Yarrawonga Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Yarrawonga
Distinguished Personalities:
1. Sir Robert Helpmann (1909-1986)
Sir Robert Helpmann was a prominent Australian dancer, actor, and director. He was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, but spent a significant part of his childhood in Yarrawonga. Helpmann is internationally recognized for his contributions to ballet and film. He played various celebrated roles in productions by The Royal Ballet and is best known for his portrayals in movies like "The Red Shoes" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
2. Mary Jeannie Faulkner (1861-1951)
Mary Jeannie Faulkner, widely known as "Janie" Faulkner, was an influential Australian suffragette. Born in Yarrawonga, she became an active member of the women's suffrage movement, campaigning for women's right to vote. She played a crucial role in the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society and was among the first women to cast a vote in Victoria after suffrage was achieved in 1908.
3. John Gribben (1933-2019)
John Gribben was an esteemed Australian rules footballer who hailed from Yarrawonga. He played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1950s and early 1960s. Gribben was regarded as a highly talented player, known for his exceptional speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability.
Notable Figures Associated with Yarrawonga:
1. Sir Arthur Streeton (1867-1943)
Sir Arthur Streeton, one of Australia's most renowned landscape artists, had a strong connection to Yarrawonga. He frequently visited and painted the picturesque landscapes surrounding the town. Streeton's artworks often depicted the natural beauty of the Yarrawonga region, particularly Lake Mulwala and its surroundings.
2. Tom Roberts (1856-1931)
Tom Roberts, a prominent Australian artist and a key figure in the Heidelberg School movement, also had ties to Yarrawonga. While he was not born in the town, Roberts visited the area and actively painted the local landscapes. His familiar plein-air paintings often captured the essence of the Yarrawonga region.
3. Jimmy Pierson (1901-1960)
Jimmy Pierson, a cricketer who played for the Australian national team, moved to Yarrawonga after retiring from his cricket career. He contributed significantly to the local sports scene, coaching and mentoring young cricketers in the area. Pierson's involvement helped develop a strong cricketing culture and tradition in Yarrawonga.
