Robert Risson had ties with a myriad of professional and community organisations, including the Freemasons, where he served as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria in the mid-1970s.
27 Facts About Robert Risson
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Robert Risson was decorated for his service, holding the rank of major general and being knighted.
3.
Robert Joseph Henry Risson was born on 20 April 1901 in Ma Ma Creek, Queensland.
4.
Robert Risson attended Gatton State High School, passing the Senior Public Examination in November 1918, and matriculated to The University of Queensland where he studied Civil Engineering.
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At university Robert Risson studied at King's College and participated in social events, debates, and became involved with the University of Queensland Rugby Club, becoming president by 1933.
6.
In 1933, Robert Risson assisted the Brisbane Tramways constructional engineer in overseeing track renewal in central Brisbane, and was Permanent Way Engineer by 1939.
7.
Robert Risson saw active service during World War II, but returned to work with the Brisbane Tramways following the war.
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Robert Risson worked within Brisbane City Council's Transport Department and rose to Assistant General Manager.
9.
Robert Risson was promoted to captain on 7 September 1936.
10.
On 13 October 1939, following the outbreak of the Second World War, Robert Risson enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of major, receiving the AIF service number QX6062.
11.
Robert Risson became Chief Engineer of I Corps on 12 April 1944, when the corps number changed.
12.
Robert Risson was temporarily attached to Allied Land Forces Headquarters from 21 May 1944 to 1 July 1944, but returned to command the engineers in the 1945 Borneo campaign.
13.
Robert Risson continued his military career after the Second World War with the Citizen Military Forces, commanding the 4th Infantry Brigade.
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Robert Risson held that post until 1956, and served as the CMF Member of the Military Board from 1957 to 1958.
15.
Robert Risson was decorated five times for his service during the Second World War.
16.
Robert Risson received a Distinguished Service Order in 1943, alongside 28 other members of the 9th Division honoured, for their role at El Alamein; was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1942 for his role in the Siege of Tobruk, and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1945 for his work in New Guinea; and was Mentioned in Despatches in 1941 and 1943 for actions in Syria and El Alamein, respectively.
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Robert Risson was announced as the incoming MMTB chairman in June 1949, assuming the role on 1 October, and becoming the MMTB's third chairman.
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Robert Risson made operational changes to the MMTB Throughout the 1950s.
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Robert Risson introduced operating efficiencies, with his military training influencing his managerial style.
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Robert Risson's reopening of Bourke St trams, with the justification of economic advantage, is lauded as his greatest achievement.
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Robert Risson made use of migration agreements to bolster low employee numbers, even purchasing dwellings to house new arrivals.
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Robert Risson's era saw ongoing industrial disputes, regarding pay, bus operation, and even the implementation of a summer uniform.
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Robert Risson was a defender of trams at a time when they were falling out of favour across Australia.
24.
Robert Risson participated in a variety of organisations through his life.
25.
Robert Risson became a Freemason in 1961, holding a number of positions including as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria between 1974 and 1976.
26.
Robert Risson was a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers; Institution of Engineers of Australia; Australian Institute of Management; and a member of the Institute of Transport.
27.
Robert Risson later coached the University of Queensland Women's Hockey Club.