Peter Draper

ICAN Coordinator

Peter Draper was elected as the Independent Member for Tamworth in March 2003.

Peter is 47 years old. He has been married to Tamworth born school teacher Sharon (nee Blanch) for almost 22 years. The couple has two children Ben (10) and Eliza (6).

Peter attended Quirindi High School and lived at Walhollow Aboriginal Mission where his father was Principal and Manager.

He worked for HarperCollins Publishers for 16+ years, the last eight in Sydney where he was National Marketing Manager for the company.

When son Ben was born, both Peter and Sharon agreed that Sydney was no place to raise a family, so they moved to their small irrigation property near Dungowan where Eliza was born.

• Peter was Regional Manager for Hazelton Airlines for three years, during which time he supported many sporting groups, cultural events, community fundraising and individuals who achieved high standards or needed assistance. Peter adopted a "community first" approach as his philosophy for success.
• Peter was a member of Parry Shire Tourism Committee 2001-2002.
• Armidale Development Corporation Tourism Board Member 2001.
• President of Tamworth Police & Community Youth Club 2001/2002 (until the election).
• Peter devised and implemented a Hazelton Airlines fundraising scheme that raised $80,000 to heat Scully Park Pool in Tamworth.
• He is a member of Dungowan Progress Association, which runs two campdrafts annually.
• A member of the Dungowan Lions club which formed in 2004 .
• A founding Committee Member of Dungowan & District Rugby League Football Club, Peter still retains his Committee membership, and is an active participant in club activities. The club has grown strongly during the last five years, contesting two Grand Finals and making the semi-finals every year. The Cowboys have successfully promoted junior football with some 90 children now playing for the club.
• Peter co-ordinated fundraising at the Dungowan Tavern that has raised over $75,000 to help local schools, hall committees, bush fire brigade, tennis club, football club, and other good causes such as $6500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
• Peter is very concerned about problems within the health system, inadequate resourcing of public education, rural job opportunities, the current level of Police resources, natural resource management, declining rural populations, competition in rural air services, and a range of youth issues.
• Peter will work with both sides of politics regardless of who is in power.
• Peter is working closely with other Country Independents, but the needs of the Electorate of Tamworth always take priority. He believes firmly in the ability of rural communities to regenerate and prosper if provided with strong leadership.

Peter’s website can be accessed at: www.peterdraper.com.au.