We are very sorry to report the peaceful passing on Sunday 12 September of our inaugural MCRP President, Bob Whiteway, OAM.
Our sincere condolences to his family.
Despite being unwell for some time, Bob continued to attend MCRP events, including our annual Winter Snorkel, held on 20 June 2021. This photo of him was taken at that event.
Bob was a special person.
Warm, friendly, and humble, he taught geography at Beaumaris High School for many years, teaching students about the marine environment on the actual beaches of Ricketts Point, where he passed on his great love of, and passion for, this area.
It is because of Bob that we now have the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary.
He led the campaign for Ricketts Point to become a Marine Sanctuary, to protect this very special area. It was a hard fight over many years to have this area included in the series of marine sanctuaries, which were finally declared by the State Government in 2002.
All Victorians owe him a great debt of gratitude for his foresight and resilience in preserving this precious area.
