Greater Newcastle Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Greater Newcastle
1. Sir William Dobell
Sir William Dobell (1899-1970) was a renowned Australian portrait and landscape artist. He was born in Cooks Hill, Newcastle, and is best known for winning the Archibald Prize for portraiture three times. Dobell's paintings are displayed in numerous galleries across Australia.
2. Dr. John Hunter
Dr. John Hunter (1728-1793) was a prominent Scottish surgeon and anatomist, and is considered a pioneer of modern surgery. He worked extensively in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and the city of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia is named after him. Dr. Hunter is credited with advancements in various surgical procedures and his contributions to medical education.
3. Violet Clifton
Violet Clifton (1911-2014) was a trailblazing Australian journalist and women's rights advocate. Born in Newcastle, she became the first female journalist for "The Newcastle Morning Herald" in 1944. Clifton remained an influential figure for women in the field of journalism and played a crucial role in raising awareness about gender equality throughout her career.
4. Charles Perkins
Charles Perkins (1936-2000) was an Indigenous Australian soccer player, activist, and later a public servant. Born in Alice Springs, Perkins grew up in Newcastle and played for the English club Everton F.C. He became the first Indigenous Australian to graduate from university and played a key role in advancing Aboriginal civil rights in Australia.
5. Dr. Kirsten Banks
Dr. Kirsten Banks is an accomplished astrophysicist, science communicator, and STEM advocate. Born and raised in Newcastle, she has been involved in research and public outreach programs, promoting scientific awareness and education. Dr. Banks has appeared on popular Australian television shows and has been actively involved in inspiring young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields.
6. Dr. Bernadette Tobin
Dr. Bernadette Tobin is a distinguished Australian philosopher and ethicist. Born in Newcastle, she has made significant contributions to bioethics, specifically in the areas of moral philosophy, clinical ethics, and the ethical implications of medical technology. Dr. Tobin has held various academic positions and has been recognized for her insightful work in ethical decision-making.
7. David Boyd
David Boyd (1924-2011) was a renowned Australian artist, known for his paintings and ceramics. Born in Murrumbeena, Victoria, Boyd moved to Newcastle in the 1970s where he continued to produce exceptional artwork. His works often depicted social and political commentary, addressing themes such as war, environmental conservation, and Indigenous rights.
8. Don Charlwood
Don Charlwood (1915-2012) was a notable Australian writer and veteran. Born in Melbourne, Charlwood spent a considerable part of his life in Newcastle where he worked as a public servant. He gained recognition for his autobiographical works, including "No Moon Tonight" and "All the Green Year," which reflected his experiences as a bomber pilot during World War II.
9. Dr. Patricia Giles
Dr. Patricia Giles (1928-2018) was a prominent Australian women's rights activist and politician. Born in Sydney, she spent significant years in Newcastle and played a crucial role in fighting for gender equality throughout her career. Dr. Giles was an advocate for women's reproductive rights and served as the President of the Women's Electoral Lobby (WEL) in New South Wales.
10. Billy J. Smith
Billy J. Smith (1926-2015) was a highly regarded Australian rugby league journalist and commentator. Born in Tighes Hill, Newcastle, he was known for his deep knowledge of the sport and his distinct voice. Throughout his career, Smith covered numerous rugby league matches and contributed greatly to the media coverage and popularity of the sport in Australia.
