Community
25 February, 2026
Bundanoon RSL Sub Branch farewells valued member Robert Williams
The Bundanoon RSL Sub Branch has mourned the passing of one of their own recently.
The Bundanoon RSL Sub Branch has mourned the passing of one of their own recently.
Former president and long-time member of the branch, Robert Williams passed away aged 78 on February 7th, after a long battle with cancer in his spine.
“His passing was more sudden than we expected – he was initially given six weeks, but he went within six days,” Sub-Branch president Kevin Tubb told The Southern Wire.
“I went to visit him in his last days, and he was calm and pain-free – it is a relief in a way that he doesn’t have to suffer any more.”
Robert Williams was born on August 29, 1947.
Bundanoon Sub Branch member Rod Broadhead gave The Southern Wire a detailed account of both Mr. Williams’ time in the army and his service to the Sub Branch.
Robert Williams enlisted in the Australian Army on 9 May 1966, just 18 years old — 57½ kilograms, 174cm tall, and still very much a young man stepping into a life of service.
“Assigned Regimental No. 38976 and classified as ‘Fitness Efficient’, he began his career with the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) as an Army Apprentice,” Mr Broadhead told The Southern Wire.
“Robert trained as a fitter & turner at Bandiana Workshops near Wodonga in Victoria, and qualified in July 1967, attaining the rank of Sapper.
“In September of that same year, at just 21, he deployed to Vietnam as a Craftsman.
“From 17 September 1968, he served 12 months at Nui Dat with the 17th Construction Workshops, maintaining and repairing Centurion tanks — vital and demanding work - carried out with quiet professionalism.
Mr. Broadhead added that throughout the 1970’s, Robert expanded his technical expertise.
“In 1970, he worked extensively on tanks, becoming proficient in armament systems, sights, and instrumentation,” he said.
“Between 1971 and 1976, Robert completed numerous Radio Equipment courses, qualifying as a Radio Tradesman and specialising in Nomad radio equipment used in Nomad aircraft. He also completed Satellite Surveyor courses in Sydney and undertook Radar Training at AWA in Ashfield, gaining equivalent civilian qualifications along the way.
“His leadership qualities were evident in his steady rise through the ranks:
His dedication and skill saw him promoted to Corporal on 31 March 1974;
Promotion to Sergeant on 7 May 1979;
Completed two of four subjects toward Warrant Officer qualification by June 1985 and;
Promotion to Staff Sergeant on 3 December 1986.
“Across 21 years of service — including three re-enlistments — Robert successfully completed many specialist courses, each adding to his skill, efficiency, and value to the Army,” Mr. Broadhead added.
“He was discharged on 19 November 1986, closing a distinguished chapter of service.
“For his dedication, Robert was awarded:
The Vietnam Medal;
4 Vietnamese Campaign medals;
National Medal; and
A Defence Force Service Medal.
His service, however, did not end with his discharge from the Army.
“Robert joined the Bundanoon RSL Sub-Branch on 6 October 2010, with Valerie (his wife) joining three years later,” Mr. Broadhead added.
“He served faithfully as Trustee from 2013 for a decade, as Secretary from 2014 to 2015, and as Sub-Branch President from 2015 to 2023.
“In 2017, Valerie was elected Secretary ‘in absentia’ and served for the following six years. Together, they wore two hats, and kept the doors of the Sub-Branch open — a testament to their commitment and quiet determination.
“Robert gave more than his share — to his country, to his comrades, and to his community. He has more than done his duty. Rest in Peace, mate.”
His wife Valerie passed away on 22 January, aged 82.
Sub Branch president Kevin Tubb said that Robert stopped attending meetings to look after Valerie before her death, but that it became too much for him due to the amount of pain he was in.
Mr. Williams is survived by his daughter Mel, her husband Tim, and a son, Christopher.
He was also loved like a father - in - law by Keith, Karen and Paula.
A memorial service will be held in the Alexandria Room at the Mittagong RSL Club, 148 – 150 Old Hume Highway, Mittagong, this Friday, February 27 at 12 noon.
For those who are unable to attend the service, a livestream will be available via G. Beavan Funerals on the day via their website at https://beavansfunerals.com.au/client/?nid=2c8ebee9-89e3-4f5d-9414-05ef555381dd.
Read More: Bundanoon, Southern Highlands