Robert Bruce Plowman

Robert Bruce Plowman (25 October 1886 - 26 August 1966) was an Australian Presbyterian missionary who worked as a patrol padre, under John Flynn, in Central Australia between 1912 and 1917. He also published three books about his experiences in this work and one novel.

Early life and ministry Plowman was born in South Melbourne to William and Margaret Plowman and, due to family circumstances, he left school at the age of eleven to support them. It is not known what work he undertook during this period but in around 1909, at the age of 23, he was able to enroll in Scotch College so that he could study for acceptance into the ministry training through the Presbyterian church. He was unable to complete these subjects due to a lack of money and, instead, applied to become a home missionary which did not require them same qualifications. He was accepted and, soon after, appointed to a parish in Balmoral in regional Victoria. This immediately interested Plowman and he sought out an immediate appointment, in a voluntary capacity, for the next five years.

Plowman's first appointment with Flynn was at the Smith of Dunesk Mission in Beltana, in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Here he worked on semi-patrol and visited the people living in the surrounding regions including miners and pastoralists. Later the pair moved to Bendigo, back in Victoria, where he worked as a real estate agent and was involved in other business ventures. These are:

The man from Oodnadatta (1933). Camel pads (1935). The boundary rider (1935).

He additionally wrote a novel entitled: Larapinta (1939).

Plowman continued to be involved in the church and served as an Elder and lay preacher.

Legacy The following places in Alice Springs are named for Plowman:

Bruce Street in Gillen, Northern Territory. Plowman Park in Gillen, Northern Territory. Plowman Street in Araluen, Northern Territory.