Robert Norman

Sir Robert Henry Norman (30 January 1914 – 3 April 2007) was an Australian aviator and businessman, best known for establishing Bush Pilot Airways, which later became Air Queensland. Born in Maryborough, Norman served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, after which he settled in Cairns. He married Betty Merle Kimmins just 3 weeks prior to his WWII deployment. In 1952 he founded Bush Pilot Airways, and in 1958 he was awarded the OBE. Knighted in 1989, he had also tenaciously pursued the establishment of a Cairns campus for James Cook University. Sir Robert and Lady Betty Norman contributed to many community organisations including the Cairns Regional Art Gallery (where one wing is named after Lady Betty) and the Coast Guard (with the "Sir Bob" vessel being named for him). Sir Robert and Lady Betty had 5 children - Robert John ("Bob Jr), Betty-Ann, Wendy Joy, Julie Kristine and Lindy Jane. Inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame in 2016 they note the following about his life: Sir Robert ‘Bob’ Henry Norman was known for pioneering work in aviation, founding Bush Pilots Airways and offering his services as an honorary pilot for the Cairns Aerial Ambulance for a quarter of a century. His vision and determination brought passenger services to regional, rural and remote communities Queensland post World War II – a legacy which is still being felt today.