Barwon Coast Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Barwon Coast
1. Polly Farmer
Polly Farmer (1935–2019) was an Australian rules footballer known for his successful career in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born in Greenough, Western Australia, Farmer moved to Barwon Heads, located on the Barwon Coast, during his later years. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian rules footballers of all time, primarily playing for the Geelong Football Club and East Perth Football Club.
2. Jack Hawkins
John "Jack" Hawkins (1910–1973) was an acclaimed British actor born in Wood Green, London. Although not originally from the Barwon Coast region, Hawkins owned a holiday home in the town of Barwon Heads, located on the coast. He was known for his performances in numerous theatrical productions, as well as films such as "The Cruel Sea" and "Bridge on the River Kwai."
3. Charles Kingsford Smith
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (1897–1935), often referred to as "Smithy," was an Australian aviator born in Hamilton, Queensland. While not specifically associated with Barwon Coast, Kingsford Smith is noteworthy due to his record-setting flight across the Pacific Ocean. In 1928, he and his crew successfully completed the first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia, landing in Brisbane. This achievement earned him global recognition as an aviation pioneer.
4. Fred Hollows
Professor Fred Hollows (1929–1993) was a renowned Australian ophthalmologist and humanitarian, born in Dunedin, New Zealand. While his connection to the Barwon Coast region isn't as prominent, Hollows' contributions to the field of eye care, particularly his work in remote Indigenous communities, make him an important figure. He founded the Fred Hollows Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving eye health and reducing blindness in communities around the world.
5. Billy Brownless
Billy Brownless is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club in the AFL. Born in Coleraine, Victoria, Brownless is known for his successful career as a forward and his media appearances after retiring from professional football. While not originally from the Barwon Coast, Brownless has been associated with the area through his involvement with the Geelong Football Club, which is based nearby.
