Carnamah

Distinguished and Famous people from Carnamah

🌾 Donald Macpherson

Donald Macpherson grew up at Carnamah after his family moved from Toodyay in the late 1860s. He and his brother George became joint proprietors of Carnamah Station following their father's death. Macpherson represented the district on the Upper Irwin Road Board and became a founding member of the Carnamah District Road Board, alongside involvement in numerous local organisations. When he died in 1931, businesses closed as a mark of respect. His family property supplied the town's name, making his story closely entwined with its colonial settlement and civic development.

🏦 Jack Gabbedy

Jack Gabbedy arrived at Carnamah in December 1945 to open a branch of the newly reconstituted Rural and Industries Bank of Western Australia. Country postings suited his interest in farming communities, and he readily joined local activities. Earlier work had involved the group settlement scheme; naval service interrupted his banking career during the war. He later became a bank commissioner, combining practical rural knowledge with administration. Carnamah records the return to civilian work after that service, when establishing a branch meant dealing with people as well as ledgers. His later writing preserved accounts of the settlement world he had known.

🎭 Tony Turner

Tony Turner’s regional banking career included three years at Carnamah, alongside postings to Meekatharra and Pingelly. He kept writing and participating in drama throughout those years, and edited a theatre magazine while reviewing under pen names. His later reputation rested especially on radio plays, using speech, music and sound to create scenes without a stage. After World War II he became an ABC drama producer in Perth. Carnamah’s association is a documented working stay during the period when those skills were developing, giving the town a place in the practical beginnings of an innovative broadcasting career.