Looking Back - April 2026

Accurate history nurtures memories

Recently it was stated rather unequivocally that Morwell’s McLean Street was named after Allan McLean. These words shot out without a second thought being given.

Popular band, Split Enz released “History Never Repeats” in March 1981. Written by Neil Finn, in its first verse it says, in part, “Don't say the words you might regret.” and, with that line in mind, this month’s local history column talks about Doctor John Samuel McLean, a registered medical practitioner with his formal qualifications conferred on March 3, 1905.

Allan and John Samuel were not related. One was Morwell’s doctor for about seven years until 1913 and one was a politician until ousted in a Federal election in 1906. Allan McLean (1840-1911), stock and station agent and politician; more about Allan later.

John Samuel (J S to colleagues who knew him well) McLean was born in October 1879, died in early February 1946 and is interred in the Phillip Island Cemetery.

Being Morwell’s second doctor, he succeeded Dr. Julian Smith. J S was succeeded by Dr. Sutcliffe late in 1913.

J S was born in Parkville and attended Melbourne University where he was a reservist in the university’s Australian Army Medical Corp (Officer’s Corp) for about four years. His yearning to graduate as a fully qualified doctor took him to Edinburgh eventually earning the honour of using letters after his name.

His LRCP qualification - Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians - was a standout, and RCS - Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - underscored his world class medical education. His registration date was conferred as March 3, 1905.

It was while living in Morwell that Dr John Samuel McLean left an indelible mark in Morwell’s young community. That is, he is not able to be erased or forgotten.

On his return from studying in Edinburgh, J S settled in Rosedale, where he and Ethel Jean Bowman were married on April 26, 1906. During their married life, there were five children born - unfortunately only two survived, that being two daughters.

For this time, 1900’s in Morwell, the Commercial Road east-end business section was rather sparse. The Post office was located on the Tarwin Street-Commercial Road corner, then some small shops where a draper, grocer, butcher and dressmaker plied their trades to a fledgling community. Beyond the Morwell Advertiser office was a large corner block with spacious grounds; here was the surgery of the township's only doctor, Dr. Moir. Later doctors who lived there were Dr. Smith, Dr McLean, and Dr. Sutcliffe. In later years, Dr. Mitchell built a new brick home there.

On October 1, 1913, there was a public farewell to Dr McLean. Guests came from Boolarra, Traralgon, Yinnar and anywhere in-between to pay their respects.

Councillor John Hall, (who was Morwell Shire President for two years before Dr McLean took on the role for the next two years,) had the honour of chairing this farewell. In proposing a toast to King and country, Dr Mclean was hailed accordingly:

“In public, professional and private matters he had always done his duty faithfully and well and he was most highly esteemed by all with whom he had dealings. From a professional point of view, the people of the district had been fortunate in having had in their midst for so long, a man of such qualifications and attainments as Dr. McLean, and needless to say that as a doctor he had given entire satisfaction to the whole community”.

His community service included being Morwell Shire President for two terms - 1910 to 1912; Morwell Shire Medical Officer between 1906 and 1909; local sports - tennis, golf, billiards, cricket (as team captain) and football mainly, alongside horse racing; member of Mechanics Institute Committee; and regular attendance at the M.U.L.O.O.F lodge meetings (where he became a close friend of John Barton Hoyle).

Apparently Dr McLean was a keen collector of stuffed birds (via taxidermy that is) as when he had a great sale, the following were advertised for sale - silver, golden and English pheasants, Japanese partridges, painted teals, doves and pigeons.

During a Yinnar versus Morwell cricket game late in 1911, Dr McLean, playing for Morwell, recorded bowling figures of 9/21 in a winning game.

His farewell speech was concluded with the words; (text slightly altered) “I am very sorry to leave the district, and everyone knows the reason why we are going.” The pain of losing three children was just too much. It was time to move on. The deceased children are interred in the Hazelwood Cemetery.

From Morwell, and after nearly settling purchase of a house block in McLean Street as we know it today, Dr McLean moved on. Tolmie’s subdivision south of Morwell’s main business section was an interest in the Doctor’s mind.

The McLean family moved back to Melbourne - with a medical practice in Caulfield although there are records showing him working in Malvern.

With his earlier Army Medical Corp experience, it was a deliberate decision to enlist for service in the First World War. Upon enlistment in June 1918, John was a medical practitioner in the East Melbourne area. Prior to embarking on the troopship ‘Borda’, other towns mentioned in his army records include Minyip and Warracknabeal, albeit reflecting a strong desire to serve overseas. His was a brief period of service, returning home late in September 1919. (World War I officially concluded on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m.)

Returning to Australia, Dr McLean with his family, moved to the outskirts of Wonthaggi. Seemingly, his health was being impacted by a polluted environment. Moving to San Remo was more conducive, followed by another, and final move to Cowes. He is interred in the Phillip Island Cemetery - without a plaque. Ethel Jean is interred in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Gwendoline McLean is interred in the Drouin Cemetery as is her sister, Margaret “Peg” McLean.

Back to Allan McLean (1840-1911), stock and station agent and politician. His life journey was successful - establishing A. McLean & Co with offices throughout mid-Gippsland, then off into politics, first as a local councillor (Avon and then, Maffra Shires), Victorian Commissioner of Crown Lands for three years, then a state government minister for four years before becoming Premier of Victoria for one year and defeated as member for Gippsland (Commonwealth Parliament) in 1906. Allan spent 10 years chasing recognition as a state and federal parliamentarian. His biographies fail to detail Allan’s local community involvement. His time was spent with other priorities.