Family background
Frank Grenville Pursell was born at Balmain North in 1898, son of Archibald B Pursell and his wife Ada M, née Oxley. In 1932 at Mosman he married Winifred Alvia, daughter of Bertram K and Alvia E Edgar, and had one son and one daughter. He died at hisDelecta Avenueresidence in Mosman on10 December 1984, aged 87, and was privately cremated.
Occupation & interests
Frank Pursell was an insurance broker. He was also a trustee of the Taronga Park Zoo from 1940.
Honours & awards
Frank Pursell was awarded an OBE in 1964.
Local government service
Frank Pursell was an Alderman of the Council of the Municipality of Mosman 1932-41 and became its Mayor in 1939 and 1940.
Pursell was Alderman for Macquarie Ward, 6 December 1941 to 31 December 1950, for Gipps Ward, 2 December 1950 to 4 December 1953, for City (Macquarie) Ward, 5 December 1953 to 4 December 1959 and for Gipps Ward, 5 December 1959 to 30 November 1962. Pursell was a member of the Works Committee, 1942-62, the Health and Recreations Committee, 1942-62 and a member and Vice-Chairman of the Markets Special Committee, 1942-43. He was elected councillor of the Sydney County Council, 1946-49 and served as its Chairman in 1947.
References
City of Sydney Archives: Aldermen’s Files; Photo: CRS 54/18.
Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW: Mosman Municipal Council: official events, PXD 674 No 3