Professional banking qualification.
Bruce Turner AM, FAICD, FFIN, FIPA, FFA, FIML, CRMA, CGAP, CISA, CFE, PFIIA, JP has a deeply-rooted passion for the Nepean and the people who live and have lived in the District.
Bruce’s family has lived in the Nepean Valley for eight generations. He is an accomplished author
and was the recipient of an international writing award. Over the past seven years he has authored seven books, the first four were of a technical business and governance nature.
Bruce has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the Penrith region and beyond, chairing and serving on audit committees for over 40 organisations, spanning multiple sectors, many of which directly support our local community.
In recent years, Bruce has been researching and writing about local history and his Banks of the Nepean trilogy revealed his passion for the Nepean District.
His eighth book, soon to be published, is his memoirs, whilst the ninth, almost near completion, covers the 70 years history of Nepean Hospital on its current site.
Speaking in State Parliament, Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said “I acknowledge and celebrate an extraordinary citizen of my electorate, Mr Bruce Turner, AM. Bruce is a lifelong resident of Penrith, whose remarkable career and community contributions have now been recognised on the global stage. In 2025, Bruce was named the recipient of the Global Internal Audit Legacy Award by the Institute of Internal Auditors, or IIA, the most prestigious worldwide individual honour in the auditing profession. The association has a network of professionals, with more than 260,000 members. This recognition is only awarded to those whose lifetime of service and achievement has advanced the internal audit profession globally. Bruce is one of just two Australians ever to be honoured in this way. The award was announced at the IIA International Conference in Toronto, Canada, recognising Bruce’s distinguished career, his global influence and his tireless commitment to improving professional standards. The IIA global president spoke of Bruce’s unwavering leadership, his innovative thinking, and his deep and lasting contributions to the profession.
But what makes Bruce particularly special in my eyes, and the eyes of our community, is his equally significant contribution as a local historian. Alongside his professional commitments, Bruce has invested thousands of hours over the past decade researching, documenting and preserving the local history of our region. Bruce is the proud author of the recently completed Banks of the Nepean trilogy, which is a truly remarkable self-funded project that captures the rich and diverse history of our local community. The three volumes are entitled Footprints on the Banks of the Nepean, published in 2023; Tears Near the Banks of the Nepean, published in 2024; and Triumphs from the Banks of the Nepean, published in 2025. Together, they span an astonishing 610,000 words across 1,480 pages, featuring 236 community profiles, 1,550 images and 118 exhibits.
Bruce’s trilogy does not just record history; it brings our history to life. It ensures that future generations in Penrith and beyond can learn from, reflect on and take pride in the diverse stories that have shaped our identity. This is not simply a work of historical record; it is a gift to the people of Penrith and an extraordinary legacy of community pride and belonging.
Having retired from full-time work 15 years ago, Bruce transitioned into being an active Australian company director and audit committee chair. Prior to his retirement, he held senior executive roles at State Rail, Integral Energy, and the Australian Taxation Office where he was the head of their auditing functions. His career traversed the energy, government, manufacturing, transport and financial service sectors, including the global financial centres of New York and London.
Bruce was awarded a Penrith City Wall of Achievement Award for championing good governance in 2008, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2015 and, in 2026, he was bestowed Penrith City Council’s highest accolade as Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith, for serving as an unofficial ambassador and continuously championing the interests of the City, and our community.
At the civic reception announcing Bruce’s latest honour, the MC, Sheree Capolupo, commented, “Despite his many high-profile achievements, Bruce is known for working tirelessly behind the scenes, always focussed on outcomes rather than accolades. He is the epitome of a person who talks less and does more, leaving a profound legacy.”
Bruce reflected, “For me, family is my home, and just being here tonight and having them along is quite humbling. So again, I acknowledge my wife, Bea; our children, Nicole, Jacqueline and Glen; their partners; and our six grandchildren. They’re the people who really drive me. They inspire me and they’re what makes life happy and joyful.”
