North Sydney Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from North Sydney
1. Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931)
Dame Nellie Melba, born Helen Porter Mitchell, was an internationally renowned Australian operatic soprano. She was one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era and the early 20th century. Melba performed in major opera houses around the world and was particularly associated with the works of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. She was born in Richmond, Victoria, but later moved to North Sydney.
2. Sir John Eccles (1903-1997)
Sir John Eccles was an Australian neurophysiologist and Nobel Laureate. He shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1963 for his work on the synapse. Eccles was born in Melbourne but spent a significant part of his life in North Sydney. He made significant contributions to our understanding of the central nervous system and his research laid the groundwork for advancements in neurophysiology.
3. Mary Reibey (1777-1855)
Mary Reibey, born Mary Haydock, was an influential businesswoman and a prominent figure in early colonial Australia. She is best known for her success as a trader and her role in founding the Bank of New South Wales, which later became Westpac Banking Corporation. Reibey was born in England and transported to Australia as a convict. After completing her sentence, she settled in North Sydney and became a respected member of colonial society.
4. Ken Rosewall (born 1934)
Ken Rosewall is an Australian former professional tennis player and one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He won a total of 23 Grand Slam titles, including 8 Grand Slam singles titles. Rosewall was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and stroke-making ability. He grew up in North Sydney and began playing tennis at a young age, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of Australia's most successful tennis players.
5. Brett Lee (born 1976)
Brett Lee is a former Australian international cricketer and one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. Lee represented Australia in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) matches and was known for his aggressive pace and ability to generate considerable swing. He was born in Wollongong, New South Wales, but grew up in North Sydney.
6. George Miller (born 1945)
George Miller is an Australian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his work on the Mad Max franchise, which includes films such as "Mad Max," "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior," "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," and "Mad Max: Fury Road." Miller was born in Brisbane, Queensland, but studied medicine at the University of New South Wales, situated near North Sydney.
7. Dame Marie Bashir (born 1930)
Dame Marie Bashir is an Australian psychiatrist and the former Governor of New South Wales. She served as the state's Governor from 2001 to 2014, becoming the second longest-serving governor in the history of New South Wales. Bashir was born in Narrandera, New South Wales, but has strong connections to North Sydney, where she practiced as a clinician and professor of psychiatry.
8. Bill Leak (1956-2017)
Bill Leak was an Australian cartoonist, caricaturist, and portraitist. He was known for his editorial cartoons and portraits published in major Australian newspapers. Leak's work often tackled political and cultural issues. He was born in Adelaide, South Australia, but lived and worked in North Sydney for many years, leaving a lasting impact on the local art scene.
