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The Mount Lofty Ranges

South Australia

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The Mount Lofty Ranges Who's Who

Distinguished and Famous people from The Mount Lofty Ranges

1. Don Dunstan

Don Dunstan (1926-1999) was a prominent Australian politician, lawyer, and social activist. He was born in Suva, Fiji, but later moved to Adelaide in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Dunstan served as the Premier of South Australia from 1967 to 1968 and from 1970 to 1979. He was known for his progressive policies and championing social reforms, including decriminalization of homosexuality, abolition of the death penalty, and introduction of consumer protection laws.

2. Catherine Helen Spence

Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910) was a renowned Australian author, educator, and suffragette. Although she was born in Scotland, she migrated to South Australia and settled in the Mount Lofty Ranges during her childhood. Spence played a pivotal role in advocating for equal rights for women, including the right to vote. She was the first woman to run as a political candidate in Australia, and her efforts greatly influenced the adoption of women's suffrage in South Australia in 1894.

3. Sir Mark Oliphant

Sir Marcus Laurence Elwin "Mark" Oliphant (1901-2000) was a prominent Australian scientist and physicist. He was born in Kent Town, South Australia, which falls within the Mount Lofty Ranges area. Oliphant made significant contributions to nuclear physics and was involved in the development of atomic energy. He played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and later became the Governor of South Australia. Oliphant's scientific achievements were recognized worldwide, and he received numerous awards for his contributions.

4. Hans Heysen

Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968) was a renowned German-born Australian landscape painter. He immigrated to South Australia with his family in 1883 and settled in Hahndorf, which is part of the Mount Lofty Ranges region. Heysen's paintings of the Australian bush, particularly gum trees, became iconic representations of the country's landscape. He was widely celebrated for his mastery of light and his ability to capture the unique features of the Mount Lofty Ranges and other regions in his artwork.

5. Mary Lee

Mary Lee (1821-1909) was an influential South Australian suffragette and social reformer. Lee was born in Manchester, England, but migrated to South Australia in 1879 and settled in the Mount Lofty Ranges. She actively campaigned for women's suffrage and improved conditions for working-class women. Lee was a founding member of the Women's Suffrage League and played a vital role in achieving women's right to vote in South Australia in 1894. Her tireless dedication to social causes made her an esteemed figure in the community.

6. Sir Hubert Wilkins

Sir George Hubert Wilkins (1888-1958) was a renowned Australian polar explorer, aviator, and ornithologist. He was born in Mount Bryan East, South Australia, which lies within the Mount Lofty Ranges. Wilkins took part in various polar expeditions, including the first flight across the Arctic Ocean. He also conducted scientific research on birds in Australia and made significant contributions to ornithology. Wilkins' pioneering endeavors earned him several honors and made him a well-respected figure in the field of exploration.

7. Unaipon, David

David Unaipon (1872-1967) was a legendary Australian Aboriginal inventor, writer, and preacher. He was born in the Point McLeay Mission, which is situated in the Mount Lofty Ranges region. Unaipon made significant contributions to the field of Aboriginal literature, often employing traditional stories and Indigenous knowledge. He is best known for his inventions and improvements in mechanical and electrical engineering. Unaipon's face is featured on the Australian $50 note, paying tribute to his extraordinary achievements and contributions to Australian society.

8. Dame Roma Mitchell

Dame Roma Mitchell (1913-2000) was a distinguished Australian jurist, academic, and advocate for human rights. She was born in Adelaide, South Australia, which is at the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Mitchell was the first woman to become a Queen's Counsel in Australia and later served as the Governor of South Australia. She played a significant role in advancing women's rights and was a vocal supporter of indigenous rights. Mitchell's exceptional career in law and her contributions to society earned her widespread recognition and respect.

9. Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the town located near the geographic center of Australia and is widely recognized as the gateway to the world-famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. While not born in the Mount Lofty Ranges, the town was named after Alice Todd, the wife of Sir Charles Todd. Sir Charles Todd was an Australian pioneer and communications visionary who played a significant role in establishing telegraph lines connecting the remote regions of Australia, including Mount Lofty Ranges, to the rest of the world. The town of Alice Springs stands as a testament to the Todd family's contributions to the development of infrastructure in Australia.

10. John Anderson

John Anderson (1893-1962) was an Australian philosopher who played a significant role in the development of analytical philosophy and was influential in shaping the discipline in Australia. He was born in Stone Hut, South Australia, which is situated within the Mount Lofty Ranges. Anderson taught at the University of Sydney and contributed to various philosophical areas, including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the Australian philosophical tradition.

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Cottage and autumn leaves typical of the Adelaide Hills (m) thanks to Yeti Hunter