Discovery Coast Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Discovery Coast
1. Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe is a renowned actor and film producer born on April 7, 1964, in Wellington, New Zealand. Although he was originally born in New Zealand, he spent a significant portion of his childhood in Queensland, Australia. Crowe's breakthrough role came in the movie "Gladiator" (2000), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films, including "A Beautiful Mind" (2001) and "Les Misérables" (2012).
2. Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush is an internationally acclaimed Australian actor born on July 6, 1951, in Toowoomba, Queensland. He gained worldwide recognition for his portrayal of David Helfgott in the movie "Shine" (1996), winning an Academy Award for Best Actor. Rush has appeared in numerous stage productions, including his Tony Award-winning performance in "Exit the King" (2009). He is also known for his role as Captain Hector Barbossa in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series.
3. Peter Garrett
Peter Garrett is an Australian musician, environmentalist, and former politician born on April 16, 1953, in Sydney, New South Wales. He rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the rock band Midnight Oil. Garrett actively participated in political activism throughout his career and served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from 2004 to 2013. He also held ministerial positions in the Australian government.
4. Alistair Nicholson
Alistair Nicholson is a legal professional and former cricketer born on December 2, 1960, in Bundaberg, Queensland. Nicholson played cricket for Queensland from 1981 to 1992 as a right-handed batsman. After retiring from cricket, he pursued a legal career and became a prominent figure in the sport's administration. Nicholson served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) from 2014 to 2021.
5. Gladys Moncrieff
Gladys Moncrieff was an Australian singer and actress born on April 13, 1892, in Bundaberg, Queensland. Moncrieff was one of Australia's most beloved performers in the early 20th century. She gained fame for her soprano voice and starred in various musicals and operettas. Moncrieff's notable works include "The Maid of the Mountains" and "The Desert Song." She continued to perform until her retirement in the late 1950s.
6. William McCormack
William McCormack was an Australian politician born on August 20, 1893, in Caloundra, Queensland. He served as the 19th Prime Minister of Australia from 1961 to 1966. McCormack represented the Division of Wide Bay in the Australian House of Representatives for over two decades. He actively worked to develop Australia's agricultural industry and played a significant role in forming the Liberal Party of Australia.
7. Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst was an influential Australian designer and entrepreneur born on July 28, 1899, in Mungy, Queensland. She gained recognition for her unique and vibrant wallpaper designs, which became popular in the 1960s and '70s. Broadhurst's work has been featured in various exhibitions and her designs continue to inspire contemporary artists and designers.
8. Jack Vidgen
Jack Vidgen is an Australian singer born on January 17, 1997, in Manly, New South Wales. Although not specifically from the Discovery Coast, Vidgen gained prominence after winning the fifth season of "Australia's Got Talent" in 2011. He has released several successful albums and appeared on various television shows and musical productions.
9. Paul Smith
Paul Smith is an Australian Paralympic athlete born on October 8, 1993, in Gladstone, Queensland. He competes in the T42 classification for track and field events. Smith has represented Australia in multiple Paralympic Games, winning several medals, including gold. He has also set world records in his respective events, making him a celebrated figure in para-athletics.
10. Leisel Jones
Leisel Jones is a retired Australian swimmer born on August 30, 1985, in Katherine, Northern Territory. Although not specifically from the Discovery Coast, Jones is considered one of the most successful female swimmers in Australian history. She won a total of nine Olympic medals, including three gold medals. Jones set multiple world records and held numerous national records throughout her career.
