friend.
Rob will be remembered as playing a key role in the preservation of some of Australia’s most significant heritage public land on Sydney Harbour, through his tireless work as a Committee Member of HPG in the protracted but ultimately successful campaign against an aged-care home development on Middle Head.
Rob’s legal background, combined with his tenacity, communication skills and sense of fairness, was invaluable in helping HPG contend with the legal issues it has faced in defending Harbour Trust lands over the years. We are grateful for Rob’s enormous commitment and expertise in preparing and submitting documents to various government bodies and for his role in HPG’s successful action in the Federal Court of Australia.
The contribution to the community of people like Rob can never really be quantified; he accomplished so much quietly and behind the scenes, without fanfare, but the results of his efforts will be long-lasting and will benefit many future generations. As a member of the Balmoral Beach Club for 65 years, his work with the Salvation Army and Amnesty International to his intensive pro bono work for HPG, Rob spent his life as a community man who freely gave of his skills and time.
Words of praise for this “community advocate and warrior” have come from Carolyn Corrigan, Mayor of Mosman: “As a most valued and respected member of our community, Rob was involved with a large number of community organisations. Many of those organisations took a public interest stance which resulted in significant legal challenges. Causes included campaigns to save Balmoral Infants School, Middle Head and Mosman Council against forced amalgamation.
The Mosman community owes Rob Bagnall an enormous vote of thanks and a debt of gratitude for a life largely dedicated to service to others. In the Australia Day Honours this January, Rob was awarded an OAM for his services to the community.”
We express our condolences to Rob’s wife Janet and his daughters Mary and Emma, whose support for his community involvement through the years has indirectly helped us all. Our thoughts too are with his brother John and sister-in-law Eve and family.
On behalf of the HPG Committee, in fond memory of Rob,
Jill L’Estrange
President
Headland Preservation Group