Rob Hockings Named State Professional of the Year at QLD State Dinner!
Brad Welch, Rob Hockings and John La Cava at ARCIA QLD State Networking Dinner (Photo credit: Philcomm)
At this year’s QLD State Networking Dinner, we were thrilled to announce Rob Hockings as this year’s recipient of the QLD State Professional of the Year Award.
With a career spanning over 35 years in the radio and critical communications industry, Rob has earned a reputation for unwavering commitment, integrity, and a drive for excellence. His passion for delivering the best possible outcomes for emergency services and associated groups has been the cornerstone of his career.
He began his journey at CITEC, where he explored the intricacies of radio systems as an engineer before moving to electronics operations for Queensland Police, after which he played a key role at Queensland Ambulance, where he consistently delivered solutions that expanded coverage and improved reliability across Queensland.
After a stint in the commercial sector as a consultant, he returned to his true passion—emergency services radio—joining Tait Communications as a specialist. He is now with Philcomm, where he continues to advocate for solutions built on quality and long-term value. His steadfast belief in doing things the right way—never cutting corners, even at the cost of losing a project—underscores his deep professional integrity.
Outside of his full-time career, he remains deeply committed to his local community. A dedicated volunteer with the Rural Fire Brigade, he routinely works long days, only to spend his evenings and weekends fighting fires, rescuing accident victims, and searching for missing persons—all before showing up to work the next morning with the same drive and dedication.
Rob exemplifies total commitment—to his profession, his principles, and his community.
Congratulations Rob!
Rob will automatically be entered into the running for the National Outstanding Professional of the Year Award, competing against other state winners. The national award will be announced at the ARCIA Gala Dinner in Melbourne on October 15, held in conjunction with Comms Connect.
Next in line is SA with the Adelaide Conference on 11 September and the SA State Networking Dinner on 11 September. Don’t forget—nominations close 15 August! Now’s the time to recognise someone deserving by submitting your award nomination. Nominate now >>
A special thanks to all our partners— ARCIA can’t deliver these events for the radio and critical communications sector without you.
