Latrobe Region Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Latrobe Region
1. David Boon
David Clarence Boon is a former Australian cricketer who was born on December 29, 1960, in Latrobe, Tasmania. He played as a right-handed batsman and an occasional off-spin bowler. Boon had a successful cricket career, representing Tasmania, Australia, and Durham. He scored over 7,000 runs in Test matches and was known for his gritty batting style. Boon has also served as a selector for the Australian national cricket team.
2. Ritchie White
Richard "Ritchie" White, born in 1951 in Latrobe, is an Australian former footballer. He played as a midfielder for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the 1970s. White was known for his exceptional skills and was an influential player for his team. He played a pivotal role in North Melbourne's success during that era.
3. Sir John Franklin
Sir John Franklin (1786–1847) was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer who was born in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, England, but is closely associated with the Latrobe region. Franklin served as the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land (now known as Tasmania) from 1837 to 1843. He is particularly famous for leading several Arctic expeditions in search of the Northwest Passage. Sadly, Franklin's final expedition ended tragically with the loss of his entire crew.
4. Julie Collins
Julie Elizabeth Collins is an Australian politician who was born on December 3, 1971, in Ulverstone, Tasmania, which falls within the Latrobe region. She has been a member of the Australian House of Representatives since 2007, representing the Division of Franklin. Collins is a member of the Australian Labor Party and has held several ministerial positions in the Australian government. She is known for her contributions to social policy and advocating for the rights of women and families.
5. Shane Parker
Shane Parker, born on June 29, 1971, in Latrobe, Tasmania, is a former professional Australian rules footballer. He played for the Brisbane Bears and later the Brisbane Lions in the AFL. Parker was known for his tenacious playing style and strong defensive skills. He won several accolades throughout his career, including multiple premierships with the Brisbane Lions.
6. Peter Watson
Peter Watson, born on December 10, 1940, in Latrobe, Tasmania, is a former Australian politician. He served as a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly from 1972 to 1996, representing the electoral division of Bass. Watson was a member of the Australian Labor Party and held various ministerial positions, including Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Police. He made significant contributions to the development of Tasmania's education system during his tenure.
7. Sandy Bayne
Sandy Bayne (1908–1977) was an Australian rules footballer who was born in Railton, Tasmania, within the Latrobe region. He played as a ruckman for the Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1930s. Bayne was known for his athletic ability and was instrumental in Carlton's success during his playing career.
8. Robin Gray
Robin John Gray is an Australian politician who was born on January 27, 1931, in Launceston, Tasmania. Launceston is part of the wider Latrobe region. Gray served as the Premier of Tasmania from 1982 to 1989 and was a member of the Liberal Party. He made significant contributions to the economic development of Tasmania during his time in office.
9. Grace Cossington Smith
Grace Cossington Smith (1892–1984) was an Australian artist who was born in Neutral Bay, New South Wales, Australia. While she was not born in the Latrobe region, Smith's significant connection lies in her famous painting titled "The Bridge in Building," which depicts the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The steel used in the bridge's construction was manufactured by the Latrobe Steel Company in Latrobe, Tasmania.
10. Dame Mary Gilmore
Dame Mary Gilmore (1865–1962) was a prominent Australian poet and journalist who was born in Mary Vale, New South Wales, Australia. Although not born in the Latrobe region, Gilmore spent several years living in Tasmania and had strong associations with the Australian labor movement, which had a significant following in the Latrobe region. She made notable contributions to Australian literature and social activism.
These are just a few of the distinguished and famous individuals associated with or born in the Latrobe Region, Tasmania. Their contributions to various fields, including sports, politics, exploration, and arts, have left a lasting impact on Australian society and beyond.
