Famous People From Australia

By Tessa Erickson-Thoemke

Steve IrwinSteve Irwin was from Queensland, Australia. He had the nickname “The Crocodile Hunter” after his popular TV show. Irwin was a conservationist and wildlife expert. He co-owned and operated the Australia Zoo, which was founded by his parents. Sadly, Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006, due to a stingray barb pierced through his chest while he was filming a video on the Great Barrier Reef.

Cathy FreemanCathy Freeman was born in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. She is an Aboriginal sprinter, and has won several gold medals. In 2000, Freeman became the Olympic champion of the 400 meters race at the Sydney games, and she also had the honor of lighting the Olympic torch.

The WigglesThe Wiggles are a popular children’s musical group. Their group was formed in 1991 in Sydney, Australia. They have achieved worldwide success with their concert appearances, television series, children’s albums, and videos. The Wiggles group is franchised in several other countries, and they have also developed Wiggles sections in amusement parks in the United States and Australia. They have also won several recording industry awards.

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John was born in England, but raised in Australia. She is a singer and actress, and is well known for her role in Grease, as Sandy. She has been very successful in her music, and she sings pop, country and adult contemporary. Newton-John is also an activist for animal rights and environmental issues.

Fred HollowsFred Hollows was an ophthalmologist, which is someone who works with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. He is known for his work in restoring eyesight for thousands of people in Australia and other countries. At an estimate, about one million people can see today because of initiatives that Hollows instigated. Fred Hollows also helped with the establishment of medical services for the Aboriginal people throughout Australia.

Nicole KidmanNicole Kidman was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Sydney, Australia. Kidman is an Australian actress, humanitarian, and spokes model. Some movies that Kidman was in are The Golden Compass, Happy Feet and Australia.