Influential people: Lower north shore part I

THIS week we’re starting our countdown of the 20 most influential people on the lower north shore. With so many amazing and successful people calling our area home, compiling this list has been a tough but inspiring exercise. Here is number 16-20. Check it out and let us know if you agree or not.

Revealed: positions 16-20 of the lower north shore’s Most Influential People.

• Northern beaches top 20 most influential people
• Southern Courier’s top 20 influential people

THIS week we’re starting our countdown of the 20 most influential people on the lower north shore. With so many amazing and successful people calling our area home, compiling this list has been a tough but inspiring exercise. Many of you may disagree with our selections and the order in which they appear. We expect you to let us know! The first — numbers 16 to 20 — appear below and represent figures from the arts, sport, fashion and community service. We’ll be unveiling the rest of the list online over the next three weeks, go to mosmandaily.com.au every Thursday for the latest reveal.

20 KEN DONE, ARTIST

Artist Ken Done is number 20 on our most influental list. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Giving up a successful career in advertising to become a painter was a gamble. Ken Done had his first exhibition at 40 and is now regarded as one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. His canvasses always beam with happiness and his interpretation of the Opera House is instantly recognisable. Done was ahead of the curve when it came to branding and his work can been seen on clothes, quilt covers and homewears. His gallery in The Rocks is a popular stop on the tourist trail. The 78-year-old continues to paint at his home studio in Mosman and is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.

19 TASH SEFTON, BLOGGER

Fashion entrepreneur and style blogger extraordinaire Tash Sefton has 256K Instagram followers. Picture: AAP Image / Julian Andrews

In the world of Instagram fashion bloggers Tash Sefton is one of the queens. The Mosmanite has more than a quarter of a million followers and leveraged this popularity into an online business called TheyAllHateUs with her friend Elle Ferguson. It has resulted in television presenting, events hosting and brand collaborations. Alongside her online presence Sefton is also a visual artist and runs a style consultancy business called Where Did Your Style Go? She enjoys giving something back and imparting her professional fashion know-how with her clients one-on-one.

18 MARK KILMURRY, THE ENSEMBLE THERATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Theatre director Mark Kilmurry at Ensemble theater. Picture: Adam Yip

Creative minds are known for keeping messy desks and Mark Kilmurry is no exception. His office backstage at The Ensemble theatre overflows with books, coffee cups and photos – and it’s full of ideas and colour. As the artistic director he oversees all the work at the venue and he perfectly strikes the balance between good business sense and entertainment. Kilmurry consistently chooses interesting plays and when he steps into the director’s chair, as seen in the recent show Shirley Valentine, the return ticket sales speak for themselves. He is also bringing the theatre to Australia with a tour planned of the show TWO.

17 COOPER CRONK, RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER

Rugby player Cooper Cronk and wife Tara Rushton are expecting their first child. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

When Cooper Cronk moved to Sydney he did it in style. He bought a $3.5m home in Mosman with his wife Tara Rushton and the couple, who are expecting their first child, have settled into life on the lower north shore. Cronk is one of the biggest stars in rugby league. He spent most of career with the Melbourne Storm and joined the Sydney Roosters in a landmark move this year. Winning comes naturally to Cronk and among his accolades are the Golden Boot, several State of Origin wins and Premiership titles. With more than 300 games to his name, fans are waiting to find out what he will do next.

16 RANCAN SISTERS, GYM OWNERS

The Rancan Sisters, Lisa and Adele, pictured at Mosman overlooking Sydney Harbour. Picture: AAP Image / Julian Andrews

It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, Adele and Lisa Rancan always have huge smiles on their faces. The super fit sisters run a gym in Mosman’s Headland Park and run classes from dawn to dusk. The Rancans introduced Australia to step aerobics on morning TV in the 80s and have always been at the forefront of wellness trends. They brought Doga (that’s yoga with your dog) to Mosman and they host regular reformer, barre and plate classes. Enjoying the beautiful Mosman scenery is important to the sisters and they encourage people outdoors with their 5km a Day Challenge.