University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.The motivation for this thesis is to highlight how the business and academic history of Australia was significantly enhanced by the contributions of Alf Pollard and to determine the factors that drove him to such achievements. In addition to a range of primary and secondary materials, the thesis was informed by personal notes left by Pollard and interviews with family members, friends and colleagues.
Pollard’s distinct contribution was the breadth of his vision and his commitment. This includes starting a world class actuarial program at Macquarie University, the opening up of North Sydney as a thriving business hub and single-handedly saving both the Sydney Eisteddfod and Wesley Mission from bankruptcy
Alf was a true entrepreneur of the old school, a child of the Great Depression. Combining great aptitude and intellect, he had the ability to spot an opportunity and develop significant innovations—particularly in business and education.
This thesis demonstrates how, from humble beginnings, Alf Pollard achieved so much and was an inspiration to all around him. The driving elements in his story are both personal and circumstantial
