Introducing Rob Estherby, NSW Branch Executive Committee
We are pleased to welcome some new members of the NSW Branch Executive Committee (BEC) which started their two-year term as of 1 January 2025 – Rob Estherby, Joyce Chu and Abby Bloom.
Over the next couple of editions of ACS Weekly, we will profile them so you can learn about the individuals representing the NSW membership.
Learn about Rob Estherby who returns to the BEC after supporting the establishment of the NSW Emerging Professionals Group since 2023.
Briefly describe your career history. What has been your contribution to the ICT community?
I often jokingly trace my IT career back to Year 4, when I started as a “Computer Monitor” in primary school, learning how to fix things and set up computers in classrooms. That probably gives away how much of a nerd I was from the start!
Since then, I’ve worn a variety of hats—starting with basic IT support for friends, family, and small businesses. I then moved on to a network engineering internship at a boutique systems integration company, where I helped roll out wireless networks across a university campus. After graduating, I joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as a Broadcast, Network, and Windows Engineer. More recently, I’ve been working within the ABC’s internal audit team.
The common thread through this eclectic mix of roles has been a focus not on building complex systems for the sake of it, but on using technology to solve real-world problems. This has always meant understanding the users, customers, or audiences we’re serving, and ensuring that technology makes their lives easier and more seamless. While we don’t always get it perfect, this focus has been the driving force throughout my 20-year career—from helping my classmates in school to solving bigger challenges today.
What is something that you are really proud of?
I’m really proud of the role the ACS (Australian Computer Society) has played in supporting emerging professionals. As a student and graduate, I greatly benefited from the conversations, mentorship, and opportunities the ACS provided, helping me navigate our fast-moving industry and find my place within it.
Now, I’m fortunate to mentor the next generation of professionals, and I’m proud to see a strong group of members—just starting their careers—already giving back to their peers and helping those coming after them find their own path.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about making things just a little bit better. It's easy to feel like things are getting worse, but rather than viewing these challenges as problems, I see them as opportunities. I love working with others to make incremental improvements that, over time, can hopefully add up to a positive impact on the world.
What advice would you provide to someone just starting their career?
Take time to reflect on what you want out of your life and career. It sounds big and daunting, but starting with an understanding of your values and what you want to achieve is key. It’s also important to remember that your plan isn’t set in stone—it will evolve over time. At the beginning of your career, especially in a graduate program, the path can feel predetermined. But ultimately, it’s up to you to navigate and shape your journey. The earlier you start thinking about it, the better.
What do you want your legacy at ACS to be?
I’d love to see ACS become a self-sustaining community—one where we can debate ideas, solve problems, and leverage our collective skills to improve the lives of Australians. If I can contribute to rebuilding ACS in a way that supports members and fosters collaboration, I’ll be proud of the legacy I leave behind.
What do you think the next big thing is? Views for the future.
As a technical optimist, I’m excited by the potential of emerging technologies like Machine Learning, Large Language Models, and AI. However, beyond the buzz, there are significant challenges to address, such as data limitations, energy consumption, and intellectual property concerns. I believe the next big shift will be governments recognizing the profound impact that technology can have on economies and societies, leading to more serious discussions about how we govern and regulate technology moving forward.