Politics, Pride and Perversion: The Rise and Fall of Frank Arkell

Abstract

Frank Arkell (1929–1998) was the most successful politician of his generation; an Independent who served as Wollongong’s Lord Mayor (1974–1991) and state member (1984–1991). Arkell dominated Wollongong public life with unstoppable energy, eccentric flair, and a single-minded determination to support the city through economic restructuring. Despite his popularity, at the edges of public consciousness there was growing disquiet over Arkell’s private life …

‘A compelling biography … Eklund provides a nuanced exploration of Arkell’s relentless efforts to transform Wollongong from a ‘steel city’ to the ‘Leisure Coast’, as well as his connections to an extensive paedophile network exposed during the 1997 Wood Royal Commission …’ — Associate Professor Jayne Persian, University of Southern Queensland

‘Eklund discloses the tragic consequences of unbridled male lust, deep social inequality and unaccountable class power … we have here a shocking story of sexual abuse and official corruption that brought untold suffering, political disgrace and, in the end, a brutal murder.’ ­— Professor Frank Bongiorno AM, author of Dreamers and Schemers: The Political History of Australia

Shortlisted, NSW History Awards, NSW Community and Regional History Prize, 2025 Longlisted, The Australian Political Book of the Year, 2025 Show more