Rockhampton-born Sri Ayyalaraju new Ambassador to Estonia
Rockhampton has proven to be the birthplace of another Australian great who has gone on to represent the nation and wield international power.
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One of Australia’s newest high-ranking diplomats might appear to be all suits and seriousness, but his heritage 13,000km away in Rockhampton is not far from his heart.
The icy winters of Estonia can’t freeze Sri Ayyalaraju’s fond memories of humid summers in the Beef Capital as he steps into his role as the Australian Ambassador to the north-eastern European country.
Despite living overseas for a number of years, it’s his time growing up in Rockhampton that, he says, made him the person he is today.
He recalls playing cricket for Frenchville and swimming at Emu Park with the family dog.
Mr Ayyalaraju was born at Rockhampton Hospital and lived in the city for 18 years.
He was a student at both St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and North Rockhampton State High School and was school captain at both schools.
“The foundation of who I am was built in Rockhampton. By association, I learned about the fundamentals of our economy, agriculture, mining, education, tourism and manufacturing,” he said.
“Being the main service centre for Central Queensland, Rocky had it all. I grew up amongst diverse Australian, First Nations and Asian cultures – all of whom I am now honoured to represent.
“My education gave me the strong fundamentals I needed to join the diplomatic service. But, learning that life was also about balance (working hard but spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors) was equally important.”
“There was a great sense of community and inclusion, which meant a lot to our migrant family. Mum and Dad arrived from India in the early 70s with two young children, soon to be three, a couple of suitcases and the money in their pockets,” he said.
“Rocky was a wonderful place to grow up – it is literally at the intersection of rural, regional and coastal Australia and is a terrific representation of our multicultural demographics. As long as you had a bicycle, the world was your oyster.
“It was amazing to watch hundreds of bats flying across the sky at dusk and then be dazzled by the stars at nightfall.”
‘SMALL BUT VIBRANT’ AUSSIE COMMUNITY
Mr Ayyalaraju said he was looking forward to his new role, where he will work to ensure Australia and Estonia continue to work together to make the world “more stable and prosperous”.
He has been a senior career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, most recently serving as Australia’s Consul-General in the UK.
Mr Ayyalaraju’s previously also served in India, Vietnam and Argentina.
He said he was also keen to learn more about the “small but vibrant” community of about 300 Australians living in Estonia, already meeting some Aussies.
“Australia and Estonia are very like-minded and have a long history of working together. Approximately 100 Estonians fought amongst the ANZACS in World War One. We believe in open, free trade and a rules-based international order,” Mr Ayyalaraju said.
“I’m also looking forward to travelling around Estonia. Like Australia, it has unique landscapes and dispersed communities. As a result, it has developed one of the most digitised economies in the world.
“Twenty years ago Estonia declared that access to the internet was a human right and now 99 per cent of government services are delivered online. Estonia saves two per cent of its GDP each month as a result and this is matched by strong cyber security protocols. The Australian Government is starting its digital transformation journey and there is much that Australia and Estonia can learn from each other in this space.”
‘YOU’RE ONLY LIMITED BY YOUR IMAGINATION’
Mr Ayyalaraju shared a special message to Rockhampton’s next generation who may have aspirations of representing their country overseas.
“Rockhampton is a mix of everything that is great about Australia, the many sporting and cultural icons and captains of industry that it has produced bear testament to that. The trail they have blazed shows that you’re only limited by your imagination,” he said.
“Keep watching what’s happening in the world and develop your own view about it. What happens in other countries, be it war, peace or commerce, affects us in Central Queensland.
“Whether in the government or private sector, Australia needs you to stand up in these challenging times and excel in whatever field you choose.”
HIGH ACHIEVERS FROM THE BEEF CAPITAL
The recently appointed Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia joins a long list of talented and influential locals who have gone on to excel in their fields.
Rockhampton has a long list of people who grew up in the region how have represented their country in many different fields.
From sporting stars to musicians and actors, these are just some of the notable names from Rockhampton.
Wayne Blair
Actor and director Wayne Blair moved to Rockhampton as a teenager with his family and studied at CQUniversity.
During his time in the Beef Capital he was also a tour guide at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, where he was also a dancer.
Mr Blair is well known for being the director of films The Sapphires and Top End Wedding, he was also director of the hit television series Mystery Road.
Anna and Kerrie Meares
Cycling sisters Anna and Kerrie Meares both grew up in Gracemere near Rockhampton.
Both sisters were part of the Rockhampton Cycling Club and went on to win Olympic medals.
Christine Anu
She may have been born in Cairns, but Australian singer, songwriter and actress Christine Anu spent her teenage years in Rockhampton.
She went to school at Emmaus College and went on to have hits such as My Island Home.
Cameron Munster
He’s one of the biggest name in the NRL and he was born and bred in Rockhampton.
Cameron Munster went to school at Berserker Street State School and Emmaus College.
He currently plays for the Melbourne Storm and has represented Queensland in the State of Origin and Australia in the NRL.
Tamika Upton
Arguably one of the most successful players in the Women’s NRL competition, Tamika Upton was born in Rockhampton.
She currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the WNRL competition, and won the Women’s Dally M medal for 2023.
Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Matt Gohdes
All hockey stars for Australia’s Kookaburras team, Jamie Dwyer, Mark Knowles and Matt Gohdes are all from Rockhampton.
Both Dwyer and Knowles were part of the Australian hockey team that won gold at the 2004 Athen Olympics.
Gohdes, Dwyer and Knowles were also all part of the team to win bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London.
All three have also won many other accolades playing hockey for Australia.
Rod Laver
Tennis royalty Rod Laver was born in Rockhampton before he went on to be ranked the world number one tennis player for five years between 1965 and 1969.
During his career he won 198 singles titles, the most won by a player in history.
Both Rod Laver Arena and the Laver Cup are named after him.
Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou (Busby Marou)
Hailing form Rockhampton much-loved musicians Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou, who make up Busby Marou, are from Rockhampton.
The pair met in 2007 and used to play regular gigs at The Oxford Hotel, have been nominated for ARIA Awards and won APRA Music Awards.
Jess Jonassen
Born in Emerald and now playing cricket in for Australia in the women’s competition, Jess Jonassen went school at Emmaus College in Rockhampton.
Jonassen plays for the Queensland Fire and the Brisbane Heat.
She was part of the Australian Women’s team that won gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Storm Hunter
Australian tennis player Storm Hunter was born in Rockhampton, beginning tennis at the age of six.
She has a tennis doubles ranking of number one, the third Australian woman to hold the top spot.
Anthony Seibold
Another Rockhampton product in the NRL, Anthony Seibold is currently the coach of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and is also defence coach of the England national rugby union team.
He was previously head coach at the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos.
Seibold also played for Canberra Raiders in the NRL in 1997 and 1998 and, prior to that, the lower grades of the Brisbane Broncos.
Jason Day
Australian pro golfer Jason Day moved to the Rockhampton region when he was eight years old.
During his time in Rockhampton he began to win a number of events in surrounding districts.
He has held the number one ranking in the World Golf Rankings and in 2015 won the PGA Championship.
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