Sir Arvi Parbo was one of Australia’s most influential industrial leaders, holding simultaneous chairmanships of WMC, BHP and Alcoa. He played a critical role in championing the mining industry as a cornerstone of Australia’s economic development. As a long-time supporter and collaborator of Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall, Sir Arvi helped secure WMC’s wide-ranging contributions to WASM, including the WMC Conference Centre and the Keith Parry Foundation.

He was the founding President of the Business Council of Australia and also served as President of both the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. A generous donor to WASM and mentor to many mining leaders, Sir Arvi was a true Champion of WASM whose legacy continues through the leaders and initiatives he inspired.