Service: Australian Army
Category: Civil Engineer Officer, Royal Australian Engineers
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Upon appointment to the Australian Army in January 2007, now Major Donald Robertson studied a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). In 2010, he undertook the General Service Officer First Appointment Course at the Royal Military College – Duntroon. He commissioned in December 2010 and returned to ADFA to complete his engineering degree in 2011, where he graduated with honours. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Donald has a Master of Project Management and is a Chartered Professional Engineer with the Institute of Engineers Australia. He is currently studying a Master of Structural Engineering.
Don's posting history includes the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, a secondment to John Holland, the 19th Chief Engineer Works, the School of Military Engineering, Headquarters 6th Brigade and the 6th Engineer Support Regiment. His operational history includes Operation PARAPET as a search advisor, Operation ACCORDION/HIGHROAD as the Project Engineer – Afghanistan, Operation BUSHFIRE ASSIST 19-20 and Operation FIJI ASSIST 21.
He is a keen adventurer, having completed the Unit Adventure Training Leader courses in roping, climbing and caving. He enjoys undertaking such activities in his personal time, particularly in the canyons of the Blue Mountains and south-east Queensland. He is also a keen skier, and a keen amateur water polo player with the Brisbane Tritons.
Don came out to the workplace in 2016. As a result, he felt that he came across as a more authentic person, which enhanced his professional relationships with his colleagues. He found that his leadership effectiveness and overall work performance greatly improved as a result.
Don was appointed to the DEFGLIS Board of Directors as the Treasurer in January 2019.
