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18/11/2022
It’s been said that agriculture is like a marathon, not a sprint – and it’s a sentiment Geraldton senior rural manager Rob Melville can certainly empathise with.
This former ‘city boy’ come passionate rural and regional advocate has enjoyed a 37 year banking career, 32 of which have been in the rural sector and ten of which have been with Rabobank.
He reflects that a number of his client relationships now span up to 20 years.
“I’ve seen farm businesses quadruple in size, I’ve supported succession and helped subsequent generations grow, and just as importantly, I’ve seen clients through droughts and fires and have been there not just for the good times, but the hard times also, which I think is always appreciated.”
And it seems Rob can also go the distance during endurance sport – he’s partial to the odd half-marathon and triathlon, even completing the Busselton Ironman in recent years.
“I’m still not sure which is more challenging, a triathlon or agriculture, but both require a long-term vision, endurance, resilience and planning – and there’s no greater satisfaction when everything comes together and you can enjoy the results of all that hard work.”
Originally from the UK, and raised in Perth, Rob admits he had little connection to agriculture bar school holiday visits to a friend’s uncle’s shearing team, and always envisioned his future lay in the city.
However, a rural posting during his early banking career gave him his first real taste of country life.
“Originally I worked in commercial and corporate banking, and later in the finance team at Elders and Landmark, which afforded me an opportunity to work in the rural sector.”
“I specifically joined Rabobank when the opportunity arose so I could continue working in a culture with rural clients, and staff,” he explained. “It’s an organisation that feels like a family, everyone is approachable and helpful and I think that goes back to the fact so many people at Rabobank have a rural background, based on good, old fashioned country values.”
Rob is also inspired daily working with local producers in the region.
“Farmers are salt of the earth people, and great to work with – innovative, resilient and always looking to the future, one of the greatest aspects of my job is being out on farm and helping clients achieve their vision.”
He laughs recalling times he’s been out on cray boats with clients and some very confused deckhands.
“They always look at me quizzically and question ‘who’s this bloke?’, and when my clients explain I’m the bank manager I think they’re even more confused as to why I’m there!”
From cray fishing operations to vast pastoral enterprises, Rob enjoys the depth of variety his role entails, and the opportunity to live in, and contribute to our rural communities.
A keen swimmer, Rob’s a regular at the Geraldton Tri Club and loves the lifestyle it affords.
“I worked previously in Busselton, which is a lovely holiday spot, and people often ask when I’m going to move back, but personally I love Geraldton – it has the perfect climate, it’s close to Perth, and just far enough away from Perth!”
“I’ve been here for 25 years, and I’m not going anywhere,” he smiles.
With five children all based in Perth, and five grandchildren, Rob is kept busy on the family front, but manages to squeeze a bit of time in for himself.
“The beauty of Geraldton is that if I’m in the office I can duck down in my lunch break and do an ocean swim.”
“I love surfing and I love the beach and ocean, and have also completed several jet ski rides from Geraldton to Kalbarri – a distance of 120kms – the fact that I also love working with farmers ensures this area is the best of all worlds.”
Rob participates in triathlons almost every weekend during the season, and has a number of half ironmans under his belt, and having embraced this healthy lifestyle later in life – during his 40s – he hopes to do a half Ironman again soon.
However he’s not too sure if another full ironman event is on the cards – “Particularly once my wife reminds me how I felt after the last one!”
