Community
19 September, 2025
Camperdown stalwart farewelled
TRIBUTES have flowed for Camperdown stalwart Robert Fleming, who spent all of his life giving back to the town he loved and called home all his life.
Mr Fleming died following a period of ill health on August 30, aged 78.
Daughter Nicole Fleming described her father as a “loving husband, adored father and grandfather, lifelong friends to many and devoted community leader”.
“Dad was funny and would make us laugh by making a smart comment,” she said.
“Whenever we went somewhere, it didn’t matter where it was, he would always run into someone he knew or went to school with.
“Dad has always been involved in the Camperdown community and it was just a normal part of life for us.
“It was a value passed down to us from him and we strive in our adult lives now to help others in our community.”
Born in Camperdown in 1947, Mr Fleming dedicated his whole life to giving back to the town he called home.
“It is only as we have grown up, and now especially with his passing that we are realising the full extent of his contribution to the town that he loved,” Nicole said.
“The only town he ever lived in.”
Mr Fleming’s dedication to Camperdown ranged from cycling in local bicycle races to representing his community as mayor in 1982.
He served on the Town of Camperdown as a councillor for 11 years, and achievements during his tenure on council included improving the war memorial site, installing an automated watering system in the avenue in Manifold Street, opening the library and senior citizens centre, improving the streetscape of Camperdown and implementing the town square.
Corangamite Shire Council Gnotuk Ward councillor Ruth Gstrein said Mr Fleming spent his life serving his community.
“Rob was dedicated to his family and, with his wife Chrissy by his side, he championed the role of voluntary service,” she said.
“Rob was involved in many facets of community life, but he was part of the driving force to establish the original Apex Park.
“When the new development at the park was proposed he and Chrissy attended both public meetings and became part of the Project Steering Group.
“Rob was elected to the Town of Camperdown Council and served as mayor – he also ran again for Corangamite Shire in 2012.
“The Camperdown Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was held at the Fleming home for more than 30 years raising valuable funds for the hospital. Rob’s daughter, Kellie, has her father’s volunteering genes and continues this role.”
Nicole said Mr Fleming was always a hard worker, whether he worked at Prosser’s or as part of the many community groups he was a part of.
“He worked as the Autobody Workshop manager for Prosser’s in Camperdown but also managed other parts of the business as well – Cobden Panels, a service station in Terang and rental bus business ‘Group Hire n Drive’ – for 30 years before taking over the business as the owner,” she said.
“He loved his tow truck and the bright green colour lima mint which it is painted in.
“Dad always had Grant busy painting all his stuff for all the community groups he was involved with like the Lions Club Merry-Go-round or Christmas decorations to hang up the main street.
“He was also involved in the Camperdown SES and was their first controller between 1979 and 1981.
“He delivered meals on wheels and was on various committees including Advance Camperdown and played a significant role in establishing the Camperdown Branch of the Community Bank.”
In addition, Mr Fleming was also part of the creation of Apex Park, officially opened the Camperdown Museum as mayor and transformed the Courthouse into the tourist information centre it is today.
“Dad was also the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal Coordinator in Camperdown for 41 years and helped raise many thousands of dollars each year, a legacy which my sister Kellie has now taken over,” Nicole said.
Nicole said cars were also a passion of Mr Fleming’s, evident when he bought out Prosser’s in 1998 and remained working there until 2009.
“Dad always loved cars and, on my count, he owed more than 12 cars over the years,” she said.
“From his first car, a Maroon Austin 10, to later his Red Fairlane to his last car his black Chrysler.
“He was also the founding member and president for many years of the Western Victoria Holden Car Club.
“Cars was a passion that he shared with my brother Grant.”
His passion for cars was also visible in the orange car – numbered 22 – which he raced at the Premier Speedway.
He is survived by wife of 54 years Chrissy, children Nicole, Kellie, Michelle and Grant and eight grandchildren.
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