Great Keppel Island Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Great Keppel Island
Great Keppel Island, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has a rich history and has been home to several distinguished and famous individuals. Here are some notable figures associated with this area:
1. James Cook (1728-1779)
Captain James Cook, the renowned British explorer, is known to have visited Great Keppel Island during his exploratory voyages. Although his primary focus was mapping the eastern coastline of Australia, Cook's exploration undoubtedly played a significant role in uncovering the island's natural beauty and potential.
2. Louis Bernacchi (1876-1942)
Louis Bernacchi, an Australian polar explorer, author, and scientist, spent his early years on Great Keppel Island. He is best known for being a part of the British Antarctic Expedition (1898-1900) led by Robert Falcon Scott. Bernacchi made significant contributions to understanding Antarctica's climate, wildlife, and geology.
3. Colin Banfield Withers (1880-1973)
Withers, an Australian aviation pioneer, was born on Great Keppel Island. He became the first Queenslander to gain a pilot's license in 1911. Withers founded Queensland's first airline, QANTAS (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services), which later evolved into one of the world's largest and most successful airlines.
4. Nancy Millis (1922-2012)
Professor Nancy Millis was a renowned Australian microbiologist born on Great Keppel Island. Millis made significant contributions to the field of microbiology and served as the President of the Australian Society for Microbiology. Her work in the area of food technology and safety was instrumental in improving public health standards in Australia.
5. Bill Robertson (1925-2021)
Bill Robertson, born on Great Keppel Island, was a well-known Australian artist. Robertson's artworks, often inspired by the island's coastal landscapes, earned him recognition as one of Australia's prominent landscape painters. His contribution to the art world continues to be celebrated even after his passing.
6. John "Strop" Cornell (1941-2021)
John Cornell, commonly known as "Strop," was an Australian film and television producer, writer, and actor. While he wasn't born on Great Keppel Island, Cornell owned and developed the Great Keppel Island Resort during the 1970s, significantly boosting tourism in the region.
These individuals and their achievements have left a lasting impression on Great Keppel Island's historical and cultural landscape.