Launceston

Distinguished and Famous people from Launceston

Peter Sculthorpe

Composer Peter Sculthorpe was born in Launceston in 1929 and attended Launceston Grammar School. He began composing as a boy, reportedly working by torchlight under the bedclothes, before studying in Melbourne and later at Oxford. After returning to Tasmania from his first university studies, he helped run a sporting-goods shop with his brother while continuing to write music. His later works explored Australian landscapes and histories, as well as influences from Asia and the Pacific. Pieces including Irkanda IV and Kakadu helped establish a distinctive voice in Australian concert music. The Launceston beginning is therefore both educational and creative, well before international fellowships and a long university career.

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting grew up over the back fence from Mowbray Cricket Club, a wonderfully convenient address for a cricket-obsessed child. He made his A-grade debut for Mowbray at fourteen and his Sheffield Shield debut for Tasmania at seventeen. International selection followed in 1995. Born in Launceston, he went on to play 168 Tests and captain Australia through a highly successful period, including two World Cup victories as captain. The local club remained an important part of his public story. Launceston’s connection is unusually complete: birthplace, childhood home and the senior club where a young player first tested himself against adults.

David Boon

David Boon was born in Launceston and became one of Tasmania’s most recognisable cricketers. A determined right-handed batter, he played in Australia’s 1987 World Cup-winning side and made 75 in the final, earning player-of-the-match honours. His career also included four Ashes series wins and later leadership of Durham in English county cricket. After playing, he moved into selection and match-officiating work. Launceston commemorates the connection through the stand named for him at its major cricket ground. His reputation rests on a long playing and administrative career, rather than the drinking anecdotes that too often crowd out the cricket.