After more than a decade in the Australian Army, Robert Lambert-Barker views Anzac Day as a time to pay respect to all that have served and remember fallen friends.
It’s why he recently took it upon himself to organise the construction of an Anzac memorial at the Mardie site, which will be used tomorrow as part of a dawn service for all site-based staff.
Robert joined BCI in July 2023 as a Civil Supervisor, a role on which he oversees the civil construction contractors onsite.
In honour of Anzac Day, we wanted to share Robert’s story with you all, both about the man himself and what the day means to him.
Q: What was involved in organising the memorial construction?
A: The Mardie site had flag poles situated in the old construction camp area, so when I saw this, I requested that we move these to a more prominent location. I organised assistance from contractors to pour the footings, used a large rock from the gas corridor rock supplies as a centre piece monument, gained BCI approval to buy the bolt cages for the poles and a plaque for the monument rock. With the assistance of many here onsite we got stuck in and now we have a very nice spot for this year’s ANZAC day dawn service.
Q: Why was that something that was important to you?
A: It is important for all to have a place to be on Anzac Day. There are many members on mine and construction sites all over the State that have a need to remember on that day, whether you’re a veteran, a family member of a veteran or just have a need to reflect and pay respects.
Q: How long did you serve in the army:
A: I served 12 years in the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers, stationed in Darwin and Sydney. I did three tours of Timor-Leste, plus an incalculable amount of time training all around Australia.
Q: What was your career journey after leaving the army?
A: I joined the civilian sector in 2007 and have worked on numerous camp construction projects, multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, the construction of the Perth underground, and as an inspector with Main Roads, plus many more.
Q: What do you like about your job at BCI?
A: There is a real team and all-in environment when it come to the success of not only an individual win, but the eagerness to embrace others to assist with their goals as well.
Q: What do you do when you’re not onsite?
A: My family keeps me busy; I am a husband to Lauren, and I have six wonderful boys, four of whom still live at home. It is mayhem at times, but seeing them grow up is the greatest, and three have now grown into fantastic young men that I am very proud of. When I’m back home, my spare time is watching the footy, having a beer and generally spending time with them in any way. I’m even bringing a 1978 Falcon 500 sedan back to life with my son, Declan.
Having such a loving mum for the boys is my key to success here at BCI, without Lauren at the helm I wouldn’t be where I am today.
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“Salt of the Earth” is a fortnightly series where we get to know our dedicated team members.
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