Albert Theo Cochrane

Preston Mayor (1965 - 1966)

Albert Theo Cochrane was born in Abbotsford in 1922. His father, John Andrews Cochrane was a colourful identity in the Trade Union movement between the wars. Although born Albert Theo Cochrane, he was known as Theo Albert. Cochrane followed his father into the Trade Union movement, as well as working for some years in the Preston Post Office. He later worked for the Railways Investigation Department. As a union representative he served as Australian Railways Union delegate to the Australian Labor Party. He was a Preston Councillor between 1959 and 1974. In 1965 became the first President of the Preston Historical Society. Cochrane served as Mayor of Preston from 1965- 1966 and on Australia Day 1966 held the first Naturalisation Ceremony in Preston. His interests included the Preston Municipal Band, Australian literature, local history and theology. The T.A. Cochrane Reserve in Collier Street Preston is named after him. He passed away in 2002.

Preston Historical Society (1968). Brief biographies of prominent Preston People. Preston, Vic: Author.