Yarra Junction Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Yarra Junction
1. William Cooper (1861 – 1941)
William Cooper was an Australian Aboriginal political leader, activist, and community organizer. He was born in Yarra Junction and became widely known for his advocacy on behalf of aboriginal rights and for founding the Australian Aborigines' League in 1933. Cooper is best recognized for leading the historic Australian Aborigines' League delegation to the German Consulate in Melbourne to protest against the treatment of Jews during the 1938 Kristallnacht. His legacy continues to inspire aboriginal activism and recognition in Australia.
2. Albert Jacka (1893 – 1932)
Albert Jacka was an Australian soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross during World War I. He was born in Yarra Junction and enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force in 1914. Jacka participated in numerous battles, including Gallipoli and the Western Front, where he displayed exceptional bravery and leadership. Albert Jacka became the first Australian to receive a Victoria Cross for actions on the Gallipoli Peninsula, defending against a Turkish counter-attack. His courageous actions continue to be remembered and celebrated in Australian military history.
3. Simone Young (born 1961)
Simone Young is an Australian conductor born in Yarra Junction. She is highly regarded internationally for her talent and leadership in the world of classical music. Young has served as the Chief Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Hamburg State Opera, among many other prestigious appointments. Throughout her career, she has conducted leading orchestras and opera companies worldwide, captivating audiences with her exceptional interpretation and skillful direction.
4. Michael Long (born 1969)
Michael Long is a former Australian rules footballer and prominent indigenous community leader. Born in Yarra Junction, Long had a successful career in the Australian Football League (AFL), primarily playing for the Essendon Football Club. He was known for his skill, speed, and ability to ignite his team. Off the field, Long became a passionate advocate against racism and an influential voice for reconciliation and indigenous rights.
5. Evelyn Scott (1893 – 1963)
Evelyn Scott was an Australian novelist and playwright. Although she wasn't born in Yarra Junction, she spent a considerable part of her life in the town and considered it her spiritual home. Scott became known for her experimental writing style and her exploration of complex themes in her novels, including women's rights. Despite facing personal challenges throughout her life, she produced several critically acclaimed works of literature that continue to be appreciated by readers today.
