Frank Roberts aged 93 years was an icon of the Bendigo Academy of Sport – “Bendigo Hire” Volleyball program since its inception as a foundation sport in 1995.
Frank was a regular at training sessions, camps and the Volleyball Australia National Camp for the elite volleyball athletes from all over Australia.
He watched as his son Gary and daughter Cate coached the squad and later his granddaughter Laura also coach. His many grandchildren were also athletes of the academy volleyball squad.
He always provided words of encouragement to the athletes, coaches and parents and was certainly the grandfather figure of the volleyball program. He was a familiar sight at the Bendigo Volleyball Association to watch his grandchildren play on a Thursday night.
The Academy had the honour of creating the “Outstanding Service Award” in 2012. This award recognises people who make an outstanding contribution to the academy. Frank was an obvious choice as the inaugural recipient. The award was renamed “Frank Roberts Outstanding Service Award” in honour of Frank and his contribution.
Such a gentle soul who never had a negative word about anyone or anything.
Frank will be sadly missed by the hundreds of volleyballers and their families who knew him.
We thank his family for allowing us to be part of Frank’s wonderful life.
