Members of the Historical Society and a great many people within the Southern Highlands’ community have good reason to be grateful to Max for the research assistance he provided them. 

Robert Maxwell Rogers, or ‘Max’ as he preferred to be known, was born in 1937 at Orange, New South Wales. After completing his schooling, Max worked at a local newspaper and then moved to Sydney in the late 1950s where he joined the staff of the Sydney Morning Herald as a linotype compositor. Max occasionally visited the Southern Highlands with work mates to play golf; retirement prompted a permanent move to Bowral.

Max joined the Berrima District Historical Society in 1995 and almost immediately began volunteering at the archives in Mittagong. By the end of that year, he had taken on the role of librarian and in 1999 he added another string to his bow – research officer. Throughout his many years as a volunteer he donated countless publications to our research library.

In 2006, Max received a Certificate of Achievement from the Royal Australian Historical Society for his service to our society and as it says on the award “his wonderful enthusiasm for history and its practitioners”.  This award was followed in 2009 by Honorary Life Membership of the Berrima District Historical Society for his outstanding contribution to its work. This is the highest honour the Society can give and there was never a member more deserving of it.

Max’s passion was research. The countless hours spent at the archives were done because he loved it. He never dismissed any query, no matter how trivial or obscure, and persevered long after others would have given up. His knowledge of the resources held in the archives was amazing.

Many members have been the recipients of Max’s thoughtfulness and generosity. He gave so much yet never asked for – nor expected – anything in return. He was humble, caring, reserved, loyal, tenacious and generous.

There are very few people in this world who tread so lightly and yet leave such large footprints. Max was one of those people. He was truly a man without enemy – and many friends. We are so grateful to have been able to enjoy his friendship, company and collaboration over the years.  

Max will be sorely missed by his many friends, family and colleagues.