by Juliet Rogers[space_20]
Keep your eyes peeled, there’s plenty of famous people around these parts..! Do you know of any others that aren’t on the list? Drop us an email at info@rydedistrictmums.com.au!
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Born here:
- Iggy Azalea – born in Ryde Hospital (but grew up in Mullumbimby, NSW). Tanya (Iggy’s mum) went to Marist Sisters in Woolwich.
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Once lived here:
- Banjo Paterson – Australian bush poet (author of Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River). Lived in the house which is now the Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant in Gladesville.
- Granny Smith (Maria Ann Smith) – propagated the Granny Smith apple in Eastwood in 1868. Originally from the UK but is buried at St Anne’s Church, Ryde.
- James Squire – brewer. Convict from the UK who lived and died in Kissing Point. The original brewery was in a pub near Kissing Point.
- Woollarawarre Bennelong – indigenous figure from colonial history – a senior man of the Eora people of Port Jackson. Died at Kissing Point and buried in the orchard of James Squire.
- Cate Blanchett – actress and theatre director. Former resident of Hunters Hill and children attended Hunters Hill High and Riverview Schools.
- Andrew Upton – playwright, screenwriter, and director, and husband of Cate Blanchett. Lived in Hunters Hill.
- Ernie Dingo – Indigenous Australian actor, presenter and comedian. Former resident of Ryde.
- Shane Warne – Australian cricketer and commentator. Formerly Gladesville resident.
- Leonard Arthur ‘Lenny’ McPherson – notorious Australian career criminal. Former Gladesville resident.
- Graeme Hughes – Rugby League sportsman and broadcaster. Former resident of Ryde.
- Kyle Sandilands- The infamous presenter once lived on the Hunters Hill peninsula.
- Peter Gilmore – executive chef of Quay and creator of the “snow egg” grew up in West Ryde.
- James Tedesco – West Tigers and NSW Blues player born and bred in Ryde.
- Paul Sironen – West Tigers and NSW Blues player born and bred in East Ryde.
- Blocker Roach – West Tigers and NSW Blues player born and bred in East Ryde.
- Brett Lee – Cricketer, lived in Gladesville.
- Greg Matthews – Cricketer, lived in West Ryde
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Went to school here:
- Emma Watkins – once teen queen of the Granny Smith Festival and now the Yellow Wiggle. Attended North Ryde Community Preschool.
- The Wiggles – originally The Cockroaches, started at Macquarie University.
- Jodhi Meares – glamour model and fashion designer. Attended Hunters Hill High School.
- Rose Byrne – Australian actress. Attended Hunters Hill High School.
- Gladys Berejiklian – 45th Premier of NSW. Attended Peter Board High School.
- Justice Crew – pop group. Members went to Hunters Hill High, Ryde East and Kent Road Schools.
- The West Tigers – Professional NRL club. Many of its players attended Holy Cross College.
- Sir William Deane– Former Governor General of Australia attended St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill.
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Current residents:
- Jason Hodges – landscaper and presenter on Better Homes and Gardens, also studied horticulture and landscape design at Ryde TAFE.
- Alex Wilkinson – Socceroo. Attended Ryde East and played for North Ryde Soccer Club.
- Maria Venuti – actress.
- Robert Ovadia – journalist.
- Brad Haddin – Cricketer.
- Mark ‘Tubby’ Taylor – Cricketer.
- Anthony Field – the blue Wiggle.
- Mark Lee – actor.
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Business owners:
- Nick Whitehouse – profession Chef. Appeared on Masterchef Professionals. Owns Rawson (part of the Epping Club) in Epping.
- Shannelle and Uel – MKR 2014 winners. Own Kin by Us café on the corner of Herring Road and Saunders Close, Macquarie Park.
- Reynold Poernomo – Masterchef 2015 contestant owns Koi on Blaxland Road, Top Ryde.
Who have you spotted?