Family background
Albert Dunning was born in 1876 in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, son of John Dunning and Julia Coy. With his parents and siblings he immigrated to Australia, arriving on 13 November 1882 on the ship ’Bann’. Dunning married Alice Maud Bennett (1871-1945) on 28 January 1903 in Waterloo, NSW. There were six children. He died at his residence 110 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery on 14 June 1946, aged 69 years. He was cremated at Botany Crematorium and his ashes were interred with his wife in the Old Church of England Section of Rookwood Cemetery. Albert Dunning left a Will and his estate and assets were assessed at £6,031. He lived at 754 Botany Road, Alexandria (1920) and Dunning Avenue, Rosebery (1930).
Occupation & interests
After leaving Waterloo Public School Albert Dunning was technically trained by his father in building and bricklaying, and later took a three year’s course in business principles. His practical knowledge enabled him to institute many improvements in the municipality, particularly in connection with the Town Planning Association work on the Rosebery Estate. Albert Dunning stood as a National Coalitionist for the Botany Electorate at the 1922 Council Elections.
Community activity
In the early years of the South Sydney Hospital Albert Dunning was a member of the committee and was one of the prime movers in the formation of the Waterloo Parents and Citizens Association. He was a staunch advocate for extending the water and sewerage to Waterloo and extending the tramline to Zetland. Albert Dunning was a justice of the peace (JP). With the declaration of war in August 1914 Mayor Dunning’s proposal was accepted that the Town Hall and Waterloo parks be placed at the disposal of the military authorities.
Local government service
Albert Dunning was an alderman on Waterloo Council in 1911-25 and 1932-34 representing South Ward. He was mayor in 1914. His father John Dunning also served on Waterloo Council.
References
‘Municipal Elections’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 January 1911, p. 10, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15233668
‘New Mayors’, Evening News, 14 February 1914, p. 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114501975
‘Loyal Council’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 August 1914, p.14, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15528522