Wilby, the son of a butcher from Bendigo, joined Victoria Police in 1938.[1] Wilby served on the beat, in the homicide squad and in the wireless squad. In 1963, he was promoted to assistant commissioner and given responsibility for traffic and technical matters.[2] In 1968 he was appointed to deputy commissioner and one year later was appointed chief commissioner on the resignation of Rupert Arnold.[1][2]
Poor health affected Wilby's term as chief commissioner. He suffered from hypertension and in 1970, a heart attack. In 1971 Wilby retired from the force, on the advice of his doctor.[2]