Sorell

Distinguished and Famous people from Sorell

🌾 James Gordon

James Gordon left the Naval Office in Hobart in 1815 to farm his grant in the Sorell district, developing the property known as Forcett. He supplied meat and vegetables, encouraged improved sheep breeding and investigated the suitability of crops for local soils. His experiments included treating wheat with steam to reduce smut disease. Not every agricultural introduction deserved applause: the Australian Dictionary of Biography also credits him with introducing Scotch thistle for sentimental reasons, a decidedly less helpful legacy. His administrative career ended amid repeated complaints about overdue accounts, after which he returned to his estate. Farming ingenuity and imperfect paperwork make him a more rounded figure than a simple pioneer label.

📺 Charles Wooley

Journalist Charles Wooley brought a career in international reporting and television, including 60 Minutes, into local government at Sorell. He served as a councillor and deputy mayor for three years before resigning in September 2025, when moving outside the municipality made him ineligible to remain on council. The council's farewell emphasised his humour, considered perspective and affection for the district. It also provides a different chapter from the familiar television career: local council business after years of reporting on events around the world.

🤝 Graeme Holt

Graeme Holt was named Sorell's Citizen of the Year in 2026 after more than four decades of local business and community involvement. The council's citation recognised his investment in building the town's Mitre 10 store, the employment it created and his mentoring of local people. This is distinction at a community scale: providing work, experience and continuity in a growing municipality. Alongside historical office-holders and nationally known broadcasters, Holt represents the residents whose practical influence is measured in local careers and services rather than a national audience.