The Adelaide Coast Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from The Adelaide Coast
1. Charles Sturt (1795–1869)
Charles Sturt was an English explorer who led several influential expeditions in Australia, particularly in the Adelaide Coast region. He was born on April 28, 1795, in Bengal, India. Sturt is known for his extensive inland exploration of the Australian continent and his pivotal role in opening up the Murray-Darling River system. His discoveries greatly contributed to the mapping of South Australia. Sturt passed away in 1869 in Adelaide.
2. Catherine Helen Spence (1825–1910)
Catherine Helen Spence was an influential Scottish-born Australian author, teacher, journalist, and politician. She was born on October 31, 1825, in Melrose, Scotland, and migrated to Adelaide Coast, South Australia, in 1839. Spence is considered a significant figure in Australia's suffrage movement and is known for her campaign for proportional representation and electoral reform. She authored various novels, including "Clara Morison" and "Gathered In." Spence passed away in 1910 in Adelaide.
3. Sir Henry Ayers (1821–1897)
Sir Henry Ayers was a prominent English-born Australian politician who played a crucial role in the development of South Australia. He was born on May 1, 1821, in Portsea, Hampshire, England, and arrived in Adelaide in 1840. Ayers served as the Premier of South Australia a record seven times, between the years 1863 and 1873. He contributed to the establishment of important public institutions, including the Adelaide Botanic Garden and the University of Adelaide. Ayers passed away in 1897 in Adelaide.
4. Roma Mitchell (1913–2000)
Roma Mitchell was an Australian lawyer, judge, and state governor, renowned for being the first female appointed as a state supreme court judge and state governor in Australia. She was born on October 2, 1913, in Adelaide Coast, South Australia. Mitchell served as a judge on the Supreme Court of South Australia from 1965 to 1983, and later became Governor of South Australia from 1991 to 1996. She was a trailblazer for women's rights in Australia and made significant contributions to the legal profession. Mitchell passed away in 2000 in Adelaide.
5. David Hicks (born 1975)
David Hicks is an Australian former detainee at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, known for his controversial case. He was born on August 7, 1975, in Adelaide, South Australia. Hicks joined the militant group Al-Qaeda and was captured in Afghanistan in 2001. He was subsequently detained at Guantanamo Bay for over five years before being transferred to Australia and released in 2007. Hicks' case sparked debates and discussions on the legality of his detention. Since then, he has led a relatively private life in South Australia.
6. Rachel McAdams (born 1978)
Rachel McAdams is a Canadian actress widely recognized for her roles in popular films such as "Mean Girls," "The Notebook," and "Spotlight." Although born in London, Ontario, Canada, McAdams spent part of her childhood in the Adelaide Coast region of South Australia. She was born on November 17, 1978. McAdams has received critical acclaim for her performances and has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including an Academy Award.
7. Anthony LaPaglia (born 1959)
Anthony LaPaglia is an Australian-American actor known for his roles in both film and television. He was born on January 31, 1959, in Adelaide, South Australia. LaPaglia has appeared in various notable productions, including the television series "Without a Trace" and the films "Lantana" and "The Good Doctor." He has received several awards for his work, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
8. Darren Lehmann (born 1970)
Darren Lehmann is a former Australian cricketer and current cricket coach. He was born on February 5, 1970, in Gawler, South Australia, located in the Adelaide Coast region. Lehmann represented Australia in 27 Test matches and 117 One Day Internationals (ODIs) between 1998 and 2005. Following his retirement as a player, he became the head coach of the Australian national cricket team from 2013 to 2018.
9. Robyn Davidson (born 1950)
Robyn Davidson is an Australian writer and traveler known for her memoir "Tracks," which depicts her journey across the Australian desert from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean. She was born on September 6, 1950, in Stanley Park, Queensland. Davidson spent part of her childhood and formative years in the Adelaide Coast region of South Australia. "Tracks" was critically acclaimed and later adapted into a film.
10. David Gulpilil (born 1953)
David Gulpilil is an acclaimed Australian Indigenous actor and traditional dancer. He was born on July 1, 1953, in Maningrida, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. Gulpilil has appeared in numerous films, including "Walkabout," "The Last Wave," and "Rabbit-Proof Fence." Although not born in Adelaide Coast, he has had significant connections to the region throughout his life, performing at various festivals and events.
