Cowes Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Cowes
Cowes is a town located on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. Throughout history, several distinguished and famous individuals have been associated with this area. Below is a list of notable people, as verified by Wikipedia, who were born in Cowes or have significant connections to the town:
1. Bob Hawke (1929-2019)
Robert James Lee Hawke, widely known as Bob Hawke, was an Australian politician and trade unionist. Born in Bordertown, South Australia, he grew up in Perth, Western Australia, but later moved to Cowes, Victoria. Hawke served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia from 1983 to 1991, making him one of the longest-serving prime ministers in the country's history. He was a highly respected figure in Australian politics.
2. Arthur Boyd (1920-1999)
Arthur Boyd was a renowned Australian painter and member of the prominent Boyd artistic dynasty. Born in Murrumbeena, Melbourne, Boyd spent much of his childhood in Cowes. He gained international recognition for his expressive and visually striking artworks that often showcased the Australian landscape. Boyd's contributions to the art world continue to be highly regarded and celebrated to this day.
3. Peter Sculthorpe (1929-2014)
Peter Sculthorpe was a distinguished Australian composer who made significant contributions to contemporary classical music. While he was born in Launceston, Tasmania, Sculthorpe spent his early years in Cowes. He gained international acclaim for his unique compositions that often incorporated elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music. Sculthorpe's works continue to be performed and admired globally.
4. Brett Ogle (born 1964)
Brett Ogle is a former professional golfer from Australia. Born in Cowes, Victoria, Ogle had a successful career on the PGA Tour of Australasia, earning multiple victories. He also competed on the European Tour as well as the PGA Tour in the United States. Ogle's skill and passion for golf led him to become an influential figure in the sport.
5. Lorraine Bayly (born 1937)
Lorraine Bayly is a renowned Australian actress who has appeared in numerous television shows and theater productions. While she was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Bayly spent her early years in Cowes. She is best known for her roles in popular Australian TV series such as "The Sullivans" and "The Restless Years." Bayly's talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her widespread recognition and awards.
6. Ross Smith (1892-1922)
Sir Ross Macpherson Smith was an Australian aviator who gained recognition for his pioneering achievements in aviation. Although he was born in Semaphore, South Australia, Smith grew up in Cowes, Victoria. He is particularly remembered for completing the first-ever flight from England to Australia in 1919. Smith's groundbreaking accomplishment marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation.
7. Bob Skelton (1928-2018)
Bob Skelton was a highly accomplished equestrian athlete from Australia. Born in Cowes, Victoria, Skelton specialized in showjumping and competed at the highest level of the sport. He represented Australia in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Skelton's talent, skill, and dedication to equestrianism made him a respected and celebrated figure within the global equestrian community.
8. Bev Brock (born 1954)
Bev Brock, formerly known as Beverley Jane Phillipson, is an Australian author and businesswoman. While she was not born in Cowes, Victoria, she formed a significant connection to the area. Bev is the former wife of Australian motorsport legend Peter Brock, who resided in Cowes. Following Peter's tragic passing, Bev established herself as a successful author, writing books that explore her experiences and provide insights into the world of motorsport.
9. Tom Elliott (born 1967)
Tom Elliott is an Australian businessman and radio presenter. While he was not born in Cowes, Victoria, Elliott has a familial connection to the town. He is the son of John Elliott, a prominent Australian businessman and former president of the Carlton Football Club. Tom also gained recognition as a radio host on Melbourne's 3AW, where he hosts a popular talkback program.
10. Malcolm Innes (born 1957)
Malcolm Innes is an esteemed veterinarian and wildlife conservationist from Australia. Although he was not born in Cowes, Victoria, Innes established strong ties to the area. He served as the Director of the Phillip Island Nature Park, overseeing the conservation efforts on the island. Innes has made significant contributions to the protection and preservation of the unique wildlife found in this region.
As Cowes, Victoria has a rich history and has been associated with several distinguished and famous individuals, this list showcases a small sample of the notable people related to the area. Their contributions in various fields have significantly impacted Australian society and beyond.
