Mr Louis Edward Shapcott
- Position
- Member Centenary Committee
- Year of death
- 1950
- Plaque number
- FB28
- Dedicated by
- Kings Park Board on 29 September 1929
- More information
Biography abstract:
Louis Edward Shapcott (7/6/1877 - 23/5/1950) was born in Kingston, Victoria and worked on pastoral properties as a youth and as a show-troupe boxer around Bendigo and Ballarat.
He came to Western Australia in 1897 and joined the Department of Mines in 1899. He went to night school, taking diverse subjects such as French, chemistry, shorthand and typing - all of which benefitted him in his public service career.
In 1914, Shapcott was appointed to the Premiers' Department. From 1914-41, he had served seven Premiers. In 1918, he was made an officer of the French Academy.
He was on the State Gardens Board, holding the position of chairman for many years. In this capacity, from 1920s onward he ensured that Perth foreshore was protected, he conceived the idea of developing Yanchep Park 'as a modern tourist resort' and he spent many weekends personally working there.
He tended to regard the State Gardens Board as his personal empire and tried to retain the National Parks as natural as possible.
He was also president of the Zoological and Acclimatisation Committee and a foundation member of the Civic Defence Council (where he was director 1941-42).
Mr Louis Shapcott was a member of the Western Australian Centenary Committee in 1929.