Wingecarribee Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Wingecarribee
1. Sir Donald Bradman
Sir Donald Bradman (1908-2001) was an Australian cricketer widely regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. He was born in Cootamundra, but spent a significant part of his childhood in Bowral, which is located within the Wingecarribee Shire. Bradman played 52 Test matches for Australia and achieved a batting average of 99.94, the highest-ever in the history of the sport. He is considered a national hero in Australia and made an immense contribution to the popularity of cricket.
2. Tanya Plibersek
Tanya Plibersek (born 1969) is an Australian politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Division of Sydney from 1998 to 2019. She held several ministerial positions, including Minister for Health and Minister for Education, in the Australian Government. Plibersek was born in Sydney but spent her early childhood in the Southern Highlands, which encompasses Wingecarribee. She is known for her advocacy on education, health, and social justice issues.
3. Merrick Watts
Merrick Watts (born 1973) is an Australian comedian, radio and television presenter. He grew up in Mittagong, a town within the Wingecarribee Shire. Watts is known for his work on the Australian radio show "Merrick & Rosso" and has also appeared on various TV programs such as "The Hollowmen" and "Thank God You're Here". He has won several awards for his comedic talents and is regarded as one of Australia's leading entertainers.
4. James Fairfax
James Fairfax (born 1933) is an Australian philanthropist and former media proprietor. As a member of the prominent Fairfax family, he was associated with the Fairfax Media empire, which owns some of Australia's leading newspapers. Although born in Melbourne, Fairfax spent a significant portion of his life in Bowral, Wingecarribee. He has made significant contributions to the arts and culture in Australia through his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of journalism and the visual arts.
5. Jai Waetford
Jai Waetford (born 1999) is an Australian singer-songwriter and actor. He rose to fame as a finalist on the Australian reality TV show "The X Factor" in 2013. While not born in Wingecarribee, Waetford grew up in the town of Mittagong, within the region. He has released several successful singles and has gained a significant following both in Australia and internationally.
