Iron-ore billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest and supermodel Miranda Kerr are among the 332 new inclusions in the 2009 edition of Who’s Who in Australia.
Containing more than 13,000 biographies, Who’s Who in Australia gives a time-honoured insight into the lives of those who shape Australian society.
Other notable new entries include:
- TV personality Chris Lilley
- World surfing champion Stephanie Gilmour
- Socceroo coach Pim Verbeek and captain Lucas Neil
- Founder of the ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’, Jonathon Welch
- New Wallabies coach Robbie Deans
Helen Christon, CEO of Who’s Who publisher Crown Content said new additions have made the list because of their significant contributions to Australian life on a national or international level.
“They are people who have built a positive profile over time,” Ms Christon said. “There are no restrictions on age or sex and entrants don’t have to be born in Australia. Each person’s nomination is considered on its merits alone and entry in the book cannot be paid for.”
“When Fred Johns first published the book in 1906, only 23 of nearly 1,100 entries were female. While there is certainly a way to go, it’s encouraging to note the gender ratio is gradually starting to move toward a more equal representation,” Ms Christon said.
While the elegant leather-bound hardback book reflects the century-old prestige that Who’s Who has
become synonymous for, it has also entered the digital age. The online version of Who’s Who in Australia contains the same meticulously researched content as its printed counterpart, but with additional features.