Wollondilly Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Wollondilly
1. Edmund Barton (1849-1920)
Edmund Barton was an Australian politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. Born in Glebe, Sydney, Barton later moved to Moss Vale in Wollondilly where he practiced law before entering politics. He played a significant role in drafting the Australian Constitution and is considered one of the founding fathers of the nation.
2. Charles Cowper (1807-1875)
Sir Charles Cowper was an Australian politician and Premier of New South Wales five times between 1856 and 1870. He was born in Drysllwyn, Carmarthenshire, Wales and migrated to Wollondilly, New South Wales in 1839. Cowper made substantial contributions to the development of early colonial Australia.
3. Mary Gilmore (1865-1962)
Mary Gilmore was an Australian writer and journalist born in Mary Vale, near Goulburn in the Wollondilly region. She fought for workers' rights, women's rights, and social equality throughout her life. Gilmore was also known for her poetry and was awarded several prestigious literary prizes for her works.
4. Jack Mundey (1929-2020)
Jack Mundey was an Australian union leader and environmentalist. Born in Malanda, Queensland, he moved to Wollondilly and worked as a builder. Mundey became prominent during the green bans movement in the 1970s, where workers refused to demolish environmentally and culturally significant buildings in Sydney.
5. Rachel Ward (born 1957)
Rachel Ward is an English-born Australian actress, film director, and screenwriter. She moved to Wollondilly at a young age and later gained international recognition for her acting roles in films such as "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" and "The Thorn Birds." Apart from her successful acting career, she has also directed and produced various films and television series.
6. Peter Garrett (born 1953)
Peter Garrett is an Australian musician, environmentalist, and former politician. He grew up in Wollondilly and became the lead vocalist of the rock band Midnight Oil. Garrett also served as a Member of Parliament and as the Minister for the Environment, Heritage, and the Arts in the Australian government.
7. John Fahey (1945-2020)
John Fahey was an Australian politician and former Premier of New South Wales. He was born in Canberra but later moved to Wollondilly where he served as the member for the electoral district of Southern Highlands. Fahey played a crucial role in various government portfolios during his political career.
