Cobar Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Cobar
Cobar, located in New South Wales, Australia, has been home to various distinguished individuals across different fields. Here are some of the notable people associated with the area:
1. Arthur Beetson (1945-2011)
Arthur Beetson was a renowned rugby league footballer and coach. He was born in Cobar and went on to become one of Australia's greatest rugby league players. Beetson played for the Balmain Tigers and Eastern Suburbs Roosters, captained Australia's national team, and later became a successful coach.
2. Bob Hawke (1929-2019)
Bob Hawke, born in Bordertown, South Australia, spent his formative years in Cobar. He became the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia, serving from 1983 to 1991. Hawke's leadership saw significant economic and social reforms, and he remains one of Australia's longest-serving Labor Party Prime Ministers.
3. Gordon Ayres (1915-2008)
Gordon Ayres was a World War II fighter pilot and air commodore in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Born in Cobar, Ayres joined the RAAF at the outbreak of war and became an exceptional leader, playing a vital role in the defense of Australia during the Pacific War.
4. Carole S. Vance
Carole S. Vance, a prominent anthropologist and author, hails from Cobar. Known for her contributions to studies of sexuality, gender, and public health, Vance has written extensively on these topics and has held positions at various prestigious universities.
5. Edwin Harold Robert "Ted" Sault (1907-1997)
Ted Sault, born in Cobar, was a successful Australian rules footballer known for his time with the Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He played over 100 games for Carlton and was considered a talented defender during the 1930s.
6. Riley Fitzsimmons
Riley Fitzsimmons, an Olympic gold medalist in kayaking, was born in Cobar. He won his medal in the K-4 1000 meters event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, alongside three other Australian teammates. Fitzsimmons has continued to excel in his career, achieving multiple national and international accolades.
7. John Balnaves
John Balnaves, a successful businessman and philanthropist, has ties to Cobar. He is the co-founder of the Balnaves Foundation, which supports various charitable causes in Australia. Balnaves has made significant contributions to the arts, education, and medical research sectors.
8. Erika Heynatz
Erika Heynatz, an accomplished model, TV presenter, and actress, was born in Cobar. She gained prominence as a finalist in the inaugural season of "Australia's Next Top Model" and has since appeared in numerous television shows and theatrical productions.
9. Other Notable Individuals Associated with Cobar
Additionally, Cobar has seen the presence of various other notable individuals, such as sportspeople, artists, musicians, and professionals in different fields. Their contributions and achievements have enriched the history and culture of the region.