Sir Wilfred Deakin Brookes

CBE, DSO, AEA, Hon. Litt D (Deakin) 1906-1997

Wilfred Brookes was a man who contributed to Australia in many areas – in business, the armed services, politics and community service.

In 1924 he was a trainee cadet at the Australasian Paper and Pulp Co. Ltd., studying science at Melbourne University. He joined the Citizen Air Force as an officer cadet stationed at Point Cook and in 1926, after receiving his Wings, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. He moved to the UK in 1927 to study paper-making technology and while there served with the RAF reserve.

In 1928 Wilfred married Betty Heal and the couple returned to Melbourne where he resumed his work with the paper mills, holding several senior management positions. Their son, Roger, was born the following year.

With the outbreak of World War II, Wilfred Brookes turned from business to military pursuits, serving with the RAAF in Singapore and New Guinea as well as in Australia. He distinguished himself in his command of the 22nd and 24th Squadrons and was awarded the DSO for leadership in 1945.

On his return to civilian life, Wilfred was appointed as a director on the board of Associated Pulp and Paper Mills, Ltd and held the position Chairman of the Board from 1952 until his retirement in 1978. During this period, he was involved with the boards of many of companies, among them New Coolgardie Gold Mines, Broken Hill South, Alcoa and Colonial Mutual Life Assurance, H. C. Sleigh, Ltd. and the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Ltd. He retired from most of the boards on which he was still serving in 1978.

He received a knighthood in 1979 for services to industry.

In addition to his business roles, Sir Wilfred played an active role in community affairs, continuing to do so after his retirement. He held leadership roles in the Liberal Party, the Institute of Public Affairs, the Edward Wilson Trust and the Corps of Commissionaires. He was Chairman of the Deakin University Foundation and was a patron of the university. In that role, Sir Wilfred was instrumental in the University’s acquisition of a mace, the ornate ceremonial staff presented at each graduation. The Brookes Oration, which commenced in 2006, recognises the role of Sir Wilfred and the continuing connection between the Brookes family and Deakin University.