12 Facts About Russell Dumas

Sir Russell John Dumas KBE, CMG was a public servant and engineer who led several large works projects in Western Australia.

Russell Dumas started work as a draughtsman in the Engineer-in-Chief's Department in 1910, then became a drainage-works designer at Naracoorte.

Russell Dumas enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916, and served on the Western Front in France from 1917 to 1918.

Russell Dumas became lieutenant and was wounded twice; his service ended on 16 November 1919.

Russell Dumas returned to his job at Naracoorte, and was promoted to resident engineer in 1923.

In 1934, Russell Dumas became chief engineer at the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Department and led the design and construction of the Canning, Samson Brook and Stirling dams.

Russell Dumas became the head of engineering at the Public Works Department in 1941.

Russell Dumas proposed a water supply scheme for the Wheatbelt region that involved raising Mundaring Weir and Wellington Dam.

Russell Dumas negotiated with the Federal government and obtained funding for the project.

Russell Dumas was involved in the Ord River Scheme from early on.

Russell Dumas was responsible for extensive land development in the district governed by the Albany Zone Development Committee, and negotiated the establishment of an oil refinery, steel rolling mill and cement works at Kwinana.

Russell Dumas died on 10 August 1975 in Albany, Western Australia.