Australian Dictionary of Biography

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: Use double quotes to search for a phrase

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

The Australian Dictionary of Biography is Australia's pre-eminent dictionary of national biography. In it you will find concise, informative and fascinating descriptions of the lives of significant and representative persons in Australian history.

See what distinguished Australians are saying about the ADB.

The ADB is produced by the National Centre of Biography at the Australian National University.


 

New Project Launched!

Jimmy Clements

Explore the ADB’s new project The Quest for Indigenous Recognition produced by the National Centre of Biography, ANU, and Professor Mark McKenna. Launched by the Hon. Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, on 11 September 2023, it details 23 key historical events in the long journey to the 2023 Referendum on the Voice.

What’s New
5 November 2024

New entries October 2024

New entries October 2024
Read more ...

2 October 2024

New entries September 2024

The following entries were published during September 2024.
Read more ...

3 September 2024

New entries August 2024

New entries August 2024
Read more ...

All news
Born This Day

Ian Macfarlan (1881–1964)

Ian Macfarlan (1881-1964), premier, was born on 21 November 1881 at North Carlton, Melbourne, tenth child of Scottish-born parents James Macfarlan, storekeeper, and his wife Mary, née Nairn. Named John...

Read more

All births on this day

All deaths on this day