Dandenong Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Dandenong
1. Chris Anstey
Chris Anstey is a former professional basketball player born in Dandenong on January 1, 1975. He played for the Australian national team and had a successful career in both Australia and overseas. Anstey played for the Melbourne Tigers, Dallas Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls, among other teams, and was the first Australian to play in the NBA Finals. He was also inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
2. James Tomkins
James Tomkins is an Australian rower born in Dandenong on April 9, 1965. He is considered one of Australia's most successful Olympic rowers, having represented his country in five Olympic Games. Tomkins won three Olympic gold medals and one silver medal during his career. He also won multiple medals in World Championships and holds numerous national records in rowing.
3. Rachael Taylor
Rachael Taylor is an Australian actress and model born in Launceston, Tasmania, on July 11, 1984. While not specifically from Dandenong, Taylor has strong ties to the region. She attended the Knox School in nearby Wantirna South. Taylor is known for her roles in popular TV series such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Jessica Jones," as well as movies like "Transformers" and "Shutter."
4. Asher Keddie
Asher Keddie is an Australian actress born in Melbourne on July 31, 1974. Similar to Rachael Taylor, Keddie is not originally from Dandenong but has connections to the area. She attended St Margaret's School in nearby Berwick. Keddie is a highly regarded actress in Australia and has won multiple Logie Awards, including the prestigious Gold Logie, for her outstanding performances in television dramas such as "Offspring" and "Xanadu."
5. Natasha Stott Despoja
Natasha Stott Despoja is an Australian diplomat, author, and former politician born in Adelaide on September 9, 1969. She is not specifically from Dandenong but has strong ties to the region as she represented the state of South Australia in the Australian Senate from 1995 to 2008. Stott Despoja is known for her advocacy work on women's rights and was appointed Australia's Ambassador for Women and Girls in 2013.
6. Jenny Macklin
Jenny Macklin is an Australian politician born in Brisbane on December 29, 1953. While not originally from Dandenong, Macklin was the federal member for Jagajaga, which includes parts of Dandenong, from 1996 to 2019. She held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and played a significant role in the development and implementation of social policies in Australia.
