
Dead Famous
Welcome to Dead Famous, our special series dedicated to honouring the remarkable individuals who have found their final resting place at Metropolitan Memorial Parks. Through their unique stories and lasting legacies, these notable figures have left an indelible mark on our community and beyond.
Notables

John Fairfax
Rookwood General Cemetery
John Fairfax was a distinguished figure in the Australian media landscape, best known for founding Fairfax Media, one of the country's leading media organisations.
Watch video.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(46).jpg)
Alice Cashin
Woronora Memorial Park
Alice Cashin, Australian WWI nurse, received Royal Red Cross & Bar for bravery, saving 432 lives, honoured by NSW Nurses' memorial.
Watch video.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(47).jpg)
Bill O'Reilly
Woronora Memorial Park
William (Bill) O'Reilly OBE was an Australian cricket legend, renowned spin bowler and respected writer, praised by Sir Donald Bradman as the greatest.
Watch video
Arthur Stace (Mr Eternity)
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
Arthur Stace was a Sydney legend who chalked "Eternity" on footpaths for 35 years, spreading hope after overcoming poverty, alcoholism and crime through Christianity.
Watch video
Dally Messenger
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
Herbert "Dally" Messenger was a pioneering Australian rugby footballer, considered one of the greatest-ever players, renowned for unpredictability and goal-kicking ability.
Watch video.png?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(88).png)
Elias Connell Laycock
Woronora Memorial Park
Elias Laycock was an Australian competitive rower who thrice contested the World Sculling Championship.
Watch video.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(50).jpg)
John Radecki
Woronora Memorial Park
John Radecki was a renowned Australian stained-glass designer, artist and entrepreneur, creating iconic works for churches, libraries and banks.
Watch video.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(51).jpg)
Kate Leigh
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
Kate Leigh was a notorious Australian crime entrepreneur, known as the 'Queen of the Underworld', involved in sly-grog, prostitution and illicit trades.
Watch video.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(52).jpg)
Kathleen Butler
Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium
Kathleen Butler, "Godmother of Sydney Harbour Bridge", managed its development as Chief Engineer J.J.C. Bradfield's confidential secretary and technical advisor.
Watch video.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Untitled%20design%20(53).jpg)
Mei Quong Tart
Rookwood General Cemetery
Mei Quong Tart was a celebrated Australian businessman, philanthropist and cultural ambassador, bridging Chinese and European interests in Sydney during a time of anti-Chinese sentiment.
Watch video.png?width=800&height=600&name=Module%20-%20image%20with%20Text%20(800%20x%20600).png)