Prominent Victorians we lost in 2022
Some remarkable Victorians were among the list of prominent Australians we farewelled in 2022. We take a moment to remember their lives and achievements.
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Legends of sport, music, theatre and philanthropy, we farewelled several prominent Victorias in 2022. We remember their remarkable contributions, not only to our state but the nation and the world. Please note. This article features images of, and references to, Aboriginal people who have died.
GLENN WHEATLEY, 74
Died: February 1, 2022.
Born in Queensland but a long-time Victorian, the Australian music icon, who rose to prominence in popular 1960s rock band Masters Apprentices before later becoming rock legend John Farnham’s manager, died after a battle with Covid-19. As well as close friend Farnham, he was instrumental in the success of Little River Band and Delta Goodrem.
SHANE WARNE, 52
Died: March 4, 2022
The Aussie cricket legend died after being found unresponsive at a Thai holiday villa, with his death confirmed as natural causes and thought to be from a heart attack. Sporting stars, celebrities and politicians joined the flood of tributes, while his devastated family accepted a state memorial.
KIMBERLEY KITCHING, 52
Died: March 10, 2022
The Victorian Labor Senator died suddenly from a suspected heart attack in Melbourne
just moments after stopping her car by the side of the road and calling her husband.
Her death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and colleagues.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten broke down as he paid tribute to Senator Kitching calling her a “fierce and warm friend who would “speak her own mind with real honesty”.
But her death also caused ructions within the Labor Party amid allegations she was bullied by her colleagues in the lead up to her death - allegations the then-Opposition leader Anthony Albanese denied.
Kitching was born in Queensland but moved to Melbourne in 1995 and served in the Senate from 2016 until her death.
ARCHIE ROACH, 66
Died July 30, 2022
The pioneering Indigenous artist, who drew global attention to the Stolen Generations, died after a long illness. His family honoured a healer, saying: “His music brought people together.” PM Anthony Albanese said we had lost “a brilliant talent, a powerful and prolific national truth teller”. Musician Paul Kelly told The Herald Sun Roach was “an inspiration”.
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JUDITH DURHAM, 79
Died August 5, 2022
The beloved singer died in Melbourne after a long battle with ill health and complications from a chronic lung disease.
She had been in palliative care at The Alfred Hospital in the lead up to her death.
The Prime Minister led tributes to the singer, who found worldwide fame with The Seekers with hits including Georgy Girl and I’ll Never Find Another You. Anthony Albanese said the “national treasure … gave voice to a new strand of our identity”. She was awarded the Order of Australia in 2014.
LILLIAN FRANK, 92
Died August 12, 2022
The philanthropist and socialite was one of the first celebrity hairdressers in Melbourne and, for about 40 years, a gossip columnist for The Herald Sun.
Frank was born in Burma but moved to Melbourne in the 1950s.
As Fiona Byrne reported, she famously styled British supermodel Jean Shrimpton’s hair when she appeared in a mini skirt at the Victoria Derby in 1965.
A passionate fundraiser, she raised money for many charitable causes, including the Royal Children’s Hospital.
In 1977, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her charitable work for the Royal Children’s Hospital and Odyssey House in Melbourne.
UNCLE JACK CHARLES, 79
Died September 13, 2022
The renowned Indigenous actor, musician and Aboriginal elder, died in hospital after suffering a stroke. His family spoke of their pride at his “remarkable life”, while the PM said the Stolen Generation survivor had lifted up the nation with “his heart and his genius, creativity and passion”.
PETER REITH, 72
Died November 8, 2022
The former member for Flinders died peacefully after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Mr Reith served as the minister for industrial and workplace relations, small business and defence in John Howard’s government.
He was deputy Liberal leader from April 1990 until March, 1993.
Former prime minister John Howard led tributes for Mr Reith, calling him a “great warrior for the Liberal cause”.
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