Peterborough District Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Peterborough District
1. Sir Hubert Wilkins
Sir George Hubert Wilkins (1888-1958) was born in Mount Bryan East, a small town within the Peterborough District. He was a renowned Australian polar explorer, ornithologist, pilot, and adventurer. Wilkins made several expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic regions, including serving as a war photographer during World War I. He achieved many significant accomplishments in the field of exploration and made substantial contributions to scientific knowledge. Sir Hubert Wilkins is remembered as one of Australia's most accomplished adventurers.
2. Rusty Wire
Rusty Wire, whose real name is Frederick Price (1918-2005), was a well-known country and western musician. Born in Peterborough, South Australia, Wire gained popularity for his unique style of yodeling. He became one of the most recognizable figures in Australian country music during the 1940s and 1950s. Wire's career spanned several decades, and he released numerous successful recordings, becoming a beloved icon in the genre.
3. Dame Roma Mitchell
Dame Roma Mitchell (1913-2000) was an Australian jurist and the first female judge in Australia. She was born in Adelaide but spent a significant part of her childhood in Peterborough. Mitchell had a remarkable legal career, advocating for women's rights and social justice throughout her life. She served as a South Australian judge and later became the Governor of South Australia, making her the first woman in Australia to hold that position. Dame Roma Mitchell's contributions to the legal system and her commitment to equality earned her great respect and admiration nationwide.
4. John Ryan
John Ryan (1934-1979) was an Australian marathon runner who was born in Peterborough. He represented Australia in the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City, placing 5th in the marathon event. Ryan's success continued throughout his career, and he became one of the country's most accomplished long-distance runners. His dedication to the sport and remarkable achievements helped inspire future generations of Australian athletes.
5. Sir Ross McKinley
Sir Ross McKinley (1919-1985) was a renowned Australian surgeon born in Peterborough. He played a significant role in developing and advocating for new surgical procedures and techniques. Sir Ross McKinley became a prominent figure in the medical field, specializing in cardiovascular surgery. His innovation and dedication made him a highly respected and influential surgeon in Australia and beyond.
6. Wendy Martin
Wendy Martin (1940-2019) was an Australian netball player from Peterborough. She represented Australia as a goal shooter in the national team during the 1960s, achieving great success. Martin played in multiple international competitions and was instrumental in Australia's victories in various netball tournaments. She contributed to raising the profile of netball in Australia and inspiring young athletes to pursue the sport.
