Toowoomba Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Toowoomba
1. Geoffrey Rush (1951 - )
Geoffrey Rush is an acclaimed Australian actor, born and raised in Toowoomba. He is one of the few individuals to have won the "Triple Crown of Acting," including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. Rush is best known for his role as Captain Hector Barbossa in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. He has also received critical acclaim for his performances in films such as Shine (1996) and The King's Speech (2010).
2. Allan Border (1955 - )
Allan Border is a former Australian cricketer, born in Toowoomba. He is considered one of the greatest cricketers in Australian history and captained the Australian national cricket team from 1984 to 1994. Border played 156 Test matches, scoring over 11,000 runs and leading Australia to numerous victories. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2000.
3. Kristy Hinze (1979 - )
Kristy Hinze is an Australian model and television host, born in Toowoomba. She has appeared on the covers of numerous international fashion magazines and worked with renowned fashion designers. Hinze has also ventured into television hosting, co-hosting the reality TV show Project Runway Australia. She is recognized globally as a successful model and entrepreneur.
4. Grant McLennan (1958 - 2006)
Grant McLennan was a renowned Australian musician, born in Toowoomba. He co-founded the influential indie rock band, The Go-Betweens, in the late 1970s. McLennan was praised for his songwriting abilities and distinctive vocal style. His contributions to Australian music helped shape the indie rock scene, and he is considered a significant figure in the industry.
5. Emma Miller (1839 - 1917)
Emma Miller was a prominent Australian suffragette and union activist, born in Toowoomba. She played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and workers' rights in Queensland. Miller was a prominent speaker at public rallies and was involved in various organizations fighting for social justice. Her dedication to the feminist movement significantly contributed to advancements in gender equality in Australia.
6. Paul Tully (1953 - )
Paul Tully is an Australian politician, born in Toowoomba. He has served as a local councillor in the Ipswich City Council since 1982, making him one of Queensland's longest-serving councillors. Tully has been instrumental in various local initiatives and has actively worked towards the development and improvement of the Ipswich region throughout his political career.
7. Nikki Osborne (1980 - )
Nikki Osborne is an Australian comedian and actress, hailing from Toowoomba. She gained recognition through her stand-up comedy performances and has appeared in numerous TV shows and comedy festivals. Osborne's comedic talent and ability to engage audiences have earned her a reputation as a rising star in the Australian comedy scene.
8. Angela Strehli (1945 - )
Angela Strehli is an American blues singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Toowoomba before moving to the United States. She is known for her soulful voice and contributions to the blues genre. Strehli has collaborated with renowned musicians and released several albums throughout her career, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim in the blues community.
9. John Wood (1946 - )
John Wood is an Australian actor, born in Toowoomba. He is best known for his role as Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in the long-running television series Blue Heelers. Wood has received numerous accolades for his performances, including multiple Logie Awards. His contributions to Australian television and film have made him a beloved figure in the industry.
10. Meggsie Bones (1894 - 1967)
Meggsie Bones was an Australian boxer, born in Toowoomba. He became well-known in the Australian boxing scene during the early 20th century and competed in various weight divisions. Bones achieved significant success in his career and represented Australia in international boxing tournaments. His contributions to Australian boxing have left a lasting impact on the sport.
