Interviewee: Mr. Ivor Robertson
Date of Birth: 1920
Interviewer: Gary Wilson
Date of Interview: 23 November 22015
BOHG No: 2015-004
Total Length: 26 minutes 28 seconds
Ivor Robertson was born 1920 at his parents’ home, Caroline and Lance Robertson, in Beach Road Bunbury.
Married in 1952 to Pattie and had three children, Libby, Shand & Jennifer.
Normal childhood, going to school at Bunbury High School.
Did his Junior Certificate and almost finished his Leaving when decided to take a job with Westralian Farmers.
In 1936 went to England by boat, taking 28 days to get there.
While in England played cricket with Wally Hammond who was a friend of his uncle. Wally Hammond presented him with a bat.
Coming back from England, he had to go back to school to finish his leaving certificate.
Was spotted playing football in Bunbury and asked to join Subiaco. Started playing football for Subiaco with some famous names like Hayden Bunton Snr.
In 1939 Joined the Army. First to Karrakatta Camp, then to Kalgoorlie. From there across to Queensland. 1942 went to New Guinea with the Second Eleven, landing at Aitape. Then on to Wewak and Iberbee. A lot of guys from Bunbury were with him. All got on well.
After the war and back in Bunbury, started a cartage business with Steve and Billy Rodgers.
Going out on his own, bought sand hills etc and used the sand as infill on blocks of land with wet areas. Branched out into buying tracts of land and sub-dividing. Had good praises for his workers and stood by them.
Having holidays down Alexander Bridge and Dunsborough, bought land down that way as well.
Football was always part of his life. Started playing for South Bunbury and as Captain Coach won the Grand-Final. Later coached Bunbury and also won the final. Then back to South Bunbury for a couple of seasons.
Fishing was another one of his loves. Ventured into building his own boats.
Was on Bunbury Town Council for twenty -three years, and Deputy Mayor for seventeen years. Enjoyed his time with the Council and saw many changes.
In retirement he and Pattie, along with Ernie and Snookie Manea, did some travelling around Europe. Singapore and Hong Kong were also places he visited many times.