Whittlesea Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Whittlesea
1. Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch is an Australian cricketer and the former captain of the Australian national cricket team in limited-overs formats. Born on November 17, 1986, in East Victoria, Finch grew up in Whittlesea. He is widely regarded as one of the most explosive batsmen in the world and holds the record for the highest individual score in a T20 international match.
2. Skyhooks
Skyhooks were an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in 1973. The band's lineup included Greg Macainsh, Red Symons, Shirley Strachan, Bob "Bongo" Starkie, and Freddie Strauks. While they were not all originally from Whittlesea, the band gained significant popularity and musical influence during their time at the Whittlesea Country Music Festival in 1974.
3. John Landy
John Landy is an Australian former middle-distance runner who competed in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. Born on April 12, 1930, in Whittlesea, Landy achieved fame for being the second man to run the mile in under four minutes. He later became a politician and served as the Governor of Victoria from 2001 to 2006.
4. Catherine Freeman
Catherine Freeman is an Australian former sprinter who specialized in the 400 meters event. Born on February 16, 1973, in Mackay, Queensland, she later moved to Whittlesea. Freeman is one of Australia's most successful track and field athletes, winning multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals. She became an icon for Indigenous Australians and a symbol for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
5. Sir Rupert Hamer
Sir Rupert Hamer was an Australian politician and the 39th Premier of Victoria. Born on July 29, 1916, in Kew, Hamer represented the electoral district of Balaclava, which includes parts of the Whittlesea region. He served as Premier from 1972 to 1981 and was known for his progressive policies and commitment to conservation.
6. Garry Lyon
Garry Lyon is a former Australian rules football player and media personality. Born on September 13, 1967, in Devonport, Tasmania, he grew up in Whittlesea. Lyon played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL) and later became a prominent sports commentator and television presenter.
7. Laura Enever
Laura Enever is an Australian professional surfer. Born on November 14, 1991, in Sydney, she spent a significant part of her childhood in Whittlesea. Enever has competed in various international surfing events and is known for her powerful and dynamic style of surfing.
8. Virginia Trioli
Virginia Trioli is an Australian journalist, radio and television presenter, and author. Born on August 16, 1964, in Bendigo, Victoria, she currently resides in Whittlesea. Trioli has worked for prominent Australian media outlets, such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and is known for her sharp interviewing skills and analytical approach to journalism.
9. Alastair Lynch
Alastair Lynch is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born on September 19, 1968, in Hobart, Tasmania, he also spent some time in Whittlesea. Lynch played the majority of his career for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions. He was known as a key forward and played a pivotal role in the Lions' three consecutive AFL Premiership victories from 2001 to 2003.
10. Neryl Joyce
Neryl Joyce is an Australian former field hockey player who represented Australia at the international level. Born on February 8, 1963, in Brisbane, Queensland, she later moved to Whittlesea. Joyce competed in multiple Olympics and Commonwealth Games, winning medals for Australia. She was also inducted into the Australian Hockey Hall of Fame.