Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, she came to Australia in 1951 following some problems over there with the family's housekeeper, a certain Mrs Mandela. After working at the South African consulate in Melbourne for a number of years, she married a local RSL official and became prominent in the club circuit. In 1998, after threats to have her extradited to the new South Africa, she renounced her Damehood.
Nellie Melba
Her career didn't advance any when her name was Nellie Schwartz, so upon advice from J.C. Williamson, Australia's first theatre entrepreneur, she spent much time pondering a name change. Whilst lunching with J.C.W., nibbling on caviar and Melba toast, they hit upon the idea of changing her name to Nellie Sturgeon, but after a few more drinks decided on Nellie Melba and her career took off.
The rumour that she was born on the island of Elba where Napoleon had been exiled and could not get anywhere in Italy on a account of a dearth of good sopranos until hitting on the idea of taking up the name of her island and claiming to be Australian and thus a rarity, is false.
Mel Gibson
Australia's most famous actor was in fact born in Peekskill, New York. Gibson moved to Australia at the age of 12. He appeared in many films, such as 'Hamlet' and 'Tim'. Gibson Desert was named after him following the popularity of the movie 'Mad Max' which was shot there.
Andy Warhol
Not many people realise that Andy Warhol was born in Ballarat. His parents were publicans there and owned the Camp Hotel which still stands today. Young Andy was always out of step with Ballarat and his bright distinctive style of dress occasioned many insults, especially in the public bar of his parent's hotel. Initially, Andy started work in the Bank of N.S.W. but quickly moved onto the Commercial Bank in Melbourne where a friendly manager sent him off to America to sell Albert Namatjira paintings door to door in Manhattan. Lady Bird Johnson gave him his first big break. But that's another story.
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