manuelhornibrook

Construction yard of M. R. Hornibrook Pty. Ltd. in Brisbane

from State Library of Queensland

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  Sir Manuel Richard Hornibrook (1893-1970), master builder, industrialist, and company director, was born on 7 August 1893 at Enoggera, Brisbane. In 1914 Hornibrook joined the Queensland Master Builders' Association and was its president in 1922 and 1923; he was president (1926) and a life member (1959) of the Master Builders Federation of Australia; he was also a foundation fellow (1951), councilor and president (1952-56) of the Australian Institute of Builders, and a driving force in the construction of its headquarters at Milson's Point, Sydney. For his contribution to science and the practice of building, he was awarded the A.I.B.'s first medal of merit (1955). President (1953-59) of the Queensland Civil Engineering Contractors' Association, he was an honorary member (1968) of the Australian Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors and an honorary fellow (1969) of the Chartered Institute of Building (Britain)—the first Australian to be so honored. He was appointed O.B.E. in 1957 and knighted in 1960. Known to his associates as 'M.R.', Hornibrook was a big man, not only in physique—he stood 6 ft 2 ins (188 cm) tall and weighed 17 stone (108 kg)—but in personal magnetism, vision and spirit. Courage, ability, and determination carried him to the highest levels in his profession. He dominated his immediate environment, had a cool head in crises, and did not suffer fools gladly. Source: adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hornibrook-sir-manuel-richard-10...