Iconic Australians

AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson (1864–1941) was a poet and journalist who produced perhaps two of the best known pieces of Australian writing—the ballad Waltzing Matilda (which many Australians still regard as an unofficial Australian anthem) and the poem The Man from Snowy River. Paterson was a partner in a Sydney firm of solicitors when he started publishing verse in the Bulletin and the Sydney Mail under the pseudonyms ‘B’ and ‘The Banjo’. His first book, The Man from Snowy River and other verses, was published in 1895 and sold out within a week. Four editions were published in six months. By 1902, Paterson had left the legal profession to become a full-time journalist and writer. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1939. His portrait appears on the Australian $10 note.

Errol Flynn (1909–59) is one of Australia’s best known actors, with his off-screen adventures attracting at least as much attention as his film career. After a rebellious childhood and somewhat fragmented schooling, he moved to Papua New Guinea, where he trained as a district officer and also tried his hand as the overseer of a copra plantation, partner in a charter schooner business, gold prospector, sailor and manager of a tobacco plantation. Flynn was chosen by Australian film maker Charles Chauvel to play Fletcher Christian in the 1933 film In the Wake of the Bounty. He then worked as an actor in London before relocating to Hollywood, where he made an immediate impact as the swashbuckling Captain Blood (1935). Flynn appeared in some of the biggest action and adventure movies of his day.

Sir Donald Bradman (1908–2001) is arguably the greatest cricketer of all time. During a period spanning 21 years (1928–48) Sir Donald represented Australia, playing 52 Test matches and scoring a total of 6996 runs— with a batting average of 99.94. This was almost double that of his nearest rivals. Sir Donald, who was born in Cootamundra in New South Wales, rose to acclaim during a period of hardship, depression and recovery, and his heroic exploits on the cricket pitch raised the spirits of many Australians during the tough years of the Great Depression. Sir Donald was knighted on his retirement and was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1976. In 2000, he was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the 20th Century.

Ned Kelly (1855–80) is Australia’s most famous bushranger. He is regarded by many Australians as a folk hero for his rebellious defiance of colonial authorities. Kelly, in his home-made metal armour and helmet, has been memorialised in paintings, books, music and films. He was born in 1855 near Melbourne to an Irish-Catholic couple (his father was an ex-convict). As a young man, Kelly clashed with police. He was declared an outlaw and was captured after a violent confrontation with police at Glenrowan. He was executed by hanging at Melbourne Gaol in 1880.

Dame Nellie Melba (1861–1931) achieved international recognition in her lifetime as a ‘super star’ soprano and enjoyed an unrivalled popularity and status in Australia. She made her operatic debut in Brussels in 1887 as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto and went on to sing to great acclaim in London, Paris, Milan, New York and other major cities. She later became prima donna at London’s Covent Garden. In 1902, Melba had a triumphant home coming, giving concerts in all Australian states. During World War I, she worked tirelessly to raise funds for war charities and gave wartime concerts in North America. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1918 and her portrait appears on the Australian $100 note.