Frank Arkell (1929–1998) was the most successful politician of his generation; an Independent who served as Wollongong's Lord Mayor (1974–1991) and state member (1984–1991). Arkell dominated Wollongong public life with unstoppable energy, eccentric flair, and a single-minded determination to support the city through economic restructuring. Despite his popularity, at the edges of public consciousness there was growing disquiet over Arkell’s private life …
By:
Erik Eklund
Imprint: ANU Press
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781760466794
ISBN 10: 1760466794
Series: Biography Series
Publication Date: 06 March 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
List of plates Abbreviations A note about currency Acknowledgements Introduction: 'Both a devil and a saint at the same time'—The life of Frank Arkell Family and kin: Growing up in Port Kembla and Steeltown School, family business and real estate ‘For the betterment of Wollongong’: From new alderman to long-serving mayor, 1965–1981 ‘Life in the city of Wollongong is never dull’: Local and state politics, 1981–1988 ‘A mindless vendetta against me’: Declining popularity and increasing frustration, 1985–1991 ‘Attempting to sell people a dream’: Business dealings, networks and influence ‘Wonderful, wonderful Wollongong’? Arkell’s vision for a post-industrial city ‘Commander Hook’ and the Wollongong paedophile network Public and private: The evidence, the allegations, the charges A wide and diverse network of abuse The University of Wollongong and its paedophile past ‘People don’t wave anymore’: The diminishing years ‘Our brother Frank was suddenly and violently taken from us’: The death of Frank Arkell ‘Wollongong is the ""W"" in NSW’: Frank Arkell’s political record ‘I would rather him face the courts’: The aftermath and the legacy Afterword Arkell family tree Frank Arkell: Timeline Bibliography
