Wyndham Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Wyndham
1. Charles Court
Sir Charles Walter Michael Court (29 September 1911 – 22 December 2007) was a politician and the 21st Premier of Western Australia, serving from 1974 to 1982. He was born in Wyndham and is considered one of Western Australia's most influential political figures. Court made significant contributions to the state's economic and social development, including the development of the mining and petroleum industries. He was knighted in 1988 for his services to politics and the community.
2. Paddy Bedford
Paddy Bedford (c. 1922 – 2007) was an Aboriginal artist born in Bedford Downs near Wyndham. He became renowned for his unique and vibrant artworks, which depicted the landscapes and Dreamtime stories of the East Kimberley region. Bedford's distinctive style gained international recognition, and his paintings were exhibited in numerous galleries worldwide. He played a key role in the contemporary Indigenous art movement and helped preserve and promote Aboriginal culture through his artwork.
3. Ernie Bridge
Ernest Francis Bridge (14 January 1936 – 15 March 2013), commonly known as Ernie Bridge, was an Australian politician and the first Indigenous member of the Western Australian Parliament. Born in Wyndham, he represented the seat of Kimberley from 1980 to 2001. Bridge was a passionate advocate for the rights and equality of Aboriginal Australians, as well as a strong promoter of regional development in the Kimberley region. He held various ministerial positions during his political career, including Minister for Water Resources and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
4. Judy Davis
Judy Davis (born 23 April 1955) is an acclaimed Australian actress hailing from Wyndham. She has made a significant impact in both film and television industries, receiving multiple prestigious awards for her performances. Davis has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films, including "My Brilliant Career" (1979), "A Passage to India" (1984), and "The Ref" (1994). Her powerful portrayals have earned her international recognition and established her as one of Australia's finest actors.
5. Hector Kinchela
Hector Dhu McLaren Kinchela (1 March 1911 – 1 November 1995) was an influential Aboriginal rights activist who hailed from Wyndham. He dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and improved living conditions of Indigenous people in Western Australia. Kinchela played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Carrolup Native Settlement and actively pursued justice for the Stolen Generations. His tireless advocacy and commitment to social justice made a lasting impact on the Indigenous community.
