Laverton Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Laverton
Laverton is a small town located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, Australia. While not many distinguished individuals have been born directly in Laverton, several notable figures with associations to this area have made significant contributions in various fields.
1. Leonard Casley (1928-2019)
Leonard Casley, also known as Prince Leonard, was a maverick Australian farmer who founded the Principality of Hutt River, a micronation located near Laverton. In 1970, Leonard and his family seceded from Australia after a long-running dispute over wheat production quotas. The Principality of Hutt River gained international recognition as a separate entity and still exists today.
2. Andy Green (born 1962)
Andy Green is an Australian-born British Royal Air Force pilot and a fighter aircraft test pilot. He was born in Laverton and is best known for being the first person to break the land speed record in a car powered by a jet engine. On October 15, 1997, driving the ThrustSSC, Green reached a speed of 763.035 mph (1,227.986 km/h) in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA.
3. Peter Sculthorpe (1929-2014)
Peter Sculthorpe was a renowned Australian composer born in Launceston, Tasmania. Although not directly born in Laverton, he spent a significant part of his early childhood there. Sculthorpe is known for incorporating indigenous Australian influences into his compositions and is considered one of Australia's most important composers of the 20th century.
4. David Wirrpanda (born 1980)
David Wirrpanda is a former professional Australian rules football player who was born in Laverton. He played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL) and was known for his exceptional skills on the field. After retiring, Wirrpanda established the David Wirrpanda Foundation, which focuses on empowering Indigenous youth and promoting educational opportunities.
5. Emma Matthews (born 1971)
Emma Matthews is an Australian operatic soprano born in Laverton. She has gained international acclaim for her performances in leading roles in various operas. Matthews has received numerous awards and has performed with renowned opera companies around the world, including Opera Australia, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Royal Opera House.
6. Kevin Bloody Wilson (born 1947)
Kevin Bloody Wilson is an Australian musical comedian famous for his humorous and often controversial songs. While not born in Laverton itself, he grew up in Kalgoorlie, a nearby town, which falls within the wider region. Wilson has released numerous albums and has achieved significant success, particularly among fans of comedy and country music.
7. Marita Cheng (born 1989)
Marita Cheng is an Australian technology entrepreneur and advocate for women in engineering. Though not directly born in Laverton, she spent her early years in the area before moving to Melbourne. Cheng is the founder of Robogals, an international organization that aims to inspire and increase female participation in engineering and related fields.
8. Matt Priddis (born 1985)
Matt Priddis is a former professional Australian rules football player who was born in Laverton. He played for the West Coast Eagles in the AFL and was known for his tenacity and strong work ethic on the field. Priddis won the prestigious Brownlow Medal in 2014, which is awarded to the best and fairest player in the competition.
9. Amberley Lobo (born 1986)
Amberley Lobo is an Australian television presenter known for her work on children's programs. While not directly born in Laverton, she grew up in Kalgoorlie, which falls within the wider region. Lobo has hosted various programs on channels like Channel V and has also been involved in advocacy work for youth mental health.
10. Aaron Pajich (1995-2016)
Aaron Pajich was a young man born in Laverton who tragically lost his life at the age of 18. His murder in 2016 garnered significant media attention in Australia. Pajich's case brought important discussions surrounding mental health, justice, and community safety to the forefront, leading to increased awareness and support for those affected by violent crimes.
While Laverton may not be widely known for producing a large number of famous individuals, these notable figures demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements associated with the region.
