Ask most folks in Mossel Bay and they will agree that the name Robin Seabrook is synonymous with the Garden Route Casino and moreover, also its social responsibility arm, the Casino Community Trust.
Now, after 12 years as General Manager, growing the casino from the ground up to where it proudly stands today as an entertainment hot spot, not only for Mossel Bay but rest of the Garden Route, Rob is taking on a brand new challenge.
From 1 January, he will be taking up the reigns as General Manager at Hemingways Casino in East London.
He chuckles explaining how he arrived in the Garden Route as a 'youngster' from Johannesburg aged only 30, but despite being focused as a Chartered Accountant to set up this new casino for Gold Reef Resorts, he immediately lost his heart to the Garden Route.
He explains that the casino was built on risk, not knowing if they'd be the only development sitting on the edge of those southern ridges of Mossel Bay.
"When I first came here, the only way to a access parts of the property was by 4x4. That is why it is so great to see how far not only the casino, but Mossel Bay has come in terms of development."
"Twelve years ago, some people in the community were very apprehensive of a casino being set up in Mossel Bay. Hence, for me, it was vital to have it strongly linked to community development, which is what we achieved through the Casino's Community Trust."
He continues speaking of many examples of the journey where the Trust is considered, of visiting the organisations, people and communities where funds were needed and monitoring their progress.
Rob speaks with fondness of his relationship with Michael Carelse, former Mayor of Mossel Bay, who he sees as a man with a big heart for community. He equally values the hand in glove relationship with the Mossel Bay Municipality.
"That is why I can never call the Garden Route anything else but home, because my kids were born here."
As for the casino, Rob states that it is run exceptionally ethically.
He lists safety and security as being a prime focus and he relays many stories proving how the surveillance team has their finger on the pulse of the casino.
Currently offering employment to around 300 locals, the casino has made its impact in the community. Moreover, Rob explains that many a successful career in the gaming and entertainment industry was launched at the Garden Route Casino.
"With salaries being slightly lower in Mossel Bay, we sensed that we'd become a feeder for other casino's in the country. So we decided, let's then train people up properly. Today we boast many former employees working on international platforms, who still support family members in Mossel Bay financially."
In wrapping up, Rob says that apart from being a nature lover's paradise, it is the people who crossed his path during the past 12 years that made Mossel Bay home.
"This is my home and ultimately where I would want to live out my days."
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