Wellington Shire Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Wellington Shire
1. Sir Macfarlane Burnet (1899-1985)
Sir Macfarlane Burnet was a renowned Australian virologist who was born in Traralgon, a town located within Wellington Shire. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1960 for his work on acquired immune tolerance, which significantly contributed to the understanding of immunology.
2. Thomas H. Kenny (1858-1940)
Thomas H. Kenny, born in Maffra, Wellington Shire, was an Australian politician who served as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, representing the Gippsland South district from 1904 to 1927. He actively participated in the development of the region, advocating for improved infrastructure, agriculture, and education.
3. Charles E. Daley (1887-1959)
Charles E. Daley, born in Sale, Wellington Shire, was an Australian rules footballer who played for the Richmond Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the early 20th century. He was known for his exceptional skills as a forward and played a crucial role in Richmond's success during his career.
4. Cadel Evans (born 1977)
Cadel Evans is a former professional cyclist who was born in Katherine (Northern Territory) but spent his childhood in Barwidgee, Wellington Shire. He became the first Australian to win the Tour de France in 2011 and achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his cycling career.
5. Sir Eric Westbrook (1915-2014)
Sir Eric Westbrook, born in Yarram, Wellington Shire, was an Australian diplomat and public servant. He held several significant positions within the Australian governmental and diplomatic sectors, including Ambassador to the United States from 1964 to 1967 and High Commissioner to India from 1968 to 1972.
6. Dorothy Auchterlonie Green (1915-2008)
Dorothy Auchterlonie Green, also known as "Sister Kenny," was an Australian nurse born in Warialda (New South Wales), but later lived in Trafalgar, Wellington Shire. She developed a revolutionary treatment for polio, known as the "Sister Kenny method," which helped alleviate the symptoms and improve the mobility of polio patients worldwide.
7. Mark Coulton (born 1958)
Mark Coulton, born in Geraldton (Western Australia), represents the Federal Division of Parkes, which includes parts of Wellington Shire, in the Australian House of Representatives. He has been serving as a member of parliament since 2007 and actively contributes to regional development initiatives.
8. Kerry Saxby-Junna (born 1961)
Kerry Saxby-Junna, born in Gaffneys Creek, Wellington Shire, is a former Australian racewalker who specialized in long-distance events. She won numerous international championships, including the gold medal in the 20km racewalk at the 1991 World Championships.
9. Sir Stephen Henry (1857-1936)
Sir Stephen Henry, born in Stratford, Wellington Shire, was an Australian politician who served as the Premier of Queensland from 1926 to 1929. He significantly contributed to the development of Queensland and advocated for rural industries, infrastructure, and economic growth.
10. Joe Darling (1870-1946)
Joe Darling, born in Glen Osmond (South Australia), was a prominent Australian cricketer who captained the Australian national cricket team in various Test matches between 1899 and 1905. He later served as a member of parliament in New South Wales and Victoria.
