Frank McMillan left his mark on the community by serving with distinction in the NSW Police Force. He further left his mark in the sporting world by producing an outstanding rugby league player in son Frank Junior. Frank Senior was a popular bloke in town and his sudden passing left Campbelltown in shock.
Franklin Cutbush McMillan was born on 15 August 1868 at Mount Lydia Farm, Uralla, in the New England area. He entered the Police Force at the age of 21, with the old Belmore Police Barracks where Central Station is now his first posting. Not long after in 1892, he was sent to keep order at Broken Hill when the miner's strike broke out. He also spent time at other remote locations such as Wilcannia and White Cliffs.
He quickly worked his way up to 1st Class Sergeant where he was stationed at Parramatta. He then received a transfer to Campbelltown in 1917 after a "splendidly representative gathering" at Jubilee Hall in Parramatta. Their loss was Campbelltown's gain.
After spending some years in Campbelltown as an Inspector, Frank was then transferred to Bourke and then Young. Huge farewells followed in both towns again. In his Young farewell they called him "one of the grandest gentlemen in the service. Duty first and pleasure afterwards was the lesson he always taught younger policeman.
In 1927 Frank McMillan retired from the police force and made his way back to Campbelltown. This indicated his affection for the town and what must have been enjoyable years experienced here.
Frank Cutbush McMillan (Photo from Michelle Delaney Collection)
Frank was the father of an Australian rugby league player and coach by the same name. Nicknamed "Skinny", Frank McMillan was a full-back and played nine tests between 1929 and 1934, two as captain. He has been named as one of Australia's finest players. He played for Western Suburbs and captain-coached them to the 1934 premiership. He was the first coach of the newly formed Parramatta club in 1947. Sport appears to have run in the family. Frank senior was a bowls enthusiast and very good player.
Frank McMillan (Photo from Michelle Delaney Collection)
Frank senior died on 28 April 1932 after suffering a heart attack at his home on the corner of Moore and Cordeaux Streets. He was aged 63 and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery.
