Rob Pyne
Rob Pyne: Champion of the Underdog at Far North Queensland
Author and Manager
Cairns, Australia
August 2015
> 2 weeks ago
1
About Rob
Rob Pyne was born in Gordonvale and raised in Edmonton and today still lives in South Cairns. Rob worked in various jobs, until breaking his neck in a diving accident in 1991, becoming a quadriplegic.
He had lengthy care and rehabilitation in Princess Alexander Hospital, marrying his fiancé Jenny Brelsford while still in hospital The pair returned to South Cairns where they have lived in the suburbs of Bentley Park and Mount Sheridan.
Rob decided to study to assist him to re-enter the workforce. He then completed a BA in History and Politics at James Cook University (JCU) and a Law Degree at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Rob Pyne worked at JCU from 2000 – 2007, resigning to campaign full-time for Council. Rob Pyne was elected to Cairns Regional Council in 2008 as Councillor for Division 3 and Re-Elected to this position in 2012.
He then entered Queensland politics. At the 2015 state election he was elected to represent the electorate of Cairns in the State Parliament, where he served one term.
A proud Far North Queensland patriot, Rob believed the major political parties have neglected North Queensland.
A man who could never be described as a ‘quitter’ in the game of life, Rob has embarked on his most passionate campaign yet, to represent his hometown of Edmonton and his beloved South Cairns at the 2020 Queensland local government elections.
Rob Pyne Wife
Rob’s academic achievements and his achievements in being elected to Council and Parliament were all ‘firsts’ for a person with quadriplegia. Indeed he has broken down many barriers for people with a disability. However, none of this would have been possible without the support of his wife Jenny.
Happily married to Jenny for 30 years, the pair had one child, Kate. Rob describes family time during Kate’s upbringing as the happiest time of his life.
In July 2022 Jenny tragically died of a heart attack, leaving Rob to continue his journey with the help of an enthusiastic band of support workers, who assist him on a daily basis.
Rob Pyne Division 5
Following Jenny’s death, Rob decided he would not renominate for a position on Cairns Regional Council. He believed it would be enough of a struggle just to liven on his own in the community (without Jenny) and there would be no chance of running in another campaign.
However, thanks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) life was not as cruel as it had been in the past for people with disabilities. Consequently, Rob receive support from truly wonderful support workers who encouraged him. In the end Rob decided to run for Division 5 of Cairns Regional Council
Rob said, “Division 5 has a lot of battlers (struggling families) and it would be an honour to represent them and be a voice for them. I see the inner suburbs as a really, strong area to grow progressive politics in the future.”
“Fighting against inequality and for a liveable climate have been the most important things in the world to me. I believe in Division 5 we can create cultural change that will see these values shared by the whole community.”
Rob Pyne Election
Despite the torrential rain and oppressive heat, Rob was successfully elected to Division 5. He became the first Cairns Regional Councillor ever elected in three different divisions.
Name: Rob Pyne
Location: Cairns
Occupation: Writer
Education: JCU and QUT
Country: Australia
Unique traits: Quadriplegic, Socialist, tropical gardener and Cairns politician.
Badges
Certifications
Loglines
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Putting Cairns First! Documentary Putting Cairns First!
Credits
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Election 2017 (
2001 )
Documentary by Marc Iren (Documentary) Candidate win -
The Downfall of Campbell Newman
Drama by Queensland Candidate The 2015 Queensland Election. -
The Downfall of Campbell Newman
Drama by Queensland Candidate The 2015 Queensland Election. -
Awards
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Election Campaign Victory
(2015)
Education
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James Cook University
(1992-1997) -
Queensland University of Technology
(1992-1997)
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