VALE ~ Robert Owen Stockwell OAM

It is with sadness that Council announces the passing of Robert Owen Stockwell OAM. We pass on our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Owen. His loss will be sorely felt in this community. Owen passed away peacefully in Brisbane yesterday at the age of 94.

On behalf of the Council, Councillor Peter Skewes OAM, a long-time friend of Owen's, presents the following Valediction:

Robert Owen Stockwell OAM was, quite simply, Blackall through and through. Born and educated locally, Owen’s life was deeply rooted in the land, the people, and the future of the region he loved. From modest beginnings to a lifetime of service, enterprise and philanthropy, his legacy is woven permanently into the fabric of the Blackall community and beyond.

Owen’s working life began humbly as a shop assistant at Evans and Homes, a local hardware store situated on land now being transformed into the Blackall Cultural Precinct—a project he not only believed in but actively supported and generously contributed to. In many ways, this final project under construction at the end of his life reflects the very essence of Owen Stockwell: honouring the past while building for the future.

He later returned to the family trucking business, Stockwell’s, working alongside his father and brother. What began with local mail runs and wool carting evolved into a significant transport operation as Owen embraced new technology and opportunity. Under his guidance, the business expanded into long‑haul wool transport to Brisbane, livestock cartage, and general freight across Queensland—often in direct competition with major operators.

This success enabled further investment in the land. One notable achievement was the transformation of Marsden, an unproductive and unimproved property in the north‑east of the Shire, into a highly productive and profitable grazing operation through hard work, determination and vision. Over time, Owen and his family acquired several grazing properties across the Blackall and Barcaldine districts, before later diversifying into substantial commercial property investments.

Among his many ventures were landmark developments such as the Link Telecommunications Building in Wharf Street, Brisbane; the Arnott’s Distribution Warehouse in Virginia; a multi‑storey office building overlooking the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton; and the Glenmore Tavern Complex in North Rockhampton, including a major shopping centre. Together, these ventures were testament to Owen’s sharp business acumen and willingness to back regional growth.

Later in life, Owen made a conscious and selfless decision to liquidate his assets and distribute the proceeds to his family—ensuring their security and independence. In doing so, he established the Stockwell- Webber Foundation, a lasting expression of his values, created to support local organisations, including arts and community groups, and to ensure his success continued to benefit others.

Owen’s contribution to public life was equally significant. He served on the Blackall Shire Council from 1974 to 1981 and as Chairman (Mayor) from 1981 to 1989. His term was marked by practical leadership, integrity and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. Even after resigning for family reasons, his influence and counsel remained sought after and respected.

Perhaps Owen’s most enduring legacy lies in aged care. A passionate advocate for ageing in the Outback, he was a founding President of the Barcoo Retirement Village in 1981—an organisation formed by locals who recognised the urgent need for quality aged and disability care in Blackall. Owen served as President for more than 30 years, overseeing the growth of services and facilities that are today regarded as exemplary and widely admired by similar communities across Queensland.

Beyond this, Owen served as Warden of the Anglican Church, contributing tirelessly—both practically and financially—to the construction and sustainability of the church. He also chaired C.A.P.A.L.E.C., a predecessor to Ergon Energy, and played a pivotal role in upgrading the electricity supply line from Barcaldine to Blackall, an achievement with lasting regional impact.

In recognition of his remarkable service to aged care and the Blackall community, Owen was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)—an honour that reflected not only what he achieved, but the spirit in which he gave so freely of his time, expertise, and resources.

In the final year of his life, Owen donated over $3 million towards the development of the Blackall Cultural Precinct, along with further substantial contributions to the Barcoo Retirement Village and other local organisations. These final acts of generosity epitomised a lifetime of giving and an unwavering belief in Blackall’s future.

Robert Owen Stockwell OAM was a bushman, a visionary and a steadfast advocate for community development right up to the very end. His legacy is enduring—built not only in bricks, businesses and institutions, but in people, opportunities and the ongoing strength of the region he loved so deeply.

 

Mr Robert Owen Stockwell OAM pictured with Council & Community at 'Turning of the Sod' Blackall Cultural Precinct 2025