Joseph Carrodus facts for kids

Joseph Aloysius Carrodus CBE (born 3 September 1885 – died 8 April 1961) was an important Australian public servant. A public servant is someone who works for the government to help run the country. He held high-ranking positions in different government departments.

Joseph Carrodus's Early Life & Career

Growing Up in Melbourne

Joseph Carrodus was born on 3 September 1885. His birthplace was Richmond, a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. He went to school at St. Patrick's College in East Melbourne. Later, he studied at the University of Melbourne.

Starting His Government Work

In 1904, Joseph Carrodus began his career with the government. He joined the Department of External Affairs. This was not long after he finished school.

Serving in World War I

During World War I, Joseph Carrodus joined the Australian Imperial Force. He signed up in February 1916. He left Melbourne in June 1916 on a ship called HMAT A34 Persic. He went to France to fight as an infantry captain. He returned to Australia on 27 May 1919. After the war, he joined the Department of Home and Territories as a clerk.

Family Life

On 14 March 1923, Joseph Carrodus married Mabel Florence Maud. They later moved to Canberra in 1927, which is the capital city of Australia.

Joseph Carrodus's Later Career & Life

Working in the Northern Territory

From April to October 1934, Joseph Carrodus worked as the Acting Administrator of the Northern Territory. This meant he was temporarily in charge of running the area. While he was there, he realized how different the inland parts of the Northern Territory were from the city of Darwin.

When he came back to Canberra, he wrote a report. He suggested that the Administrator and other leaders should visit the inland areas often. He believed that "Darwin is not the Territory, it gives no indication of the conditions prevailing inland."

Leading Government Departments

In 1935, Joseph Carrodus became the Secretary of the Department of the Interior (I). A Secretary is the most senior public servant in a government department. He continued in this role when the department changed its name to the Department of the Interior (II). He worked there until he retired from the Australian Public Service in 1949.

Hobbies and Retirement

Joseph Carrodus and his wife Mabel loved gardening. They often attended shows held by the Canberra Horticultural Society.

His Passing

Joseph Carrodus passed away on 8 April 1961. He died in the Canberra Community Hospital. He was buried in the Canberra cemetery.

Awards and Recognition

Joseph Carrodus received an important award in 1939. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognized his excellent work as the Secretary of the Department of the Interior.