Scone

Distinguished and Famous people from Scone

🐎 John Messara

John Messara founded Arrowfield in 1985 after beginning his professional life in stockbroking. The stud moved to the Segenhoe Valley near Scone in 1996, making the district central to his thoroughbred breeding enterprise. One pivotal decision came in 1989, when Arrowfield acquired a majority interest in Danehill. The stallion became an extraordinary breeding influence, followed at Arrowfield by prominent sires including Redoute's Choice and Snitzel. Messara also chaired Racing NSW and Racing Australia.

🏞️ Alf G. White

Alf G. White of Belltrees has a particularly practical place in Scone's recreational history. When concern arose over losing the old racecourse paddock as public recreation land, mayor A. J. Dodd acquired it for the town, with White financing the purchase. The park was renamed White Park in 1924 in his honour. The council's history records a succession of uses on the land, from racing and livestock sales to golf, picnics and community celebrations. Ownership passed to the council in 1945.

🍜 Albert Lee

Albert Lee joined his father at Scone after travelling alone from China in 1927 and attended the town’s Catholic primary school. Later retail work and cooking experience led to a substantial Brisbane restaurant career. At the Oriental Café and its Pagoda Room, he combined Cantonese food with business skill, while quietly assisting members of the Chinese community. Famous diners included Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti, but his own preferred dinner could be roast lamb or a meat pie. Scone is a documented childhood home and school, before the kitchens and community responsibilities that made him a Brisbane identity.