Frank Kenworthy
KENWORTHY, Frank M, BSc(Eng) BE LLB AMICE(London) MIEAust GradIMechE (London) (1899-1976)
Frank was born in Perth, on January 10, 1899. He was the eldest surviving son of accountant Frank Andrew Murray Kenworthy and his wife Mary Ann (Annie) Morrison.
In September 1914, Frank was one of the successful candidates in the WA Public Service entrance examination. On January 1, 1915, he joined the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Department (MWSSDD) as a Junior Draftsman. In 1917 he commenced an Engineering Degree at the University of Western Australia (UWA), graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in April 1921 and a Bachelor of Engineering in April 1922.
Frank was appointed as an Assistant Engineer with the MWSSDD from March 1, 1923. By 1925, he was Resident Engineer on the Subiaco (Shenton Park) Waste Water Treatment Works. Other major projects included Buckland Hill Reservoir (1935) and further expansion of the Subiaco Waste Water Treatment Works (1936). From May 19, 1941, he was Principal Assistant Engineer MWSSDD.
On June 29, 1926, he married Muriel Edith La Roche, at St Mary’s Church, Perth. They had two children, Frank Neil (Neil) Lennard Kenworthy (born 1927) and Lesley Muriel Kenworthy (born 1935).
In April 1934, Frank graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from UWA. He also completed a graduate course at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London.
From December 1941 to September 1942, Frank enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces. He then enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force rising to the rank of Major. He served in Moratai, Borneo and Balikpapan. He was demobilised on October 29,1945.
Muriel Kenworthy died in 1946, and Frank married, secondly, pioneering lawyer and naval officer Shiela Mary Campbell McClemans.
In April 1954, Frank was promoted to Chief Engineer MWSSDD. He held this position until 1963 when the MWSSDD was restructured into the Metropolitan Water Board (MWB). Frank was appointed to the inaugural Board of the MWB.
In 1927, Frank became an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (London). He became a Student Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia in 1920, becoming a Junior Member in 1924, an Associate Member in 1925 and a full Member in 1939. He was WA Division Chairman in 1948. He played a key role in organising the National Conference in Perth between March 23 to 31 in 1949.
Frank’s son, Neil Kenworthy, also graduated from UWA with a Bachelor of Engineering.
Frank died on June 26,1976, aged 76, at Shenton Park, Perth. He was predeceased by his first wife Muriel in 1946. He was survived by his second wife Shiela and his children Neil and Lesley.
Compiled by Chris Fitzhardinge, January 22, 2025
References:
West Australian, 5.12.1917, p. 7.
Albany Advertiser,14.7.1926, p. 3.
West Australian, 4.2.1927, p. 10.
WA Public Service Lists, 1916, 1924, 1940, 1954
West Australian, 14.4.1954, p. 10.
Canberra Times, 28.9.1963, p. 2.
