Macleay Valley Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Macleay Valley
1. Slim Dusty
Born on June 13, 1927, Slim Dusty was a renowned Australian country music singer and songwriter. He was born in Nulla Nulla Creek near Macleay Valley. Slim Dusty is often referred to as the "Father of Australian Country Music" and holds numerous accolades, including an ARIA Hall of Fame induction and a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) medal. His career spanned over seven decades, and he released around 100 albums, selling millions of copies.
2. John Kerr
John Kerr was born on September 24, 1914, in Balmain, Sydney, but spent a significant part of his life in Macleay Valley. He became the 18th Governor-General of Australia, serving from 1974 to 1977. Kerr's tenure is remembered for his involvement in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975, which sparked a constitutional crisis. He had a background in law and held various judiciary positions before his appointment as Governor-General.
3. Sir John Williams
Sir John Williams, born on October 12, 1857, in South West Rocks, near Macleay Valley, was an Australian politician and businessman. He served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for almost two decades from 1904 to 1920. Williams played a significant role in the development of the Australian dairy industry and held various ministerial positions during his political career.
4. Marcia Hines
Marcia Hines, born on July 20, 1953, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, moved to the Macleay Valley region during her youth. She is an American-Australian singer, actress, and TV personality who gained fame as a contestant on the television show "Search for a Star" in 1970. Hines has had a successful music career in Australia, with several chart-topping hits and numerous awards to her name. She has also appeared in musical theatre productions and served as a judge on several talent shows.
5. Pauline McLeod
Pauline McLeod, born on June 30, 1964, in Kempsey, Macleay Valley, is an Australian Paralympic athlete. She represented Australia in track and field events at various Paralympic Games, including Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004. McLeod specializes in long jump, triple jump, and javelin throw. Throughout her career, she has won multiple medals, including gold, and has been an inspiration for many aspiring athletes.
6. Archie Roach
Archie Roach, born on January 8, 1956, in Mooroopna, Victoria, is an acclaimed singer-songwriter of the Aboriginal Australian heritage. While not originally from Macleay Valley, Roach has a strong connection to the area as he lived there for many years. His music reflects the experiences and struggles of Indigenous Australians, and his powerful song "Took the Children Away" brought attention to the Stolen Generations. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and Indigenous advocacy.
7. Kerry Saxby-Junna
Kerry Saxby-Junna, born on January 13, 1961, in Kempsey, Macleay Valley, is a former Australian racewalker. She competed at four consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 1996, winning a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Saxby-Junna also achieved success in various world championships and Commonwealth Games, setting multiple records throughout her career. Her dedication to the sport and resilience make her an esteemed athlete.
8. Mal Meninga
Mal Meninga, born on July 8, 1960, in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, has a strong association with Macleay Valley. He is an Australian former professional rugby league player and coach. Meninga enjoyed a successful playing career, representing Queensland in State of Origin and playing for the Australian national team. After retirement, he became a highly respected coach, leading the Queensland Maroons to multiple State of Origin series victories and guiding the Australian Kangaroos to success in international matches.
9. Darren "Boof" Lehmann
Darren Lehmann, commonly known as "Boof," was born on February 5, 1970, in Gawler, South Australia. Though not originally from Macleay Valley, Lehmann has significant connections to the area as his wife, Andrea, hails from there. He is a former Australian cricketer who played as a left-handed batsman and occasional off-spin bowler. Lehmann represented Australia in both Test and One Day International cricket and later became a respected coach, leading the Australian national team.
10. Shayna Jack
Shayna Jack, born on November 6, 1998, in Brisbane, Queensland, is an Australian swimmer associated with Macleay Valley. She specializes in freestyle events and has competed at international swimming competitions, including the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Jack holds several national swimming records in various relay events. Her dedication and talent in the pool have made her a notable swimmer.