The museum mourns the passing of one of its earliest champions

RADM Andrew Robertson was Deputy Convenor of the Advisory Committee for the Australian National Maritime Museum in 1985 and Deputy Chairman of the Interim Council from 1985 to 1988. He had profound input into the establishment and shaping of the museum. He drafted a proposed charter and influenced all aspects of the museum’s physical and museological planning. He was a generous donor and remained a strong supporter.

RADM Robertson was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the museum in 1991 and appointed as the museum’s first Honorary Fellow (the museum’s highest level of recognition) in 2016. The Director’s recommendation in support of this honour reads ‘His impact on the founding of the museum was profound and is enduring. Over and above RADM Robertson’s contribution to the museum, he is a person of the highest distinction and the museum would be well served by association with him. His achievements in his naval career and his honorary work for the Navy League of Australia and the HMAS Sydney Association are strongly aligned with the mission of the Australian National Maritime Museum.’

Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO, stated, ‘The Council and staff of the museum are saddened by the loss of our great friend RADM Robertson. He was one of our earliest champions and we bear daily witness to his legacy in the work we do here. The Windjammers Sailors statue, in the museum’s forecourt, was donated by RADM Robertson and is much loved by our visitors. Andrew and I would have lunch regularly at the Museum to discuss the Museum’s future. Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm was electrifying and his greatest interest was always in ensuring the next generation were better informed about our nation’s unique maritime history. Personally, Andrew was a wonderful inspiration to me and I feel blessed to have been considered a friend and will greatly miss his warmth, wit and incredible intellect. Our deepest condolences go to his family.’