Dardanup Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Dardanup
Dardanup, located in Western Australia, has been the birthplace of several distinguished individuals. Here are some notable people associated with the region:
1. Sir James Lee Steere
Sir James Lee Steere (1830–1903) was an influential Western Australian pastoralist and politician. He represented the seat of West Perth in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly and served as Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey from 1875 to 1880. Steere played a vital role in the development of the state's agricultural industry and also served on the Perth City Council.
2. Hugh Mahon
Hugh Mahon (1857–1931) was an Australian journalist, politician, and author. Born in Dardanup, he went on to become a member of the Australian House of Representatives, representing various electorates between 1901 and 1922. Mahon was supportive of Irish Home Rule and, due to his controversial remarks, became the only member ever expelled from the Australian federal parliament.
3. Robert Ross McDonald
Robert Ross McDonald (1862–1936) was an Australian politician who also hailed from Dardanup. He served as a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the seat of Sussex from 1905 to 1917. McDonald was known for his contribution to agricultural matters and his support for farmers' rights.
4. Herbert C. Grose
Herbert Charles Grose (1865–1953) was a prominent Western Australian public servant and agricultural scientist. He worked extensively towards improving agricultural practices in the state and played a crucial role in advancing the quality of Western Australia's wool industry. Grose's research and contributions earned him recognition within the field.
5. Sir Reginald Roy Fedden
Sir Reginald Roy Fedden (1874–1953) was an Australian judge and politician associated with Dardanup. He served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Western Australia from 1926 to 1945 and later as Lieutenant Governor from 1946 to 1951. Fedden made significant contributions to the legal system within the state.
6. Sydney Stubbs
Sydney Stubbs (1880–1916) was an early Australian aviator born in Dardanup. He earned fame as a pioneer aviator in Western Australia and was an accomplished pilot. Sadly, Stubbs lost his life during flight training in Egypt while serving in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I.
7. John Willcock
John Collings Willcock (1879–1956) was a notable Australian politician and the 15th Premier of Western Australia. Born in Dardanup, he served as Premier from 1936 to 1947, overseeing significant reforms in areas such as education and welfare. Willcock's tenure marked a progressive era for the state.
8. Edgar Baston
Edgar Russell Baston (1894–1942) was an Australian cricketer who played for Western Australia and Victoria in first-class matches. Born in Dardanup, he was a talented right-handed batsman and an exceptional fielder. Baston made significant contributions to regional and state-level cricket during his career.
9. Sir Charles Loveday
Sir Charles Aitken Loveday (1898–1962) was an Australian scientist and researcher who specialized in agriculture and meteorology. Loveday made significant advancements in the fields of rainmaking and applied meteorology, contributing to better farming practices in Western Australia. He was knighted for his services to science and agriculture.
10. Reginald Watson
Reginald Appleyard Watson (1915–2004) was an Australian athlete who competed in the discus throw at the Olympic Games. Born in Dardanup, Watson represented Australia in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, achieving notable success within the sport.
11. Joan Kirner
Joan Elizabeth Kirner AC (1938–2015) was an Australian politician and feminist activist. Although not born in Dardanup, Joan Kirner is associated with the region due to her extensive involvement in local politics and community development. She became the first female Premier of Victoria, holding office from 1990 to 1992, and worked diligently for gender equality and social justice.
12. Brad Smith
Brad Smith (born 1978) is an Australian electronics engineer who co-founded the innovative technology company, Campaign Monitor. While not being born in Dardanup, Smith grew up in the region and attended Dardanup Primary School. He later achieved great success within the technology industry and played a significant role in the growth of Campaign Monitor, a well-known email marketing platform.
These individuals and their remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on various fields, representing the breadth of talent that has emerged from the Dardanup region in Western Australia.