Cochrane Park is named for Leslie James Cochrane who was born in Bentleigh in 1894 and moved to Caldermeade c1902 with parents David and Lucy Cochrane. At the age of 21 Leslie Cochrane enlisted, serving in the 46th Infantry Battalion in France. In 1918 he returned to Australia and married Ivy Wildes of Yannathan.
Leslie and Ivy lived on a soldier settlement block in Koo Wee Rup and involved themselves in their community. Leslie Cochrane served on the Cranbourne Shire Council from 1930 to 1964. He also represented Gippsland West in the Legislative Assembly from May 1950 to May 1970 for the County Party, holding many parliamentary positions including ‘whip’ from 1961 until 1970. President of the Westernport Memorial Hospital Board, and Life Member of the RSL, Past Master of the Koo Wee Rup Masonic Lodge and Elder of the Presbyterian Church, it was no wonder he was awarded an OBE in 1971.
Leslie James Cochrane died on 25 April, 1972.
Home of:
Reference:
Leslie and Ivy Cochrane by Heather Arnold in Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Inc. Newsletter No 336 May 2012
Surveyed on: 16 July 2012
Surveyed by: Fay and Anne
Koo Wee Rup VIC 3981, Australia
Leave a Comment