Nationality Australian Occupation Public servant | Name John Cumpston | |
Full Name John Howard Lidgett Cumpston Born 19 June 1880South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ( 1880-06-19 ) Died 9 October 1954(1954-10-09) (aged 74)Forrest, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Alma mater | ||
John Howard Lidgett Cumpston (19 June 1890 – 9 October 1954) was a senior Australian public servant, and first Director-General of the Department of Health.
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Life and career
John Cumpston was born in South Yarra, Melbourne on 19 June 1880, to parents Elizabeth Cumpston (née Newman) and George William Cumpston. He attended Wesley College for schooling, and went on to study at the University of Melbourne.
In 1921, he was appointed the first Director-General of the Australian Government's Department of Health. Cumpston retired in May 1945, ahead of his term expiring on 18 June that year.
In 1949, he accepted a position in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon), advising on the introduction of a new health scheme for the country.
Cumpston died in Forrest, Canberra on 9 October 1954, and was cremated.
Awards
In March 1929, Cumpston was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for services as Director-General of Health and Quarantine.