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Biography

The Rise and Fall of Frank Arkell

By: Erik Eklund

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Paperback | 4 March 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
286 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.39 x 15.6 x 1.52

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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 ...

'A compelling biography ... Eklund provides a nuanced exploration of Arkell's relentless efforts to transform Wollongong from a 'steel city' to the 'Leisure Coast', as well as his connections to an extensive paedophile network exposed during the 1997 Wood Royal Commission ...'

- Associate Professor Jayne Persian, University of Southern Queensland

'Eklund discloses the tragic consequences of unbridled male lust, deep social inequality and unaccountable class power ... we have here a shocking story of sexual abuse and official corruption that brought untold suffering, political disgrace and, in the end, a brutal murder.'

- Professor Frank Bongiorno AM, author of Dreamers and Schemers: The Political History of Australia

Shortlisted, NSW History Awards, NSW Community and Regional History Prize, 2025

Longlisted, The Australian Political Book of the Year, 2025

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