The Mid Coast Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from The Mid Coast
Mid Coast is a region located in New South Wales, Australia. Over the years, it has produced numerous distinguished and famous individuals who have excelled in various fields. Below are some notable people who were either born in Mid Coast or have strong associations with the region, as sourced from reliable information available on Wikipedia.
1. Slim Dusty
Born as David Gordon Kirkpatrick on June 13, 1927, in Kempsey, Mid Coast, Slim Dusty was a celebrated Australian country music singer-songwriter. He holds the record for the most Australian country music albums released, with over 100 albums to his credit. Dusty's career spanned several decades, and his songs often reflected the Australian bush way of life. He was even appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1998 for his significant contributions to the music industry.
2. Russell Crowe
Russell Ira Crowe, an accomplished actor, film producer, and musician, was born on April 7, 1964, in Wellington, New Zealand. Although born in New Zealand, Crowe spent a significant part of his childhood in Coffs Harbour, which falls within the Mid Coast region. He has earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the movie "Gladiator" (2000). Crowe's versatile acting skills have garnered him an international reputation.
3. Carol Heiss Jenkins
Carol Elizabeth Heiss Jenkins, born on January 20, 1940, in New York City, USA, is an American figure skater and actress. Although not born in Mid Coast, she later moved to the area and has made significant contributions to the region. Heiss won a gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. In addition to her successful skating career, she later ventured into acting and appeared in movies such as "Snow White and the Three Stooges" (1961). Heiss also became an influential coach and mentor for aspiring figure skaters.
4. Judy Davis
Judith Davis, known as Judy Davis, is an Australian film and stage actress. She was born on April 23, 1955, in Perth, Western Australia, but grew up in the Mid Coast town of Armidale. Davis has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including two Golden Globe Awards. She has worked in several internationally acclaimed movies, such as "A Passage to India" (1984) and "Husbands and Wives" (1992). Her talent and dedication to acting have made her one of Australia's most esteemed performers.
5. Dawn Fraser
Dawn Lorraine Fraser, born on September 4, 1937, in Balmain, New South Wales, is an Australian former competitive swimmer and politician. Fraser was known for her success in freestyle swimming events, setting numerous world records and winning multiple Olympic medals. Although not born in Mid Coast, she resided in the region during her swimming career and contributed greatly to the local community. Fraser is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest ever swimmers.
6. Peter Allen
Peter Allen, born as Peter Richard Woolnough on February 10, 1944, in Tenterfield, New South Wales, was an Australian singer-songwriter and entertainer. While Tenterfield is not directly located in Mid Coast, it is a town situated nearby the region. Allen gained international recognition for his energetic performances and musical talent. He wrote numerous popular songs, including "I Go to Rio" and "Tenterfield Saddler." His contributions to the entertainment industry earned him induction into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.
7. Margaret Olley
Margaret Hannah Olley AC, born on June 24, 1923, in Lismore, New South Wales, was a prominent Australian painter. Though not directly from the Mid Coast region, she had strong links to the area throughout her life and artistic career. Olley's artwork garnered critical acclaim, and she received numerous awards, including the Archibald Prize in 1948, 1969, and 1985. Her dedication to the arts and influence as a painter have solidified her place in Australian artistic history.
8. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Craig Gilchrist, born on November 14, 1971, in Bellingen, New South Wales, is a retired Australian international cricketer. Known for his aggressive style of play, Gilchrist was one of the most dominant wicket-keeper batsmen in the history of the sport. He played a key role in Australia's cricketing success during his career. Gilchrist's achievements include holding the record for most dismissals by a wicket-keeper in One Day Internationals. His contribution to cricket has left an indelible mark on the sport.
9. Ben Lee
Benjamin Lee, known as Ben Lee, is an Australian musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He was born on September 11, 1978, in Sydney, New South Wales. Lee grew up in Bellingen, part of the Mid Coast region. Throughout his career, he has released multiple successful albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and a strong fan base. Lee's music incorporates various genres and styles, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
10. Greg Inglis
Gregory Paul Inglis, born on January 15, 1987, in Macksville, New South Wales, is a former professional rugby league footballer of Australian and Indigenous descent. While Macksville lies just south of the Mid Coast region, Inglis is recognized as an influential figure within the area due to his achievements in rugby league. He represented Australia and Queensland at the highest level and is considered one of the sport's most talented players. Inglis's accomplishments have made him a revered figure in Australian rugby league history.
These are just a few examples of the numerous distinguished and famous individuals associated with the Mid Coast region in New South Wales, Australia. Their contributions to various fields, including music, acting, sports, and arts, have had a profound impact both locally and globally. It is a testament to the talent and diversity of this region, consistently producing exceptional individuals who go on to make significant marks in their respective fields.
