
At a recent investment market update event, Anthony Lane discussed the history of Cheesman Applegarth and Statham Cheesman. Given the remerging of Cheesman Applegarth and Statham Cheesman on 29 February 2024, it was a great opportunity to revisit our firm’s history, culture of providing high quality services to our regional clients and our history of having a strong focus on primary production accounting and business advice.
Highlights from Anthony’s discussion:
Robert St. Clair Cheesman left his employment and opened his accounting practice as a sole practitioner in 1931.
In 1935, Reginald Thomas Phelps and Mr Cheesman became partners.
Mr Cheesman enlisted the army in 1939 (during WW2) and exited the firm. During this time, Jack James Statham partnered with Mr Phelps.
After Mr Cheesman was discharged from the army (1944) he purchased Mr Phelps’ interest in the business. From 1944, the practice traded as Statham Cheesman & Co.
During this time, they were trading from top floor of Bank of NSW building. Mr Robert Cheesman (Jnr) told us that his father and Mr Statham flipped a coin, the winner got their name first in the partnership and the other got the best office overlooking the corner of Margaret and Ruthven Streets (Mr Cheesman got the best office).

Source: https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/431-ruthven-street-toowoomba-city-qld-4350-10551864
Business expanded across Queensland with offices in:
Dalby, Ipswich, Brisbane, Kingaroy, and
ROMA (opened in 1945) which has retained the original name to this day.

Extract: Western Start and Roma Advertiser – Friday, 1 June 1945
Arthur John Applegarth became a Partner in 1950
From 1953 Toowoomba became Cheesman, Underwood and Applegarth.
With the firm operating under the name of Cheesman Applegarth and Partners from 1974

Extract: The Courier Mail – Saturday, 4 July 1953
We are very proud of our history and that we are continuing the culture of providing high quality services to our clients with a persistent focus on adding value in primary production accounting, business advisory and financial planning.
If you would like anymore information on how we can help you, please do not hesitate to contact us on either 07 4638 1100 (Toowoomba), 07 4624 2300 (Roma) or https://www.applegarth.com.au/
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