Custodio Vincent Lobo along with daughter Marie and son-in-law, James Pinto.
MELBOURNE
When Custodio Vincent Lobo – affectionately known as ‘Chappie’ – received a phone call on June 9 informing him he had been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, his reaction was a mix of surprise and humility.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” he says with a smile. “It had been two years since the nomination – I thought I had missed the bus.”
To those who know him and his enduring commitment to community service, the recognition felt entirely fitting and well-deserved.
UGANDA TO AUSTRALIA
Born in Uganda, Custodio's early life was steeped in both cultural richness and academic dedication. His parents of Goan origin sent him to a boarding school in Pune, India, where he graduated from Bombay University with a major in Accounting.
In 1950, he returned to Uganda to begin his career with the Uganda Electricity Board. Life was stable – until August 1972, when President Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of all British passport holders, giving them just 90 days to leave.
Holding a British passport, Lobo applied to migrate to Australia and was accepted.
“When I visited the Australian High Commission, the officer stamped my passport with a big ‘Yes,’” he recalls. “We arrived on the January 1, 1973. At the migrant hostel, we were the first coloured family, and I’ll never forget the reactions at breakfast the next morning.”
HEART FOR COMMUNITY
Custodio married the late Bernadette (née Nazareth) and together they raised a daughter, Marie, and son-in-law, James Pinto. Over the decades, Custodio has become a deeply respected figure in Western Australia’s community service landscape.
His journey into community engagement began shortly after arriving in Australia, with what seemed like a chance encounter.
“While I was staying at the migrant hostel, I went to buy a car,” he says. “The dealership owner turned out to be the District Governor of the Lions Club. He invited me to join, and I did.”
That one invitation sparked decades of tireless work and leadership across various organisations, including the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) in WA, Ethnic Communities Council of WA, and National Seniors Australia’s Perth Branch.
Custodio also held a notable professional role with Curtin University.
Custodio Vincent Lobo along with his late wife Bernadette, daughter Marie, son-in-law, James Pinto and grandchildren.
Despite this demanding position, he kept his professional and community lives distinctly separate.
“My service to the community was not influenced by my career,” he affirms. “It was something I pursued from the heart.”
MANY HATS, ONE MISSION
Custodio’s ability to juggle multiple commitments with integrity and consistency has been central to his impact.
“My role in the Ethnic Communities Council was mainly to represent the views of the GOAWA,” he explains. “Lions Club meetings were held fortnightly in the evenings, while other groups usually met once a month, often in the mornings. That made it possible to stay involved across all of them.”
His service was recognised in 2008 when he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the Lions Club’s highest honour, along with Life Membership.
“That’s one of my proudest achievements,” he reflects. “It’s deeply humbling to be recognised for your contributions at that level.”
SAFER COMMUNITIES
Through his work with National Seniors Australia, Custodio helped create a platform for older Australians to voice their concerns.
“We ensured their issues were taken to our head office in Brisbane and then brought to the attention of relevant members of Parliament,” he says.
One of the projects closest to his heart is the Purple Bench initiative, launched through the Canning City Lions Club as part of a campaign to prevent violence against women.
“We initiated the project, and it was inaugurated by the local MP,” he says. “It serves as a public symbol of support and awareness.”
Recruiting and growing membership in the early years wasn’t always easy. “In those days, it was all done by word of mouth,” Custodio says. “But we persisted.”
GUIDED BY FAITH
As a devout Catholic, Custodio finds his motivation rooted in a strong spiritual foundation.
“My faith guides me in helping those less fortunate,” he says. “It’s the core of everything I do.” He remains active at Queen of Apostles Church, where his faith and community values intersect daily.
LOOKING AHEAD
Over more than five decades, Custodio has witnessed the evolution of Perth’s multicultural landscape – often playing a pivotal role in shaping it.
“When I first joined the GOAWA, I encouraged our members to take part in broader Indian community functions. I wanted to create a fusion of cultures.”
Today, his passion for service remains undimmed. “The joy of seeing people and community groups benefit from our work – that’s what keeps me going.” And his commitment shows no signs of slowing.
“As long as I have the strength, I will offer my services to the community.”
When asked how he wishes to be remembered, his response is as humble as his actions have been meaningful: “As someone who made the lives of those less fortunate richer.”
