Joseph Lyons
World Leader
For the last seven years of his life, this prominent member of the United Australia Party served as his country's tenth Prime Minister. Earlier in his political career, as a member of the Labor Party, he served as Premier of Tasmania.
After attending the Philip Smith Teachers' Training College and subsequently working as a teacher, he began his political career as a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly.
A congenial and easy-going man and a hugely popular leader, he was portrayed by political cartoonists as a drowsy koala.
A native of Stanley, Tasmania, he was the child of Irish-born parents. His marriage to fellow politician Enid Lyons produced twelve children.
His decade of service as prime minister spanned the reigns of three British kings: George V, Edward VIII, and George VI.