Herbert Cole ('Nugget') Coombs (1906–1997) was the governor of the Commonwealth (later Reserve) Bank of Australia from 1949 to 1968. Born in Kalamunda, he worked as a teacher while studying at the University of Western Australia. His success as Director of Rationing during the Second World War led to him being appointed Director-General of Postwar Reconstruction, in which role he developed plans for full employment and the alleviation of other social problems. Economic adviser to seven Australian prime ministers (Curtin, Chifley, Menzies, Holt, McMahon, Gorton and Whitlam), Coombs was central to the establishment of the Australian National University and was the first Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Affairs.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Louis Kahan/Copyright Agency, 2024
Lily Kahan (52 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
Sarah Engledow on a foundational gallery figure who was quick on the draw.
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