Vibert McKirdy Brown

He was born in South Africa c.1887, but by 1916 was living in north Queensland where he enlisted and served in the army during World War I, listing his pre-war trade as "contractor".

Characteristics of Brown's works include art deco and simplified classical style ornamentation, particularly raised banding on facades.

[2] He also designed several buildings for the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia, including their club rooms on the Esplanade in Cairns (1938).

In his home town of Atherton, Brown designed many civic and commercial buildings, including the Tinaroo Shire Council Chambers (1928), various shops, and the Grand Hotel (1933) on the corner of Main and Vernon streets.

In Mossman, he designed the heritage-listed Exchange Hotel (1934), the former Jack and Newell Building (1936), which stands opposite the Exchange Hotel on the corner of Mossman Street, Mill Street and Junction Road.