Background
Kirkham was born in Leichhardt, New South Wales and attended Newington College (1945–1953). During his adolescence he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother"s maiden name as an adult.
Kirkham was born in Leichhardt, New South Wales and attended Newington College (1945–1953). During his adolescence he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother"s maiden name as an adult.
At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Victoria, Kirkham rowed in the Bronze medal winning Men"s Eight. Kirkham served as a uniformed officer for several years before training to join the NSW Police Drug Squadron After completing his Higher School Certificate at the age of 30, Kirkham attended night school to complete his Law degree.
He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1974 and practiced mainly in the area of personal injury.
After 14 years at the Bar he was appointed a Judge of the District Court of New South Wales in 1988 where he served until his retirement. In 1963, Kirkham co-wrote The Delltones" hit song Hangin" Five with Ben Acton.
He served as President of the Old Newingtonians" Union at the time of its Centenary (1995–1996).
Foreign twenty years Kirkham served as a member of the New South Wales Police Force.