State Funeral Announced For Former Victorian Minister Robert Knowles AO

A State Funeral for The Hon. Robert Ian Knowles AO will be held in Ballarat next week, recognising his decades of service to Victoria through parliament, health reform and community leadership.

The service will take place at 10.30am on Friday 15 May at the Cathedral Church of Christ the King on Lydiard Street South and will be open to the public. A livestream will also be available online, with a private burial to follow.

Born and raised in Clarendon, Robert Knowles dedicated much of his life to public service. A farmer, family man and respected community leader, he was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1976 and represented Ballarat Province in the Legislative Council until 1999.

During his parliamentary career, he served as Minister for Housing, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Health, helping drive significant improvements across Victoria's healthcare system. His work strengthened palliative care services and focused on improving the long-term sustainability and quality of healthcare delivery across the state.

Following his time in parliament, Mr Knowles continued to play a major role in health and mental health reform. He served as Commissioner of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, chaired the Victorian Health Reform and Innovation Council and led the Board of the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

He was also a passionate advocate for mental health, serving on the board of Beyond Blue before becoming Deputy Chair, and later joining the National Mental Health Commission as one of its inaugural commissioners.

In Ballarat, Mr Knowles also made a lasting contribution to education through his decade-long tenure as Chair of the Ballarat Grammar Board.

In recognition of his distinguished service to the community and public administration, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007.

Premier Jacinta Allan said Mr Knowles would be remembered for his commitment to reform and his contribution to the Victorian community.

"Rob championed reform across our health, aged care and mental health sectors throughout his 23 years of parliamentary service and beyond," she said.

"He gave so much to his community and our state, and he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude."

Further details on attending the funeral, viewing the livestream and making donations in lieu of flowers are available via Victorian Government - Robert Knowles AO Funeral Information