Sunshine Coast Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Sunshine Coast
1. Wally Lewis
Wally Lewis, born on December 1, 1959, is a former professional rugby league footballer who is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born in Hawthorne, Brisbane, Lewis spent a significant part of his life on the Sunshine Coast where he went on to achieve great success. He represented Queensland in the State of Origin series and played for the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Seagulls in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership.
2. Julian Wilson
Julian Wilson, born on November 8, 1988, is a professional surfer hailing from Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast. He has competed at the elite level of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour since 2011 and consistently ranks among the top surfers in the world. Wilson has claimed several victories in notable surfing events and is known for his powerful and progressive style in the water.
3. Layne Beachley
Layne Beachley, born on May 24, 1972, is a former professional surfer who was born in Sydney but spent much of her childhood on the Sunshine Coast. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female surfers of all time, having won seven world titles between 1998 and 2006. Beachley's accomplishments and contributions to the sport have earned her a place in the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame.
4. Matthew Flinders
Matthew Flinders, born on March 16, 1774, was a renowned English navigator and cartographer who circumnavigated Australia and is credited with popularizing the name "Australia" for the continent. During his circumnavigation, he explored and charted significant portions of the Australian coastline, including the Sunshine Coast region. Flinders' detailed exploratory work greatly contributed to the knowledge and understanding of Australia's geography.
5. Dave Rastovich
Dave Rastovich, born on February 21, 1979, is a professional free surfer and environmental activist from the Sunshine Coast. Known for his graceful style and passion for marine conservation, Rastovich has been an influential figure in promoting sustainable surfing practices. He co-founded the environmental organization called Surfers for Cetaceans, which focuses on protecting and raising awareness about dolphins and whales.
6. Sally Pearson
Sally Pearson, born on September 19, 1986, is a retired professional track and field athlete who specialized in the 100-meter hurdles. Despite being born in Sydney, Pearson spent a significant part of her life on the Sunshine Coast and represented Australia at various international sporting events. She became the Olympic champion in the 100-meter hurdles in 2012 and has received numerous accolades for her achievements in athletics.
7. Shannon Eckstein
Shannon Eckstein, born on March 19, 1983, is an accomplished Ironman surf lifesaver from the Sunshine Coast. He has been dominant in the sport, having won multiple professional world titles and consistently performing at an elite level. Eckstein's impressive career, spanning over two decades, has solidified his status as one of the most successful and revered Ironman athletes in Australia.
