Gulf Country Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Gulf Country
Famous Individuals:
Kev Carmody
Kevin Daniel "Kev" Carmody (born 1946) is an Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter and musician. He was born in the town of Goroka in Papua New Guinea but grew up in the Gulf Country region of Queensland, Australia. Carmody is notable for his advocacy for Indigenous rights and has released several albums featuring his unique blend of folk and country music.
Adrian Lam
Adrian Lam (born 1970) is a former professional rugby league fplayer from Papua New Guinea. He was born in Rabaul, but his family moved to Normanton in Gulf Country, Queensland when he was young. He had a successful playing career, representing Papua New Guinea at international level and playing for various clubs in Australia and the United Kingdom. After retiring from playing, Lam transitioned into coaching and has held positions in the National Rugby League (NRL) and Super League.
Ernest Henry
Sir Ernest Henry (1837–1919) was an English mining engineer and philanthropist. Although not born in the Gulf Country region, he is associated with the area due to his significant contributions to the mining industry in Mount Isa, located in the Gulf Country. Henry played a pivotal role in the development and establishment of mining operations in Mount Isa, leading to the discovery of substantial mineral resources. As a result, the Mount Isa Mines was named in his honor.
Maynie Thompson
Maynie Thompson (1884–1973) was an Indigenous Australian activist and community leader. She was born in the Gulf Country region of Queensland and was a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice. Thompson worked towards improving living conditions for Aboriginal people, focusing on education and health services. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Mornington Island mission, which provided support and resources for the local Indigenous community.
A.Florsheim
Arthur Florsheim (1904–1972), commonly known as A. Florsheim, was an Australian entomologist and public servant. He was born in the Gulf Country region of Queensland and developed a keen interest in studying insects from a young age. Florsheim made significant contributions to the field of entomology, particularly in the taxonomy of Australian insects. He worked for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and published numerous scientific papers throughout his career.
Margaret Lawrie
Margaret Lawrie (c. 1900–1973) was an Australian author and historian. She was born and raised in the Gulf Country region of Queensland, where she developed a deep appreciation for Indigenous culture and history. Lawrie dedicated her life to documenting and preserving the stories, myths, and traditions of Aboriginal peoples in the Gulf Country. Her book "Myths and Legends of the Torres Strait" is considered a significant contribution to the understanding of Indigenous cultures in the region.
Sally Pearson
Sally Pearson (born 1986) is an Australian former track and field athlete. Although not specifically born in the Gulf Country region, Pearson spent a significant part of her childhood and teenage years in the town of Normanton, located in the Gulf Country. She achieved great success in the sport, specializing in hurdle events. Pearson won numerous medals at international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. Her achievements have made her one of the most decorated Australian athletes in track and field.
Peter Rowles
Peter Rowles (1932–2012) was an Australian artist and painter known for his unique depictions of the Gulf Country landscapes. Rowles was born in Normanton and his connection to the region greatly influenced his art. He dedicated his career to capturing the beauty and essence of the Gulf Country through his vivid and expressive paintings. Rowles' work has been exhibited in various art galleries across Australia and is highly regarded by art enthusiasts.
Prince Alfred
Prince Alfred Ernest Albert (1844–1900), also known as Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, was a member of the British royal family. Although not born in the Gulf Country region, Prince Alfred visited the area during his worldwide voyage in 1868. He spent time in Normanton, Queensland and participated in hunting and fishing activities. Prince Alfred's visit to the Gulf Country region had a significant impact on local communities and contributed to the area's historical importance.
Gary Thompson
Gary Thompson (born 1955) is an Australian former professional rugby league player. He was born in the town of Burketown in the Gulf Country region of Queensland. Thompson had a successful career as a forward, playing for various teams in the National Rugby League (NRL) and representing Queensland in State of Origin matches. He was known for his strong work ethic and toughness on the field, earning him a reputation as a formidable competitor.
Associated Individuals:
Matthew Flinders
Matthew Flinders (1774–1814) was an English navigator and cartographer who explored and surveyed the coastline of Australia. Although not born in the Gulf Country region, Flinders' travels took him through parts of the area. He is associated with the Gulf Country due to his encounter with Indigenous peoples during his expeditions.
Burketown Three
The Burketown Three refers to a group of Indigenous Australian activists - Edward Albert Doogan, John Frazer, and James Lingwoodock - who played a significant role in advocating for land rights and social justice for Aboriginal people in the Gulf Country region. Although not born in Gulf Country, their efforts had a lasting impact on the community and its struggles for recognition and rights.
Estelle Blackburn
Estelle Blackburn is an Australian author and investigative journalist. Although not born in the Gulf Country, Blackburn is associated with the area due to her research and book titled "Broken Lives: A Victorian Police Cold Case and Its Aftermath," which explores a murder case that occurred in the Gulf Country region.
Charles Conder
Charles Conder (1868–1909) was an English-born Australian painter and a key figure in the Heidelberg School art movement. While Conder was not born in Gulf Country, he is associated with the region due to his participation in the famous 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition in Melbourne in 1889, where he showcased a painting titled "A Gulf Country."
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II (born 1926) visited the Gulf Country region during her tours of Australia. As the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, her visits held great significance for the region, fostering a sense of connection and importance.
Redgum (band)
Redgum was an Australian folk and political music group formed in Adelaide in 1975. Although not directly associated with Gulf Country, the band's iconic song "I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)" references individuals who served in the Vietnam War, including some from the Gulf Country region.
Nicholas Lockyer
Nicholas Lockyer (1811–1885) was a British explorer and deputy assistant commissary-general in Australia. He explored parts of the Gulf Country region during his expeditions in the mid-19th century.
