Albert Thomas Chapman Cook began his career with the Shire of Broadmeadows in 1909, when the Shire offices were in what is now Westmeadows. He and his wife of two years, Amelia Ethel (née Dunstan), moved into the Secretary’s quarters at the Broadmeadows Shire Office. Cook’s initial salary was £200 per annum. Until 1910, he traveled up to 150 miles a week by horse and bicycle, collecting arrears in rates. His diligent efforts not only improved the Shire’s financial health by eliminating legal fees associated with debt collection but also earned him a permanent £25 bonus. His efficiency and dedication made him indispensable to the Shire. During his tenure, the number of property holders nearly tripled from seven hundred in 1909 to almost two thousand by 1914.
In 1909, Cook persuaded the council to hire W. Murray Pullar, a consulting engineer with whom he had previously worked at Essendon. Pullar played a crucial role in the area’s development, particularly in road maintenance.
In 1915, following the amalgamation of the Shires of Merriang and Broadmeadows, Cook received a salary increase and an allowance for clerical assistance. This merger doubled the area of the Broadmeadows Shire. Cook also enforced the collection of dog license fees in the Merriang Shire, which had not been collected for 25 years.
In 1928, Cook purchased Wannaeue near the Moonee Ponds Creek in Pascoe Vale. The mansion was built by J.M. Peck of Cobb & Co. and was purchased following the death of the latter’s wife. The move was made due to the construction of a new Shire Office on Pascoe Vale Road, opposite the Broadmeadows Station. (The site of Wannaeue is now taken up by the “Red Rooster” restaurant.)
The Great Depression in 1932 prompted Cook to convene a meeting to discuss cost-cutting measures. His proposals included suspending garbage collection, reducing lighting by half, and potentially increasing rates to conserve resources during the economic downturn.
In 1939, Cook announced a campaign to improve service on the Broadmeadows train line, though it was not implemented due to World War II. He also opposed a severance campaign to protect existing council members.
Cook retired in 1948 after 40 years of service, following a period of ill health. He had previously taken a six-month sabbatical and was concerned that continuing to work at the required level would exacerbate his condition.
