Robert S Zahara OAM
Melbourne University Boat Club (VIC)
Rowing Australia in its acknowledgement of Rob's award of the Medal of the Order of Australia, posted as follows.
Through decades of leadership in rowing administration, governance and club development, Robert Zahara OAM has played a significant role in strengthening the sport. A member of Melbourne University Boat Club since 1968, Zahara has served in numerous leadership positions and remains actively involved through committee and foundation roles. He has also supported school rowing through his involvement with Loreto Mandeville Hall and the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta, while his advocacy for veteran rowing has helped strengthen opportunities within the sport for decades.
Rob's citation for his award was for services to rowing.
The media notes revealed the following.
Melbourne University Boat Club
Member, Executive Committee, current.
Treasurer, Australian Henley Committee, current.
Administrator, Club Membership Database, since 2008.
Co-Founder, Foundation Advisory Board, since 2013.
Founding Member, Foundation Advisory Board, since 2013.
Editor, Club Newsletter, since 2016.
Boatshed Marshall and Maintenance Officer, College Rowing Regatta, 2018.
Treasurer, c. mid 2010s.
Former Rowing Victoria Delegate.
Former Occupational Health and Safety Officer.
Former Benefactor.
Captain, c. early 1970s.
Founder, Veterans Rowing, c. 1970s.
Former Rower.
Member, since 1968.
Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta Committee
Former Vice President.
Former Mentor.
Former Advocate.
Former Member.
Loreto Mandeville Hall
Volunteer, Rowing, c. 2020s.
Program Manager, Rowing, 1990-2009.
Former Advisor and Mentor, Rowing Program.
Former Benefactor.
Victorian Oarsmen and Women’s Association
Secretary, current.
Former Vice President.
Committee Member, c. 2020s.
Hawthorn Community Gardens
Former Treasurer.
Former Secretary.
The University of Melbourne
Member, Heritage Society, c. 2018.
Cabrini Health Limited
Board Member, 2004-2014.
Former Chair, Audit and Risk Management Committee.
Professional
General Manager, Rmax (Pacific Dunlop Ltd.), 1990-2000.
Chief Executive Officer, Bondor (Metecno Pty. Ltd.) 2001-2008.
Awards and Recognition include:
Robert Zahara Rowing Boat, Eight Boat, Melbourne University Boat Club, 1974.
Robert Zahara Rowing Boat Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak.
Honorary Life Member Melbourne University Boat Club.
Andrew Guerin
July 2026
Sources:
- Rowing Community Members Recognised in 2026 King's Birthday Honours - news item 8 June 2026
- Australian Honours Search Facility - accessed 7th July 2026