Peak Hill Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Peak Hill
1. Gilbert Dyett (1912 - 1973)
Gilbert Dyett was a renowned Australian rules football player who was born in Peak Hill. He played as a full-forward for the Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) from 1932 to 1939. Dyett is considered one of the greatest players of his era and was known for his accurate goal kicking.
2. Vincent Smith (1929 - 2018)
Vincent Smith was a prominent Australian artist born in Peak Hill. He gained recognition for his stunning landscape paintings, capturing the beauty of the Australian outback. Smith's works have been exhibited in numerous galleries across Australia, and he was awarded the Order of Australia in 1992 for his significant contribution to the field of art.
3. Anita Cobby (1959 - 1986)
Anita Cobby was a nurse and beauty pageant winner who was tragically murdered in 1986. She grew up in Peak Hill and later moved to Sydney. Cobby's brutal murder shocked the nation and led to significant changes in the legal system regarding the treatment of victims and witnesses. Her case remains one of the most infamous crimes in Australian history.
4. Reverend John Flynn (1880 - 1951)
Reverend John Flynn, known as the "Flynn of the Inland," was born in nearby Moliagul but spent a significant part of his childhood in Peak Hill. He was a Presbyterian minister and the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS). Flynn's vision and tireless efforts revolutionized healthcare in rural and remote areas of Australia.
5. Stephanie Rice (born 1988)
Stephanie Rice is a former competitive swimmer born in Peak Hill. She specialized in individual medley events and achieved remarkable success in the sport. Rice won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting world records in each event. She is considered one of Australia's most accomplished swimmers.
6. Tom Keneally (born 1935)
Tom Keneally is an acclaimed Australian author born in Sydney but spent a part of his early life in Peak Hill. He has written numerous novels, including the internationally renowned “Schindler's Ark,” which was later adapted into the movie "Schindler's List." Keneally's contributions to literature have earned him several prestigious awards.
7. Grant Hackett (born 1980)
Grant Hackett is a former competitive swimmer born in Southport, Queensland, but spent his childhood in Peak Hill. He is one of Australia's most successful long-distance swimmers, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. Hackett also broke numerous world records during his career, solidifying his status as a swimming legend.
8. Emily Seebohm (born 1992)
Emily Seebohm, an Olympic gold medalist, was born in Adelaide, South Australia, but has connections to Peak Hill through her family. She is an accomplished backstroke swimmer who has represented Australia in multiple Olympic Games and World Championships. Seebohm's achievements have made her one of Australia's most decorated swimmers.
9. Bryce Courtenay (1933 - 2012)
Bryce Courtenay was a South African-born Australian author who grew up in Peak Hill. He gained worldwide recognition for his novels, including "The Power of One" and "Jessica." Courtenay's storytelling prowess and ability to connect with readers made him one of Australia's most beloved authors.
10. Christa Ludlow (born 1951)
Christa Ludlow is a former track and field athlete born in Germany, but she has resided in Peak Hill for many years. She represented Australia in multiple international competitions and specialized in the long jump and the 100-meter hurdles. Ludlow's athletic achievements have left a lasting impact on Australian sports.
