Historical information

This is a photograph of John Draffin and his family. John Draffin was for a time the Orbost Shire Secretary.
John Draffin came to Australia as a child with his parents from the north of Ireland . He came to Orbost in 1894 and was Shire Secretary from then until 1910 He had four children: Andrina, Eva, George, Maggie, Sally and Nellie.
"Mr Draffin was 67 years of age when he died. He had for many years been engaged in farming pursuits, and at one time held the position of champion plough- man of Victoria. In his younger days he used to make it his boast- that although he was a small man he could do as much work as a big one Some thirty odd years ago be took up
land in South Gippsland, but in 1895 gave up farming, and was appointed secretary to the Orbost shire, a position which he held until he was compelled by failing health to resign." - from Snowy River Mail 1 August 1912.

Significance

John Draffin was a prominent Orbost citizen involved in many community activities.

Physical description

A black / white studio photograph of a family - mother father and six children. The parents are seated with the youngest child, other children are standing.