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Premier for 26 years, Sir Thomas Playford managed the industrialisation of South Australia while maintaining a conservative social agenda.
Historical Thing | By History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1980s
A true internationalist, Sir Walter Crocker was a diplomat and Australian ambassador to many countries, a writer, and a centenarian.
A pastoralist and mine-owner once accused of fraud, Hughes stated shortly before his death: ‘I have been a sinner all my life’.
Founder of the Congregational Church in South Australia, Thomas Stow was a strenuous minister and a dedicated opponent of state aid to religion.
A proverbial chip off the old block, Tom Elder Barr Smith was an astute businessman and generous philanthropist.
As the first Labor premier of South Australia, Tom Price established a minimum wage and electrified the tramways.
The term 'all-round sportsman' might have been coined for Victor York Richardson, who excelled at cricket, football, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and basketball.
A conscientious and gifted forestry administrator, Walter Gill was also an enthusiastic nature photographer.
Bagot was an architect whose work, including Bonython Hall and the Barr Smith Library, displays his preference for classical and traditional designs.
Surgeon William Anstey Giles came from pioneering stock, but was a pioneer himself in medical literature.
Soldier, engineer and Adelaide Town Clerk William Veale is celebrated for revitalising the city's parklands.
Short-lived explorer and surveyor William Christie Gosse was the first European to set eyes on Uluru.
Remembered as the founder of the City of Adelaide, Light was South Australia’s first surveyor-general.
William Muirden founded the Muirden College for Business Training, and was known for his well-balanced and harmonious nature.
William Randell was a pioneer of River Murray paddle-steamers, and was responsible for both designing and piloting them.
Lady Bonython grew from ‘Baby Mayoress’ into a community worker and supporter of numerous charities, especially those benefiting women and children.
The founder of soil science in Australia, James Prescott was active at every level of education.
Historical Person | By Prof Emeritus John Prescott | North Terrace | 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
A man of many parts, Martin was an inventor, politician, philanthropist, engineer and ‘The Father of Gawler’.
Historical Person | By Derek Whitelock | North Terrace | 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s
A masterly Aboriginal police tracker, James saved lives, gathered evidence and attained legendary status.
Historical Person | By Robert Holmes | North Terrace | 1970s, 1980s, mid twentieth century
Joachim Wendt was a Danish-born silversmith whose work included extravagant naturalism, Edwardian style, and restrained Regency taste.
Historical Person | By Richard Phillips | North Terrace, Rundle Street east | 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, 1900-1910, 1910s
Though stern and strict, educationist (and first Inspector-General of Schools) John Anderson Hartley favoured progressive and innovative ideas.
Historical Person | By Anna Stirling Pope | North Terrace, Parklands | late nineteenth century
Instigator and first Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival, John Bishop was a musician, teacher and visionary.
Historical Person | By Jo Peoples | North Terrace | 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s
Founder of the Australian Inland Mission and Royal Flying Doctor Service, Flynn was a practical and restless innovator.
Historical Person | By Ron White | North Terrace | early twentieth century, mid twentieth century
Remembered as an eminent botanist, Black was also an accomplished linguist, who reprimanded his grandchildren in French and his dog in Spanish.
Historical Person | By Dr David Jones | North Terrace | 1870s, 1880s, 1900-1910, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s
Explorer and surveyor John McDouall Stuart was celebrated as a hero for leading the first European expedition to cross Australia from south to north.
Historical Person | By Peter Bowyer | North Terrace | 1840s, 1850s, 1860s
A miller and inventor of the harvesting device that bears his name, John Ridley revolutionized the wheat industry in South Australia.
Historical Person | By Jack Reddin | North Terrace | 1840s, 1850s
An eclectic selection of significant contributors to South Australia to 1986
Historical Thing | By Jude Elton & Bernard O'Neil, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1830s, 1980s
The plight of the girls in the Destitute Asylum spurred on social worker Julia Farr.
Historical Person | By Joan Clift | North Terrace, Parklands | late nineteenth century, mid nineteenth century
Julian Woods was the co-founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and a creative priest, educationist and scientist.
Historical Person | By Sister Margaret Press | North Terrace | 1850s, 1860s, 1870s
Creating and installing King Edward VII’s statute took eight months longer than the period of his reign
Historical Thing | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1880s, 1890s, 1900-1910, 1920s
