The South West Slopes Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from The South West Slopes
1. Sir Henry Parkes
Sir Henry Parkes was a prominent Australian politician and journalist. He was born on May 27, 1815, in Canley, a small town in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales. Parkes is known as the "Father of Federation" for his crucial role in advocating for the federation of the Australian colonies. He served as the Premier of New South Wales on five separate occasions.
2. Tilly Devine
Tilly Devine, born Matilda Mary Twiss on September 8, 1900, in Camberwell, London, migrated to Australia and became a notorious underworld figure. She operated as a prominent Madame involved in organized crime, primarily in Sydney. Devine was known for her involvement in the illegal liquor trade during the Prohibition era in the 1920s and 1930s. She is considered one of the most influential and feared crime figures in Sydney's history.
3. Francis James Sheahan
Francis James Sheahan was born on April 1, 1818, in County Cavan, Ireland, and later migrated to Australia. He became a Catholic clergyman and played a significant role in the early development of the town of Goulburn, located within the South West Slopes region. Sheahan was appointed as the first parish priest of St. Saviour's Church in Goulburn in 1844 and was instrumental in establishing several educational and charitable institutions in the area.
4. Sir William McMahon
Sir William McMahon was an Australian politician who served as the 20th Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. He was born on February 23, 1908, in Sydney but had strong family ties to the South West Slopes region. McMahon represented the electoral division of Lowe, which includes parts of the South West Slopes, during his political career. He held various ministerial positions before becoming Prime Minister.
5. Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson was a renowned Australian poet and writer, born on June 17, 1867, in Grenfell, a town located in the South West Slopes region. He is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest writers and is known for his vivid depictions of Australian bush life and characters. Lawson's works, such as "The Drover's Wife" and "The Man from Snowy River," have become iconic pieces of Australian literature.
6. Anne Fulwood
Anne Fulwood is a prominent Australian journalist and television presenter. She was born in Young, a town situated in the South West Slopes region, on December 16, 1956. Fulwood has had a successful media career, working for notable Australian news channels like ABC and Sky News Australia. She has also hosted programs such as "The World Today" and "Lateline Business."
