Central Goldfields Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Central Goldfields
1. Sir John Quick (1852-1932)
Sir John Quick was an Australian politician and author, born in Bendigo within the Central Goldfields region. He played a prominent role in the federation movement and was one of the delegates who drafted Australia's constitution. Quick served in the federal parliament from 1901-1913 and also contributed significantly to legal literature.
2. Frederick William Furphy (1842-1912)
Frederick William Furphy, commonly known as Tom Collins, was an Australian author and tinsmith from the Central Goldfields region. He is best known for his novel "Such Is Life," published in 1903. Furphy's book provides a vivid portrayal of life in the bush and is considered a classic of Australian literature.
3. Lieutenant John Martley Raws (1892-1915)
Lieutenant John Martley Raws was a World War I soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Raws was born in Majorca, Victoria, which lies within the Central Goldfields region. He displayed exceptional bravery during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 but unfortunately was killed in action later that year at Gallipoli, Turkey.
4. Harold "Joe" Herschell (1921-2011)
Harold Herschell, known as Joe Herschell, was an Australian rules footballer born in Talbot, Victoria, located in the Central Goldfields region. He played for the South Melbourne Football Club (now known as the Sydney Swans) in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s. Herschell's exceptional skills and contributions to the sport earned him a place in the Sydney Swans Hall of Fame.
5. Debora Cheetham AO
Debora Cheetham AO is an Indigenous Australian soprano, composer, and educator. She was born in Cummeragunja, Victoria, which is part of the Central Goldfields region. Cheetham is a highly acclaimed opera singer who has performed on national and international stages. She is also the founder and director of the Short Black Opera Company, which aims to identify, develop, and promote Indigenous opera singers.
6. Dorothy Wickham (1944-2020)
Dorothy Wickham was an Australian historian and activist who dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the history of the Central Goldfields region. She was actively involved in the Talbot Arts Festival and initiated various historical publications. Wickham's work significantly contributed to the understanding and appreciation of the region's rich history and heritage.
