Southern Fleurieu Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Southern Fleurieu
1. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
Thomas Hardy was a prominent Australian politician. Born in Normanville, Southern Fleurieu, he served as a Member of the South Australian House of Assembly from 1893 to 1918. Hardy held several ministerial positions during his political career, including Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration, Minister of Education, and Treasurer of South Australia. He made significant contributions to the development and governance of the region.
2. Edmund Wright (1805-1891)
Edmund Wright was an influential civil engineer and public servant who was born in Encounter Bay, Southern Fleurieu. He played a vital role in the construction of several iconic structures in South Australia, including the Goolwa Barrage and the River Murray locks. Wright's engineering expertise significantly contributed to the development of infrastructure and water management systems in the Southern Fleurieu region.
3. Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968)
Sir Hans Heysen was a highly regarded landscape artist, often associated with the region of Hahndorf in Southern Fleurieu. Considered one of Australia's most distinguished painters, Heysen is known for his breathtaking depictions of the Australian outback, forests, and coastal scenery. He won numerous awards for his artwork, including the prestigious Wynne Prize multiple times, and his paintings continue to captivate art enthusiasts both nationally and internationally.
4. Robert Barr Smith (1824-1915)
Robert Barr Smith was a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and politician who was born in Kondoparinga, Southern Fleurieu. He played a key role in the development of the state's banking sector and established the partnership that eventually led to the formation of the renowned Australian financial institution, Bank of Adelaide. Smith was also actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, making significant donations to educational institutions and supporting the establishment of the University of Adelaide.
5. James Thompson (1842-1911)
James Thompson, born in Currency Creek, Southern Fleurieu, was a successful pastoralist and politician in South Australia. He served as a Member of the South Australian House of Assembly for multiple terms and held ministerial positions, including Commissioner of Public Works and Commissioner of Crown Lands. Thompson's contribution to the agricultural sector furthered the development of the Southern Fleurieu region and helped shape South Australia's economy.
6. Sylvia Crawford (1900-1996)
Sylvia Crawford was an accomplished artist renowned for her intricate woodblock prints. She resided in Port Elliot, Southern Fleurieu, for a significant portion of her life. Crawford's artwork, often inspired by the coastal landscapes and flora of the region, gained recognition for its vibrant colors and attention to detail. Her prints can be found in several notable art collections and galleries throughout Australia.
7. Sir Douglas Mawson (1882-1958)
Sir Douglas Mawson, born in Ship Cove, Southern Fleurieu, was an eminent geologist and Antarctic explorer. He led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911-1914) and made remarkable scientific discoveries in the uncharted regions of Antarctica. Mawson's explorations and research significantly contributed to our understanding of the continent and earned him international acclaim. He later became a prominent advocate for Antarctic preservation and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Australian Antarctic Territory.
8. Dame Roma Mitchell (1913-2000)
Dame Roma Mitchell was a distinguished lawyer and judge, born in Adelaide but closely associated with Southern Fleurieu. She became the first female Supreme Court judge in Australia and served as Governor of South Australia from 1991 to 1996. Mitchell actively advocated for women's rights and made notable contributions to legal and social reforms in Australia. Her achievements and dedication to justice have left a lasting impact on the country's legal system.
9. Sir Sidney Kidman (1857-1935)
Sir Sidney Kidman, born in Kapunda but with strong connections to Southern Fleurieu, was a renowned pastoralist and entrepreneur often referred to as Australia's "Cattle King." He founded and managed an extensive network of cattle stations that spanned millions of acres across multiple states. Kidman's contributions to the development of the Australian beef industry were significant, and his legacy continues to thrive with the Kidman & Co company still operating today.
10. Keith Conlon (born 1948)
Keith Conlon is a celebrated South Australian media personality, born in Goolwa, Southern Fleurieu. He hosted various radio and television shows, including the popular travel program "Postcards." Conlon's work revolved around promoting South Australia's regions, including the Southern Fleurieu area, showcasing its landscapes, attractions, and local stories to a broad audience.
