Cardinia Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Cardinia
Dame Nellie Melba
Dame Nellie Melba, born Helen Porter Mitchell, was an acclaimed opera soprano. She was born in Richmond, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria in 1861. Melba achieved worldwide fame for her vocal performances in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was the first Australian to gain international recognition as a classical musician. Melba's exceptional talent and contribution to the field of opera have cemented her as one of Australia's most iconic figures.
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe, born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1964, is a renowned actor and film producer. While Crowe was born in New Zealand, he spent a considerable part of his childhood in Cardinia, Victoria. He gained international recognition for his roles in films such as "Gladiator" (2000), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Over the years, Crowe has garnered critical acclaim for his versatile performances in various film genres.
Toni Collette
Toni Collette is an Australian actress, singer, and songwriter. She was born in Blacktown, New South Wales in 1972, but she has strong connections to Cardinia. Collette has received several accolades for her diverse roles in both film and theater. She achieved great success with her role in the film "Muriel's Wedding" (1999), and later appeared in notable movies such as "The Sixth Sense" (1999) and "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006).
John Bertrand
John Bertrand, born in Melbourne in 1946, is a highly accomplished yachtsman and businessman. While not directly from Cardinia, Bertrand has a strong connection to the region as he attended Beaconhills College, situated in Cardinia, for his secondary education. Bertrand is best known as the skipper of Australia II, the yacht that won the America's Cup in 1983, breaking the New York Yacht Club's 132-year winning streak. His success made him a prominent figure in Australian sailing history.
Tim Watson
Tim Watson, born in Melbourne in 1961, is a well-known former Australian rules football player and sports commentator. While not specifically from Cardinia, Watson is associated with the area through his involvement with the local football team, Beaconsfield Football Club. Watson had a successful career as a player for the Essendon Football Club, winning several prestigious awards. Following his retirement, he transitioned into a successful media career as a sports presenter and commentator.
