ROB Wearn is a Foundation Member of Penrith’s Great Walk Foundation, the most recent of his family’s involvement with charitable causes in and around Penrith.
The Walk is now in its 15th year, with the 10-strong group recently completing their 15th charity walk from Bathurst to Sydney.
As owner of Mulgoa Quarries, part-owner of The Log Cabin and also a Director of Panthers for the past 4 years, Rob has a strong, active interest in the local community and charities, following in a family tradition.
Grandfather Walter and Rob’s parents John and Jenny Wearn were always heavily involved in charitable work during their lifetimes.
Born in Sydney in 1963, Rob was the second eldest of 5 boys and grew up in the North Rocks/Parramatta area, attending North Rocks PS then The Kings School.
He went straight into his father’s Quarrying business in 1981 and studied Drilling and Blasting at Granville Technical College, achieving a Certificate in Shotfirer / Powdermonkey.
Whilst working full time, Rob also studied a Quarrying / Surface Mining course by correspondence from Box Hill College in Melbourne, achieving certification in 1986.
Rob met wife Jane on the banks of the Nepean River during a Head of the River Rowing Regatta in 1980 and they were married in 1991, producing two boys, Matt and Tom.
Jane is a Psychologist and has worked in the Penrith area since the marriage.
Following the death of Rob’s father in 1986, five of the brothers (Bill, Rob, Adrian, Bruce and Johnny) united to run the Mulgoa Quarries business, in trying times.
“We had many loyal staff to our father who remained with us since then, whom I credit for our business’s success,” said Rob.
“Adrian and I continued with the business and expanded, whilst the other boys followed farming and other interests.
“Both of my own boys have joined the business, following 4-5 years working elsewhere, and are making incredible contributions to ensuring the future growth of a great local business, employing well in excess of 100 people. We pride ourselves with employing locally and investing locally with other businesses.”
Rob’s business involvement with the Log Cabin is with two close family friends, he spent time on the Mulgoa PS Council, was a board member and sponsor for many years of Penrith Emus Rugby Club and the Nepean Medical Research Foundation.
“I have been a Panthers Director for approx 4 years, joined the Thorndale Disability Services Board approx 12 years ago and have had tremendous satisfaction seeing Thorndale grow and improve as a wonderful organisation, servicing the disability sector in the greater Penrith region,” said Rob.
“I have been lucky to be part of the Great Walk Foundation, which raises much-needed funds to support local charities. Ten local business leaders are involved and together, we have helped raise funds and awareness supporting people and organisations in the west.
“Our family has been passionately involved and supported the Children’s Cancer Institute, the Royal Far West Children Organisation and the Starlight Foundation.
“I’m in awe of the people working behind the scenes in the community, the unsung members of the community.
“The people of Penrith are a giving, loving population and really, I’m just a cog in the works.
“You can’t believe how much fun I get from helping in the community.
“Away from work, I love my cycling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing and pretty much all outdoor activities.
Rob ensured he had some personal touches in the Log Cabin, with a lovingly restored rowing eights boat and oars located on the ceiling just inside the front doors and several hand-made stools near the fireplace.
