Patrick Kempton

GUEST SPEAKER - Patrick Kempton Finance Department of Moira Shire Council  

  • Chartered Accountant for 50 years.
  • Patrick’s Story
  • Born 3 dec. 1946 born in Portland.   Attended Primary School in Portland, Secondary at Monivae college Hamilton, and St Patrick’s College Ballarat, finished Year 12 there.
  • As an 18-year attended Corpus Christi College, Werribee a catholic Seminar, thinking He was called to be a celibate priest, but left after a couple of years.  Had an interest in Commerce.
  • Started working in his father’s friend’s accounting office, learning about bookkeeping.
  • Studied accounting by correspondence with Hemmingway Robertson & discovered he loved accounting. Correspondence wasn’t given him the necessary qualifications to be a chartered accountant so went to full time Study in Warrnambool at what is now Deakin University.
  • Completed Diploma of Business Accounting 1971   
  • Shortage of accountants at the time.  Next move was to work with PWC in Melbourne for 4 years.
  • At that time, Tuesday 3rd May met Maria, at Stella Maris Club in Little Collins Street, on her return from teaching in Sydney.
  • 1978 a special year.    Married Maria in May, bought house in Mitcham & moved to Hamilton (Maria’s). Started with City of Hamilton as accountant & built new home.   He and Maria have 4 children 2 boy/2 girls
  • Libby, Matthew, Paul & & Allisha   
  • Needed to studied local government accounting & law, the water act and administrative law. Then advanced to deputy town Clerk
  • 1994   moved to Glenelg Region Water Authorities   as Acting General Manager     1999 wrote a water report critical of the fee structure for customers which led to his termination.  Then unemployed for a period of time.
  • In 1999 Encouraged to stand as candidate for state government as an Independent for the then seat of Portland. didn’t win thankfully
  • Short term work then for Moyne Shire Council in Port Fairy, and with Moira Shire.  Also was appointed as a member of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.
  • Gained full time employment in 2003 with Moira shire as Manager of Financial Services, sold their Hamilton home and purchased a home
  • Lived away for Maria for 12 months while she finished her employment contract with the Ballarat Diocese.
  • Thankful for the generosity of   Bernie & Jenny Curtis for accommodating him when he was first working for Moira Shire part time.
  • Retired in February 2013 after 10 years with Moira Shire
  • Since retirement has completed a Graduate Diploma in Theological Study .  He and Maria also enjoyed a few trips overseas.
  • Currently involved with St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Financial Committee, Numurkah Wunghnu  Cemetry Trust, volunteer at St Vincent DePaul, and NCN Internal Project Control Group of the Pioneer Lodge redevelopment.
  • Maria   Patrick’s wife passed away on 12 Dec 2025 .
  • Grief is individual put what seems to be common is the need for support.
  • Interested in setting up support group if there is interest.