Robert Southwell

The Daramalan College community is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Southwell, a graduate of the class of 1975.

There are many Daramalan families that will forever be associated with the history of the College, and the Southwells must surely rank up there.

Rob had been ill for some six months and passed away peacefully last Friday, May 9, in Tamworth.

He had a long career furthering the interests of rural Australia, including through work in machinery sales and rural real estate.

Rob will always be remembered for his pioneering passion, love for rural Australia, great sense of humour, and strong love of rugby, especially the Brumbies.

His brothers John and Simon attended Daramalan, and his sister Jane attended Braddon Catholic Girls High. Their parents, Mack and Ursula, were heavily involved in the foundation of the College.

The Southwell connection with Daralaman now spans three generations with Kathleen Allan (1993), James Allan (1995), George Southwell (2013), Clare Southwell (2015), Thomas Southwell (2019), Jeremy Southwell (2021) and current students Bella Jarratt (2025), Charlotte Allan (2026) and Molly Jarratt (2028)—all nieces and nephews of Rob.

Rob is survived by his wife, Helen and their children, John, Stuart, and Emily, and predeceased by his daughter, Felicity (2006).

May he rest in Peace.