Wonthaggi Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Wonthaggi
1. Bob Hawke (1929-2019)
Robert James Lee Hawke, born on December 9, 1929, in Bordertown, South Australia, grew up in Wonthaggi. He went on to become the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia, serving from 1983 to 1991. Hawke was known for his charismatic leadership and reformist policies, including significant economic and social reforms.
2. John "Snowy" Cutmore (1920-2013)
John Francis Cutmore, popularly known as "Snowy," was an Australian rules football player. Born on July 8, 1920, in Wonthaggi, Cutmore played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s. He was recognized as a skilled and dedicated player, earning praise for his sportsmanship and versatility.
3. Andrew Crabb (1968-)
Andrew Crabb is an accomplished Australian rules footballer born on October 17, 1968, in Wonthaggi. He played for the St Kilda Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the 1990s. Crabb's commitment and skill on the field earned him a reputation as a reliable defender, with his contributions acknowledged by both teammates and opponents.
4. Rob Laver (1965-)
Robert "Rob" Laver, born on February 12, 1965, in Wonthaggi, is a former professional cricket player. Laver represented Victoria and South Australia in domestic competitions during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was a talented all-rounder, known for his skills as a right-arm medium-fast bowler and his contributions with the bat.
5. Gloria Payten (1934-2005)
Gloria Payten, born on September 21, 1934, in Wonthaggi, was an Australian country music singer. She gained popularity in the 1960s, recording several successful singles and albums. Payten's talent and distinctive voice earned her recognition in the music industry, contributing to the growth of Australian country music during her career.
6. Peter Bone (1945-)
Peter Bone, born on August 29, 1945, in Wonthaggi, is a retired Australian rules football player. He played for St Kilda Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1960s and 1970s. Bone's skill and agility as a half-forward and midfielder made him a valuable asset to his team.
7. John Wallace (1923-2001)
John Wallace, born on October 1, 1923, in Wonthaggi, was an Australian rules footballer. He played for Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s and 1950s. Wallace was known for his talent as a full-forward and his impressive goal-scoring ability.
8. Damien Wright (1975-)
Damien Wright, born on April 17, 1975, in Wonthaggi, is a former professional cricketer. He represented Tasmania and Victoria in domestic cricket, primarily as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. Wright later transitioned into coaching and has worked with various cricket teams, including the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
9. Liam Sheedy (1969-)
Liam Sheedy, born on September 2, 1969, in Wonthaggi, is an Irish hurling manager and former player. Sheedy played for the Tipperary county team, winning multiple honors during his playing career. As a manager, he led the Tipperary team to All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship success in 2010 and 2019.
10. Michael Anderson (1951-)
Michael Anderson, born on February 27, 1951, in Wonthaggi, is an Aboriginal rights activist and one of the founding members of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. He has been actively involved in advocating for Indigenous land rights and fostering greater recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty in Australia.
