Bob Puffett

Bob Puffett was listed as a significant man in the Significant Men of the Central Coast book brought out in 2009 to acknowledge men who had made a difference on the Central Coast.

Mr Puffett was born in the War Memorial Hospital, Waverley, NSW, in September 1940.

His mum, Lillian and dad, Bob, christened him Robert James (Robert is a family name).

He went to school at Gladesville Public School and then to Drummoyne Boys High School.

The Puffetts lived in an old stone cottage at Gladesville where his dad worked as a maintenance plumber.

Growing up Bob played soccer and field hockey and was in the Boys Scouts, going to two Jamborees.

After doing the Intermediate Certificate he left school in 1955 and got a job as a junior clerk, however, after six months he decided that he wanted to be an apprentice plumber.

He attended 'tech' at Gore Hill and did a five year apprenticeship.

He undertook further studies in Plumbing and Building Services.

His parents purchased land at Wagstaffe and built their weekender where Bob, his brother and sister had great times with family and friends.

Bob met his wife Wendy and they married in 1964 and have two children and four grandchildren.

Their daughter, son in law and grandchildren live on the Central Coast while their son and daughter in law live in Far Northern Queensland.

Bob decided he wanted to be a TAFE teacher and got a job in 1965 as a Plumbing teacher and taught at Granville, Petersham and did country service at Orange.

During his time at TAFE, Bob studied for his Diploma in Teaching and did a Bachelor of Education degree at the then Sydney College of Advanced Education.

He had a wonderful career in TAFE progressing from teacher to assistant director general.

He was a role model for many trades, proving that they could advance their careers with further study.

Bob's philosophy in life has been based on fairness, respect and honesty.

He has always had a passion for young people, skills excellence and opportunity.

His text book series has been used throughout Australia for some 25 years.

Bob and his colleague Len Hossack have promoted young plumbers by granting a $2000 scholarship to the young plumber who represents Australia at the Worldskills Olympics convened every two years at one of the 50 member countries of Worldskills International.

Bob was national chairman of Worldskills Australia and official delegate to Worldskills International taking teams of Australia's skill champions to Montreal, Canada, Seoul South Korea, St Gallen, Switzerland, Helsinki, Finland and Shizuoka, Japan.

Since moving to the Central Coast, Bob has been active in his local community as the president of The Bays Community Group Inc.

He promotes community inclusiveness and representation.

He exercises most days by rowing his skiff on Woy Woy Bay, and enjoys helping out with his children and grandchildren.

Significant Men of the Central Coast, 2009

Margaret Hardy