HRCC pays tribute after passing of Cr Bob Redden

Published on 09 August 2024

Horsham Rural City Council has paid tribute to Cr Bob Redden who passed away suddenly on Thursday.

Following a vacancy within Council, Cr Redden was elected in September 2022.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the 81-year-old would be remembered for his significant contributions to the Wimmera through council, his work in agricultural science and as a community volunteer. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cr Bob Redden. All of us at Horsham Rural City Council would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife Virginia, family, friends and wider community that knew and cherished Bob,” Cr Gulline said.

“Bob was a gentleman. He was also a committed and level-headed councillor and his life experience and esteemed career were valuable assets for him during his time with council.

“He was passionate about advocating for and providing good services and infrastructure for the local community,” she said.

The former seed curator and non-fiction writer had lived in the region since 2001 when he became Victorian Genebank curator for legumes and oilseed crops at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park.

Born in South Australia, he had lived interstate and overseas and had travelled extensively overseas throughout his esteemed career.

He was involved in local community groups such as Horsham East Rotary Club and Horsham and District University of the Third Age, U3A – including their committees – and was Horsham Liberal Party president.  

While Cr Redden's death creates an extraordinary vacancy, a countback or by-election will not be conducted.

The cutoff date for a countback to be conducted before the local government elections is 30 June 2024. After this date the Victorian Electoral Council will not conduct a countback to fill the vacant role.