By Ashok Verma
Robert ‘Bob’ Draper
February 1937-February 1 2026
A MUCH-LOVED Whittlesea local, Robert ‘Bob’ Draper, who devoted his life to serving the region with many hats on, is being farewelled this morning.
After a life full of glorious achievements and selfless service to Whittlesea Agricultural Society and Show for more than 40 years, Robert died on February 1, just a week from his 89th birthday.
Remembering Robert with great affection, Whittlesea Agricultural Society past president and life member Judy Clements said he made a lasting contribution to the local community.
“He was very motivated and absolutely committed to the society and the Whittlesea Show, and his passion was to promote education and helping people to understand the early farming history.
“He has been a driving force behind the Pioneer Pavilion project. He was passionate about history, farming, and horse-drawn vehicles. The Pioneer Pavilion houses has horse-drawn vehicles and implements that were typical of those used by Whittlesea district farmers from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. It’s an extraordinary collection of items that are very significant in telling the story of the farming history.
“The pavilion is an absolutely wonderful legacy that Robert leaves for the region and for the education and enjoyment by future generations as it has this important 100 years’ history of this district that was the food bowls of Victoria.”
The Draper family has a long and proud connection with the region, being farmers across many generations in the Arthur’s Creek area and general Whittlesea district. The family has fourth and fifth generation founding members still actively involved with the Whittlesea Show in various roles.
Mrs Clements said Robert became involved with the society more than 40 years ago, but his family has had connections with the society prior to that.
She said he joined the society as a counsellor, and held a number of positions, including a member of the executive horse committee.
He became president in 2008-2009, when society marked the 150th year milestone.
“The year 2009 was very busy and special and Robert shaped and directed the 150th celebrations. We also had the then Governor Professor David de Kretser as the official guest. The year also was very significant because during that time, there was great recognition of the history of the organisation. There was also the unveiling of a very significant old horse-drawn plow that had been used to work the ground where the agricultural society now sits,” Mrs Clements said.
Whittlesea Review and North Central Review Director Wally Mott said Robert had a passionate interest in the history of farming in the district. Farming was hard work and the Drapers were good at it.
During his association with the Show, he was presented with a 40 years’ service badge in 2022.
In 2021, Robert was made a life member in recognition of his service to the Society. Later, he was appointed the Secretary of the Society which he resigned in 2024.
Robert was also a member of the Whittlesea Showgrounds Recreation Reserve Committee of Management representing the Show Society.
Mr Mott said Robert had a collection of horse-drawn vehicles at his property, and had a vision to show his collection to the public.
Robert decided that the Society needed a pavilion to display these vehicles, so he gifted the Pioneer Pavilion to the Society. At the same time, he was in collector mode travelling to purchase horse-drawn vehicles to add to his collection.
Mr Mott said Robert had gathered a fabulous collection of horse drawn vehicles – horse-drawn machinery and memorabilia to depict farm life of the pioneers. Others also supplied vehicles when word got out about the Pioneer Display.
Robert became the Superintendent of the Pioneer Pavilion when it opened for the 2024 Show. Since that first opening, he added extra vehicles, built a replica of a farm kitchen based on what his family had, and added numerous other items that were in use by the pioneers.
There are about 16 horse-drawn vehicles plus horse-drawn farm machinery and memorabilia used by the pioneers.
“This is a collection that would be difficult to reproduce. The Society is fortunate to have this display to educate the public and future generations on what our farming families used on farm,” Mr Mott said.
The Whittlesea Historical Society with Robert’s assistance have come on board to assist in the management of the Pioneer Pavilion and store their records.
“Robert was passionate and committed to this project and on behalf of the Society I thank him for his drive and determination in getting the Pioneer Pavilion to where it is today, a wonderful legacy from Bob Draper.”
Robert was also involved at the Society as member of Executive Council, Ring Master of the main arena, refuse collection assistant and superintendent, arena co-coordinator and gifted a dray to the Heritage Pavilion which was fully restored for the 150th Show. He was a great contributor to the Agricultural Society,” Mr Mott said.
Robert served with Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) and retired as Major. After retirement, his mission was to serve Whittlesea.
He was also a long-time member of the Whittlesea Historical Society (WHS).
In a tribute on Facebook, WHS said: “We were saddened to hear of the passing of Robert ‘Bob’ Draper, one of our members and a well-known member of the local community. We express our sincere condolences to the family.”
In a Facebook tribute, the Whittlesea Agricultural Society said it is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert (Bob) Draper.
“Our sincere condolences are extended to Jenny and family during this difficult time.”
On its website, the Australian Army’s Corps of Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) said Robert retired as Major, and was awarded the Governor-General’s Medal.
• Robert’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 10am at Arthurs Creek Hall, followed by burial at Arthurs Creek Cemetery. A wake will be held at the Whittlesea Agricultural Society.