Newcastle

Distinguished and Famous people from Newcastle

1. Sir Edward Hallstrom

Sir Edward Hallstrom (1896-1970) was an Australian industrialist and philanthropist. He was born in Newcastle and became a prominent figure in the Australian poultry industry. Hallstrom was the founder of the "Scientific Poultry Breeders Association" and made significant contributions to the development of poultry farming techniques. He also established the Sir Edward Hallstrom Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, which made notable advancements in medical science.

2. Rebecca Gibney

Rebecca Gibney is a well-known Australian actress and film producer. She was born in Newcastle and began her acting career in the late 1970s. Gibney gained national recognition for her role as Julie Rafter in the popular Australian television series "Packed to the Rafters." She has received numerous accolades for her performances, including multiple Logie Awards and an Australian Film Institute Award.

3. Troy Cassar-Daley

Troy Cassar-Daley is a highly regarded Australian country music singer-songwriter. Born in Sydney, he moved to Newcastle at a young age and began his music career in the local pub scene. Cassar-Daley has achieved significant success in the Australian music industry, with multiple Gold and Platinum-certified albums. He has won numerous awards, including several ARIA Music Awards and Country Music Awards of Australia.

4. Kurt Fearnley

Kurt Fearnley is an accomplished Australian wheelchair racer and Paralympic champion. He was born in the town of Cowra, New South Wales, but grew up in Newcastle. Fearnley has represented Australia at multiple Paralympic Games, winning numerous medals, including gold. He is highly regarded for his achievements in wheelchair marathon racing and has also won multiple New York City and London Marathon titles.

5. Ruth Park

Ruth Park (1917-2010) was a New Zealand-born Australian author. She moved to Australia in 1942 and settled in Newcastle. Park wrote numerous acclaimed novels and children's books, including the popular "The Harp in the South" trilogy. Her works often explored the lives of working-class Australians, and she received multiple literary awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Miles Franklin Award.

6. Matthew Johns

Matthew Johns is a former professional rugby league player and television presenter. Born in Cessnock, a town close to Newcastle, he played for the Newcastle Knights and represented New South Wales in State of Origin competitions. Following his retirement from rugby, Johns became a prominent media personality, contributing to rugby league analysis and hosting television shows such as "The Matty Johns Show" and "NRL Footy Show."

7. Michael Hohnen

Michael Hohnen is an Australian musician, producer, and record label owner. Born in Newcastle, he is best known for his collaboration with Indigenous Australian musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Hohnen co-founded the music label Skinnyfish Music, which supported and showcased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. His production work on Gurrumul's albums received critical acclaim and helped introduce Indigenous Australian music to a global audience.

8. Hazel Hawke

Hazel Hawke (1929-2013) was an Australian social activist and the former wife of Bob Hawke, who served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia. Born in Perth, she lived in Newcastle during her teenage years. Hawke became known for her advocacy on women's issues and her support for various charitable causes. She played a significant role in reshaping public perceptions of the Prime Minister's spouse and was widely respected for her work in the community.

9. Greg Page

Greg Page is an Australian singer and actor, best known as the original lead vocalist of the children's music group The Wiggles. Born in Sydney, he later moved to Newcastle. Page's vibrant performances and contribution to children's entertainment brought worldwide success to The Wiggles, earning them numerous awards, including multiple ARIA Music Awards. He left the group temporarily in 2006 but rejoined in 2012 after recovering from health issues.

10. Ryan Callinan

Ryan Callinan is a professional surfer from Newcastle, known for his dynamic and powerful style of surfing. He competed on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour and consistently ranks among the top surfers globally. Callinan has claimed victories in various prestigious surfing competitions, including the Vans US Open of Surfing. He continues to represent Newcastle and Australia on the international surfing stage.