Women's Day Feb 22nd 1999
Speaking exclusively to Women's Day in his first - ever interview, Robert says, "I really want to help people. There is so much suffering out there, so many people dying, I'd rather help out then do anything else."
Robert, who will be 18 this year, adds "Even though I've not seen it first hand, I've been involved with some of the charities that Dad's concerned with, and I've seen a lot of disadvantaged kids. It's so sad - and it makes you realise just how lucky you are. " But my main focus is to join the infantry then, hopefully become a peacemaker in war - torn countries, helping out anyone who needs help. That's what I'd love to do."
Although Robert may be leaving the Farnham household soon, he says, "I've been so lucky. We get to ski in Canada, meet interesting people, go see the world - there really is no down side."
But we won't be hearing another voice, even though Robert is rumoured to be blessed with the renowned Farnham tonsils. "I could sing but I choose not to, because I knew I'd always be judged and compared to Dad. That's an area he's unbelievably good at, so I'll leave my singing for the shower.
I've been playing guitar for a couple of years now and I have a garage band called Gherkincised with my best mate Michael Heyblok, but it's exactly that - a garage band - and we only play at friend's parties.
"I like all types of music, "Robert adds. " I like Dad's music, although I don't sit down and listen to it for hours. But I thought The Main Event was brilliant. Anthony Warlow and Olivia were fantastic. And I don't know if this sounds biased or not, but I think Dad stole the show, "the proud son says with a grin.
Pride and Mutual admiration seem to run in the Farnham family. John says, "I'm so proud of both my sons, Robert and James, that I could burst. jill and I are 150 per cent behind whatever they decide to do." Jill agrees."Robert's a good kid, and as long as he's happy, that's all you can ask for. If he wants to try these things, we'll support him all the way and we'll always be there for both of them," she says, her emerald eyes filling with pride.
When asked about the best thing that's ever happened to him, Robert doesn't hesitate. "My brother James. He's gorgeous. He's only 11, but we're really good friends. We go diving on Dad's boat, The Phantom. Our family's not the perfect Brady Bunch - everyone has sibling rivalry, it builds character - but it's all in good fun. We talk about a lot of stuff. We get on really well now . He's great.
"And he has all these girls ringing round already,"Robert says with an irresistible grin. "I'm sure I didn't when I was that young," But Robert does have a girlfriend. "We've been seeing each other for a couple of months, but she's still at school, "he mumbles, too shy to elaborate any further.
Robert's feet are firmly planted on the ground, which seems to be another Farnham characteristics. " I'm saving up to buy a car. It's really important to me, so if modelling can help me get there sooner, that's great. I don't feel nervous about the Myer Parade, because I've already done modelling for the Victor Chang Institute and the Lighthouse Foundation, both very good causes."
From modelling to peacekeeper...... Whatever Robert's vocation becomes, it's obvious that whatever he does, he'll do it well. Another family trait.
Story: Michelle Burke