Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

William Richard (Bill) Wilson (c. 1942–2021)

by David Carment

Dr William Richard (Bill) Wilson ( - 2021)

Bill Wilson, a former President and Council member of the Historical Society of the Northern Territory, died in Victoria in February 2021.

Born in England, Bill was a British Army soldier before becoming a Northern Territory Police Force officer. After receiving the Australian Police Medal in 1994 and retiring from the police as an Assistant Commissioner in 1996, he graduated with a first class honours degree and a doctorate in History from Northern Territory University (now Charles Darwin University). He was subsequently a Lecturer in History and Politics at the university before retiring for a second time in 2007 as its Senior Adviser in Support and Equity. His theses and some of his publications were on Territory police history but he also published on other topics, including the history of the Territory’s Red Cross and Territory politics. Following his move to Beechworth in Victoria he remained active as a professional historian. His historical work was highly regarded.

Bill was an energetic and most effective contributor to Territory community organisations. In addition to the Historical Society, these included other historical associations, the Red Cross and volunteer fire fighting. In 2002 he received the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the community.

I am sure Historical Society members will want to join me in extending sincere sympathy to Bill’s wife Pat.

Original publication

View the list of ADB articles written by William Richard (Bill) Wilson

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

David Carment, 'Wilson, William Richard (Bill) (c. 1942–2021)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/wilson-william-richard-bill-31596/text39065, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

c. 1942
Yorkshire, England

Death

February, 2021 (aged ~ 79)
Beechworth, Victoria, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Education
Occupation
Awards
Key Organisations
Workplaces