North Burnett

Distinguished and Famous people from North Burnett

• Gregory Blaxland

  Gregory Blaxland was an English explorer and politician who played a significant role in the early exploration and settlement of Australia. He was born on June 17, 1778, at Fordwich, Kent, England. Blaxland, along with William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth, led the first successful crossing of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, opening up new lands for future development. He later became a prominent figure in colonial politics and served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council. Blaxland passed away on January 1, 1853.

• Sir Henry Parkes

  Sir Henry Parkes was a prominent Australian statesman and politician, often referred to as the "Father of Federation." He was born on May 27, 1815, in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, England. Parkes migrated to Australia in 1839 and became involved in various social and political movements. He served as premier of New South Wales five times and played a significant role in advocating for the federation of the Australian colonies. Sir Henry Parkes passed away on April 27, 1896, in Sydney, New South Wales.

• Deborah Mailman

  Deborah Mailman is an Australian film and television actress of Aboriginal descent. She was born on July 14, 1972, in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. Mailman has appeared in various acclaimed productions, including the film "Radiance" (1998), for which she won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress. She is also known for her role as Cherie Butterfield in the television series "The Secret Life of Us" (2001–2005). In addition to her acting career, Mailman is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and issues.

• Alex Leapai

  Alex Leapai is a professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. He was born on October 16, 1979, in Lae, Papua New Guinea, and later relocated to North Burnett, Queensland, Australia. Leapai gained international recognition when he challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified heavyweight titles in 2014, becoming the first person of Samoan descent to fight for the world heavyweight championship. While he didn't win the fight, his achievements in the sport have made him a well-known figure in both Australia and the boxing community.

• Anna Bligh

  Anna Bligh is an Australian politician who served as the 37th Premier of Queensland from 2007 to 2012. She was born on July 14, 1960, in Warwick, Queensland, Australia. Bligh became the first woman to lead Queensland's government and the first female premier of a state in Australia. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in leading the state through various challenges, including the global financial crisis and natural disasters such as Cyclone Yasi and the Queensland floods. Bligh is highly respected for her leadership and resilience.