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Well for me it would be someone either born here or who comes to make this their home who makes a significant contribution or contributions to the country and is genuinely a good person.
There are Australians who have made big contributions who also turned out to be not very good people so I'd tend to discount them.
I think we have a lot of great Australians, who are great in their own small way, who contribute to the big picture, versus any one or two standouts. And some weren't born here, but I don't believe that defines an Australian. If they move here and perform their greatness here for Australians, then they are Australian.
My nominees:
Dr. Victor Chang
Dr. Fiona Wood
Dr. Fred Hollows
None born here, yet they did, and do, much greatness while living here and defining themselves as Australian. Why question whether they're Australian or not, based on where they were born?
As far as actors - not impressed. Far too much attention and emphasis placed on these entertainers. Nicole, Crowe, Hugh, etc. They really do little in the whole scheme of things.
What traits make a 'Great Australian' though?...We all seem to have differing ideas?
This is true. And I do wonder if the standards are different in Oz since the population is small. For example, Michael Phelps is a great swimmer but nobody will call him a great Australian. I've heard Thorpe mentioned as a great Australian.
My criteria is they have to be an Aussie citizen (native born or otherwise) that made a contribution to their field that achieved global recognition or improved the lives of their countrymen. So Gough Whitlam could be considered a great Australian due to the creation of medicare and the abolition of the final vestiges of the white Australia policy -- both benefited millions of Australians and changed the face of Australia. One could also look at Australian nobel prize winners as great Australians as their contribution extended beyond the borders of Oz.
As a caveat I would add that they should be an upstanding citizen with no criminal record (so a tax dodger like Hogan would not count). The ability to sing the second verse (without looking at a cheat sheet) is a plus!
Last edited by minibrings; 03-03-2009 at 11:28 AM..
That could explain Canadians being unaware. (if her career has all been in Oz)
Jamie O'Neal might have made her start in Nashville, TN (America's country music capitol) so perhaps that's part of it.
*Doesn't explain why Keith Urban is well known down under though, unless he's a cross-over artist, or that he got radio play before coming to America.
It's an interesting story actually. I saw an interview with her ages ago on the tele and she was saying that she initially joined John Farnham as a back up singer when he was touring Canada. She's friends with Vanetta Fields I think, John's long term back up singer. Anyway, she came out here when they returned home to tour and never left. She said she'd not have got the opportunities to record in Canada that she got here in Oz. And she was so happy she got the opportunity she applied for residency and became an Australian citizen.
Keith is well known down under because of Nicole.
I know there was a period of time here in Oz if you were a country singer you just packed up as soon as you were able and headed for Nashville.
I think that's changed somewhat as we've developed more of our own industry especially the stuff coming out of Tamworth.
This is true. And I do wonder if the standards are different in Oz since the population is small. For example, Michael Phelps is a great swimmer but nobody will call him a great Australian. I've heard Thorpe mentioned as a great Australian.
My criteria is they have to be an Aussie citizen (native born or otherwise) that made a contribution to their field that achieved global recognition or improved the lives of their countrymen. So Gough Whitlam could be considered a great Australian due to the creation of medicare and the abolition of the final vestiges of the white Australia policy -- both benefited millions of Australians and changed the face of Australia. One could also look at Australian nobel prize winners as great Australians as their contribution extended beyond the borders of Oz.
As a caveat I would add that they should be an upstanding citizen with no criminal record (so a tax dodger like Hogan would not count). The ability to sing the second verse (without looking at a cheat sheet) is a plus!
Michael Phelps is an Australian?
I think. A great Australian should be someone who can show pride in the country and who wants to see the country strive.
Now what about the ability to sing all five verses?
Last edited by Kangaroofarmer; 03-04-2009 at 06:48 AM..
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I like it. 
