Mackay

Distinguished and Famous people from Mackay

• Keith Payne - Born on August 30, 1933, Keith Payne is a retired Australian Army soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Payne grew up in Mackay and served in the Vietnam War.
• Lee Kernaghan - Born on April 15, 1964, Lee Kernaghan is a highly successful Australian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born in Corryong, Victoria, but spent his childhood in Mackay. Kernaghan is known for his numerous hit singles and albums and has won multiple awards for his contributions to country music.
• Stirling Mortlock - Born on July 20, 1977, Stirling Mortlock is a former Australian rugby union player who played as a center. He was born in Sydney, but grew up in Mackay. Mortlock had a successful career, representing Australia in numerous international matches and captaining the national team, the Wallabies, from 2006 to 2008.
• Billy Slater - Born on June 18, 1983, Billy Slater is a former professional rugby league player who played as a fullback. He was born and raised in Mackay and had an illustrious career playing for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL) and representing Australia at the international level. Slater is widely regarded as one of the greatest fullbacks in rugby league history.
• Kev Carmody - Born on July 25, 1946, Kev Carmody is an Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter. He was born in the remote town of Gorinchem, Netherlands, but spent his formative years in Mackay. Carmody's music often addresses issues surrounding Indigenous rights and social justice, and he has made significant contributions to the Australian folk music scene.