NT motorsport stalwart recognised
Monday 12 June, 2023
Robert Baldock was today awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia
Robert Baldock was today awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Baldock, who is currently working at this weekend’s Tatts Finke Desert Race, is a life member of Motor Sports NT and also a Committee Member of both the Alice Springs Off Road Race Club and the Finke Desert Race Club.
A key part of motorsport in the Northern Territory, including as the current President of Arunga Park Speedway, outside of the sport Baldock has also served his community in many other roles including the Alice Springs Pipe Band and Scouts Australia NT Branch.
“I’ve got a few awards over the years, but nothing like this,” Baldock said.
“I was shocked. I never thought something like this would come my way. I think of everyone I work with and this award is definitely for them too.”
Baldock added that while he obviously didn’t volunteer for the recognition, it was still an honour to receive such an impressive honour.
“I’d like to thank all the ones that dobbed me. I just live for sports, I’m a motorsport fan,” he added.
And asked how many more years he thinks he’ll continue working in the sport, Baldock offered a cheeky response.
“I’ll keep doing this as long as I can – probably until I get my ‘OBE’ – over bloody eighty,” Baldock joked.
In 2012, Baldock received the Northern Territory Motor Sport Person of the Year from Motorsport Australia, at the then Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Awards along with a 25 year Service Medal.
A number of other individuals were recognised in the honours’ list for their contributions across the wider sport, including William Barrows (Speedway), Janice Blizzard (Motorcycling) and Edwin Taylor (Speedway/Motorcycling).
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca congratulated the recipients.
“A sincere congratulations to all those recognised today, including Robert,” Arocca said.
“Robert is no stranger to this well-deserved recognition and today’s OAM comes on top of his Motorsport Australia/CAMS awards that honour a lifetime of commitment to motorsport.
“It’s no surprise to see him working in the sport on the day of this honour, with Robert playing a key role in the running of the Tatts Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs.”