Bundaberg conductor, teacher Robert Rotar to receive OAM

A man who has dedicated decades of his life to teaching aspiring young musicians and leading the region’s most talented instrumentalists will be awarded the highest recognition in this year’s Australia Day awards.

Robert Rotar helped shape the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra rehearsals ahead of their 50th anniversary event in September of 2022.

Bundaberg conductor and teacher Robert Rotar will be awarded an Order of Australia medal on Australia Day for his decades of service to the performing arts community.

While Mr Rotar said he had no suspicions as to who nominated him for the prestigious award, he has said he is honoured to receive the nomination and award.

“It’s lovely to have people thinking you’re worthy of an award such as this,” he said.

Mr Rotar is well known within the Bundaberg musical community for his decades of service to the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra and the Bundaberg Municipal Band.

His orchestral knowledge and talents have also resulted in several guest conductor roles through renowned orchestras such as the Queensland Youth Orchestra, Queensland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Robert Rotar was the key conductor for the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary performance.

Bundaberg prep students enjoy the first day of the school career

Mr Rotar has also dedicated decades of his career to teaching the musicians of tomorrow, from his time at Kepnock State High School, to his current role as music teacher at St Lukes Anglican School.

He said he felt lucky to have spent so much of his life teaching and working alongside the region’s talented musicians.

“I’ve had some fine students that have gone on to become professional musicians,” he said.

“It’s an honour to receive the award on behalf of all those musicians I have worked with over the years.”

Head of St Luke’s Senior School, Robyn Deer said the school was proud to have Mr Rotar as a member of staff.

“His service to the music fraternity of Bundaberg is to be commended and we congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment,” she said.

As the son of an immigrant, Mr Rotar said he felt lucky to receive an Australia Day award.

“My father was embraced by the country, as have a lot of the people who have come to Australia from multiple ethnicities,” he said.

When speaking on the controversy surrounding the date of Australia Day, Mr Rotar said the issue was complex.

“I think the whole idea of the original date was to try and unify the country, not to disband the country and create angst,” he said.

Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.