Obituary: Trevor William Plumb (1921–2004)

Summary

This obituary commemorates Trevor William Plumb (1921–2004), a foundation member of the Institute of Australian Geographers and an influential contributor to post-war Australian geography. After wartime service in the Royal Australian Air Force, Plumb studied geography and geology through a veterans’ rehabilitation scheme. As editor of the Atlas of Australian Resources in the Department of National Mapping, he organised expanding knowledge of Australia’s population, landscapes and resources into an internationally acclaimed publication. Following retirement, he served as cartographic editor of the Australian Historical Atlas, earning the Institute’s Professional Service Award in 1987. He also helped establish Canberra’s University of the Third Age as a course coordinator, teacher and mentor. Honoured by the Australian government, Plumb is remembered for accuracy, organisational skill and sustained service to geographical scholarship and lifelong learning.