William Palmer

William Palmer was a native of Victoria, born in Melbourne in 1862. While there, he took a prominent role in local government, being particularly interested in sanitation, and was a member of the Melbourne Water and Sewerage Board.

For several years he moved overseas to follow his trade of plumbing engineer, before moving to Dalby in 1911, where he partnered Mr. C. W. Fink in the Downs Plumbing and Manufacturing Co.

William Palmer was not long in Dalby before he renewed his connection with local government, being elected to the Dalby Town Council in 1914 and acting as Chairman of Works. He was elected Mayor in 1916, and again in 1921, officiating until 1924.

During his time in Dalby, William Palmer was president of the Chamber of Commerce and president of the Dalby School of Arts. He was also a valued member of the congregation of the Dalby Methodist Church, often officiating at its services in the capacity of lay preacher. He would also be remembered for the work he had done in connection with the Repatriation Department after WWI.

After his time in Dalby, William Palmer moved his family to Brisbane, and in early December 1928, he accidently drowned in the surf off Bribie Island. He was 66 years old.