William Macansh was born at "Kinross," Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, on September 19, 1859, the son of John Macansh (1820-96), pastoralist and politician and Sarah née Windeyer. His father arrived in Sydney in June 1838 and two years later took up sheep farming on the Hunter River in New South Wales and later in the Darling Downs district near Warwick, Queensland.
Educated at Newcastle Grammar School and Sydney Grammar School after matriculating at Sydney University he spent a term at Trinity College, Melbourne University before gaining his degrees at Edinburgh University, Scotland (LFPS, 1885; MB, Ch.M, 1886; LRCP (Edin); LRCS (Edin); LRFPS (Glas)). After fulfilling a term as House Physician at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary under Professor John Wyllie and Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Macansh then returned to Australia in 1887 where until his death, he ran a medical practice on Church Street, Brighton.
On 16 December 1890 at Toorak, Melbourne he married Ada née Lloyd (d 1936); they had two children. Though he chose a career in the medical profession The Pastoral Review noted that Macansh was always heavily involved with the vast family holdings. At the time of his death, he was acting as managing director of the extensive interests of the Macansh Estates Limited in Anna Plains Station, nor'-west Western Australia, Albilbah, Central Queensland, and Toolebuc, Western Queensland. He took great pleasure in good stock and was also a director of the Deepwater Estate's properties, Deepwater (Tenterfield district, N.S.W.) and Myall Downs (Warialda district, N.S.W.).
William Macansh combined the practice of his profession with many civic duties. He served on the Council (1892-94) and was elected Mayor of Brighton (1893-94). He was later appointed Municipal Health Officer (1895-1912) and appointed as Chairman of the local bench of honorary justices. In the war he served in transport duty to and from Egypt for a period of twelve months before indifferent health compelled him to relinquish his military duties and regular practice after 1913.
As a member of the Medical Board and in his capacity on the honorary staff of the Alfred Hospital (honorary dermatologist 1900-1902), William Macansh was well known in the medical profession. He was a member of the British Medical Association Victorian Branch and elected President in 1902.
Residing at Goombah – Church Street, Middle Brighton, Macansh died on 15 May 1921 from a stroke. He was survived by his widow and daughter.
Last updated 4 April 2025.
Main sources: Obituary, MJA 1921,II, p.17; Brighton Historical Society.
Article by Dr Allan Mawdsley OAM