[3][4] Charles Maclurcan (1889-1957) was an electrical engineer and he used the flat roof of the Wentworth Hotel for his pioneering experiments in wireless transmission.
His most memorable achievement at school in fact was the notoriety he attracted when, with two friends, he hung a dummy in 1934 over the newly completed Sydney Harbour Bridge which prank garnered news paper coverage.
In 1939, he enlisted in the Militia as a despatch rider and whilst unofficially engaged to Margaret, any thought of marriage was placed in abeyance.
In New Guinea, he worked in Port Moresby then walked from Kokoda to Soputa, supervising the maintenance of the roads and bridges whilst being bombed by the Japanese.
He was also President of the Illuminating Engineers (NSW then Australia)[9] in 1952, a member of the Catholic Building and Finance Committee and the first Chairman of the newly formed Zoological Parks Board of NSW[10] from 1973 to 1976, in which capacity he visited major zoos around the world in 1973 to study their design and administration.
Some years earlier, he was recognised by the Catholic Church for his advisory work by being appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Gregory.
For over 10 years he was President of the Ski Council and in 1960, he acted as Chef de Mission and General Manager[11] of the Australian Viii[12] Olympic Winter Team in Squaw Valley.
At the same time, he owned a succession of sports cars, including four Bristols, an Aston Martin, MGs and a Riley.
He continued to race until 1990 culminating with the recognition of "Yachtsman of the Year" at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Annual Prize Giving.