Read and learn about people who are well-known in Australia.
Bruce Miles OAM (1919–2002) was an Australian barrister who worked to defend, ‘the helpless and the hopeless,’ as he called them in his own words. After initially serving in the Second World War as a bomber pilot, he was left with a wound that caused him to limp for the rest of his life. He married and had children. He also worked for over fifty years in the courts where he battled for the underprivileged and poor. He worked for the Aboriginal Legal Service for 25 years. He received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2002.
Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) born in Richmond, Melbourne, Australia, was a coloratura soprano, a singer who was much loved by many. Throughout her schooling in Australia and further development as a singer whilst performing in Europe, she was blessed with a succession of good teachers who encouraged her and helped to foster her talent. She gave many fine performances in Europe and Australia, and went on to become one of the most famous singers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, both in Australia and worldwide. Born with the name Helen Porter Mitchell, she later adopted the stage name Melba, after her hometown, Melbourne.
Below: Photograph of Dame Nellie Melba
Mary Reibey née Haydock (1777–1855) was an English-born entrepreneur who was originally transported to Australia as a convict. After serving for two years as a nursemaid in the household of Francis Grose, she married Thomas Reibey in 1794 and the couple had seven children. After the passing of her husband, Mary demonstrated business acumen in looking after his various business interests, which included ownership of ships, property, and a trading business. She also took an interest in and contributed to charity, education, and the church. She is widely respected because of her business prowess and the example she set as a community role model. Her face is featured on the Australian twenty-dollar note. Learn More About Mary Reibey.
Sir Donald Bradman (1908–2001), whose career spanned from 1928 to 1948, achieved an incredible Test cricket batting average of 99.94, which is still considered remarkable. He is thought of by many as the greatest batsman of all time. He scored 6,996 runs for Australia in International Test Cricket. Many honours have been awarded to Bradman posthumously. These include a $5 commemorative gold coin issued by the Royal Australian Mint on the 27 August 2008, the centenary of his birth. He was also made the first inductee into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame after it was established in 1985. Learn More About Australian Cricket.
Below: Sir Donald Bradman, Australian Cricketer:
