Yass Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Yass
Sir Walter Merriman
Sir Walter Merriman was a prominent Australian pastoralist and politician. Born on February 8, 1874, in Yass, NSW, he became a well-known figure in the sheep industry and played a significant role in the development of the country's fine wool industry. Merriman served as a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1933 to 1947. He passed away on February 8, 1954.
Peter Finch
Peter Finch was a distinguished Australian actor. He was born on September 28, 1916, in Yass, NSW. Finch gained international recognition for his performances in numerous films, including "Network" (1976), for which he posthumously won an Academy Award for Best Actor. He was the first Australian actor to receive this honor. Peter Finch sadly passed away on January 14, 1977.
William Farrer
William James Farrer was an acclaimed Australian agronomist, credited as the "father" of the country's wheat industry. He was born on April 3, 1845, in Yass, NSW. Farrer's work in developing drought-resistant and disease-resistant wheat varieties greatly contributed to the success of Australian agriculture. His efforts brought significant economic benefits to farmers and helped shape modern wheat farming practices. William Farrer passed away on April 16, 1906.
Tom Walsh
Tom Walsh is a renowned New Zealand shot putter who was born on March 1, 1992, in Timaru, New Zealand. Although not directly from Yass, NSW, Tom spent a significant portion of his early life in Yass. He won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and has achieved remarkable success in world championships, including winning gold in the 2017 edition held in London. Tom Walsh is widely regarded as one of the greatest shot putters in modern athletics.
Lady Denman
Gertrude Mary Denman, more commonly known as Lady Denman, was born on June 16, 1884, in Liverpool, England. While she was not originally from Yass, NSW, Lady Denman contributed significantly to the town's history. As the wife of Lord Denman, the fifth Governor-General of Australia, she played a pivotal role in selecting the new national capital site, ultimately leading to the establishment of Canberra. Lady Denman remained an influential figure in Australian society throughout her life and passed away on June 2, 1954.
