Charles Paterson
PATERSON, Charles Searl, BE MIEAust MPIA (1902-1967)
Perth City Engineer from 1948 to 1965. WA Division President in 1953. Between 1940-44 worked on defence works out of Darwin.
Charles was born in Perth on April 10,1902, the eldest child of motorman Charles Gammie Paterson and his wife Hannah Paterson, nee Searl. Charles grew up in East Perth and Victoria Park. His Scottish father had come to Western Australia around 1898 and had married in Perth in 1901.
Charles was educated at Perth Boys Central School and in 1915 won a secondary school scholarship to study at Perth Modern School. He completed his Leaving Certificate in 1919. In 1920 he commenced Engineering at the University of Western Australia completing the five year degree in 1924.
As a student Charles worked for the West Australian Government Railways in the Trams Branch from November 1920 to March 1921.
Around 1926, Charles joined the newly created Main Roads Board and commenced work in the south west of the state. In 1927 the Main Roads Board established a Bridgetown District Office and Charles was appointed District Engineer.
On November 5, 1927 he married Cathleen Thelma Matheson at Wesley Church, Perth. They had a son Charles and two daughters Jocelyn and Lesley.
Charles was the successful applicant for the position of Assistant Engineer at the City of Perth with his appointment being confirmed on October 7, 1929.
During World War II he was granted leave of absence, from the City of Perth, to work as Superintending Engineer on defence works in the Northern Territory. Between 1940 and 1944 he worked out of Darwin.
He was appointed Perth City Engineer on June 14, 1948. He led major infrastructure works to develop City Beach and provide facilities for the 1962 Empire Games as well as the massive undertaking of completing Council House. He retired from the position of City Engineer in 1965. He was succeeded by J J Edwards.
In 1933, Charles became an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia and a full Member in 1955. He was WA Division President in 1953.
Charles died on February 22, 1967 aged 64 years. He was survived by his wife Thelma and their children Jocelyn and Lesley.
The southern section of Burswood Park is referred to Charles Paterson Park after Charles Searl Paterson.
References:
West Australian 7.12.1915, p. 8.
West Australian, 8.10.1929, p. 20.
Sunday Times 3.5.1936, p. 3.
West Australian, 15.6.1948, p. 3.
Compiled by Chris Fitzhardinge July 16, 2026.
