Harold Holt was an Australian politician and the 17th prime minister of Australia. On 17 December 1967, Holt disappeared while swimming in rough conditions at Cheviot Beach. Following his disappearance, which gave rise to several conspiracy theories, Harold Holt was presumed dead. The Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre in Melbourne is named in his honor.
Robert Menzies was an Australian politician who served as the prime minister of Australia on two non-consecutive terms. He served over 18 years in total, becoming the longest-serving prime minister in Australian history. His government is known for its emphasis on higher education, national security policies, and immigration schemes. After retirement, he became the chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
Australian former tennis player Mark Philippoussis is nicknamed The Scud for his missile-like deliveries. The former world number 8 singles player has two Davis Cups in his kitty and is now a famous reality TV star. He once went bankrupt but has since recovered and now owns a clothing brand.
Jonah Lomu was a New Zealand rugby player whose dominance on the field had a huge impact on the game. Considered the first global superstar of rugby, Jonah Lomu proved to be a crowd-puller. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame.
Michael Klim is a Polish-born Australian competitive swimmer and former world record holder. He is best known for winning two gold medals at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Michael Klim has also won seven gold medals in the long course and five gold medals in the short course so far in the World Championships.
Waleed Aly is an Australian writer, lawyer, and TV personality. He completed his International Baccalaureate from Wesley College and furthered his education at the University of Melbourne. Besides pursuing a legal career, he also hosts several popular programs on TV and radio. He is married to feminist author and academic Susan Carland.
Widely known as the uncrowned king of Ulster, Scottish-Irish unionist Edward Carson is best remembered for spearheading the resistance against the British government’s imposition of the Home Rule for Ireland. As a barrister, he was responsible for noted author Oscar Wilde’s conviction for homosexuality, which was illegal back then.
Richard Taylor is a New Zealand filmmaker best known as the founder and head of the world-renowned special effects company, Wētā Workshop. He won four Academy Awards for his work in The Lord of the Rings film series. Richard Taylor also won an Oscar under the Best Visual Effects category for his work in the 2005 film King Kong.
Australian historian and bestselling author Geoffrey Blainey is best known for his books on economic and social history. Initially a freelance writer, he also later taught economic history at the University of Melbourne. He has also chaired the Australia Council. His books include The Peaks of Lyell.
Sitiveni Sivivatu is a New Zealand retired rugby union footballer who achieved success during the 2005 Super 12 season when he played for the Chiefs. He also represented his national team from 2005 to 2011, making 46 appearances.