As one of the most remote cities in the world, Perth has spawned some truly unique characters.
Without them, our city just wouldn’t be the same and now it’s time to celebrate the top 20 Perthiest of them all.
In no particular order, here are our picks of those people that truly embody everything it means to be a Perthonality.
Mystery person behind The Bell Tower Times
This comedic mastermind embraces the “human zoo” that makes our city . . . colourful. From storm rebuilds to Mandurah’s deconstructed giants and Coldplay’s concert ticket chaos, they have it covered, dishing up hilarious dispositions and cheeky digs.
Laurence Escalante
Our very own local billionaire Laurence Escalante is living the lavish lifestyle right here in Perth. His million-dollar Lamborghinis often make headlines — just some of the expensive items he’s acquired through his gaming empire. From diamond-encrusted Rolex watches to private jet flights, the former Hungry Jack’s worker has come from humble beginnings and now admires a Swan River view from a $7.5m South Perth apartment.
Tony Galati
Sorry Luigi from WA Salvage — Tony Galati is the new (spud) king in town. From dominating the supermarket world in WA to teaming up with the Freo Dockers in a new — debatable — advertising campaign, Mr Galati has well and truly earnt himself a spot on this list. The 61-year-old recently used his spud earnings to treat himself to a $6.2 million Mosman Park mansion.
Nathan, Nat and Shaun
This hilarious trio have been rocking the airwaves since 2009. Whoever thought putting an ex-Big Brother contestant, a country girl and a former Freo Docker together would work is an absolute genius. These three have become radio royalty, and the best company on a morning drive to work.
Rick Ardon and Susannah Carr
Rick and Sue, Sue and Rick – whichever way you say it, these two definitely deserve a spot on this list. There’s something calming about seeing their faces pop up on our television screens, and the pair know all there is to know about Perth. Having presented Channel 7’s nightly news since 1985, they are now officially the longest-serving TV news anchor duo in the world.
Troy Mercanti
Moguls bikie Troy Mercanti has become a bit of a household name. He’s Perth’s most notorious outlaw, and has what you could call a “close” relationship with Perth media — and Perth police. Mercanti is best known for bringing the South Australian-based Finks Motorcycle Club to Perth after being expelled from the Coffin Cheaters, which caused friction between the two parties.
Mark McGowan
AKA State Daddy. Albeit a former Premier, he’s one who will be remembered for years to come. Whether you love him or you hate him, there’s no denying Mark McGowan will go down as one of the best-known Premiers our State has ever seen. Locking our borders during the COVID-19 pandemic was a big call, but it’s his undeniable love of Rockingham that earns him the most recognition.
John Hughes
Chances are we’ve all crossed paths with a John Hughes car at one point or another. This motoring magnate practically owns Vic Park. Dominating the Albany Highway strip with new and pre-owned vehicles, the 87-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. Was his inclusion in this list a must? Absolutely.
Kate Walsh
How could we not include the one and only Kate Walsh in this list? From starring Grey’s Anatomy to getting cosy with a West Aussie farmer — this Hollywood star is totally obsessed with our city, and for that, we’re totally obsessed with her.
Gina Rinehart
Our Western Australian of the year winner is an automatic inclusion on this list, but powerhouse and mining magnate Gina Rinehart was on it anyway. Taking over Hancock Prospecting when her father Lang Hancock died in 1992 was no easy feat, but Ms Rinehart has been running it, taking it from strength to strength, ever since. Born and bred right here in WA, she’s one of the richest people in our country, steering the most successful private company in the most lucrative industry in our State.
Basil Zempilas
Can you get any more Perth than by being its very own lord mayor? We think not. From working with Perth’s biggest television and radio stations to commentating our State’s favourite sport — AFL — Zempilas’ love and commitment to our city, which he has rebranded the “City of Light”, is second to none.
Ben Cousins
This former West Coast Eagle will always be best known as one of the greatest footballers our State has seen, earning himself a Brownlow Medal for his efforts in 2005. After a short stint on the east coast playing for Richmond, Cousins now happily lives in WA, talking footy on Channel 7 News in a co-host role alongside Adrian Barich, and attending special events.
Fat Cat
We couldn’t omit our nightly bedtime reminder from this list. Fat Cat is an absolute icon and a crucial part of so many West Australian childhoods. First appearing on screens in 1972 in Fat Cat and Friends, this oversized orange cat is loved by many. Rottnest may have quokkas, but Perth has the happiest feline of all.
Daniel Ricciardo
Homegrown talent doesn’t get much bigger than an eight-time grand prix winner. Hailing from the humble suburb of Duncraig, this Formula One star has hearts racing around the world – but it’s Perth that will always have his.
Sophia and Troy Barbagallo
This Perth-based power couple are best known for their reign on beauty pageant Miss Universe Australia. The former beauty queen and successful businessman are well known in the Perth social scene, and have secured licences to take over the Miss Universe program in Singapore and New Zealand. They know people, and people know them — total A-listers in our city.
Justin Langer
Former Australian coach and a cricketer himself, Langer certainly has runs on the board. He’s the epitome of cricketing royalty, and the best part? He was born right here in WA and lives here to this very day. An Australian Cricket Hall of Famer, Langer is a commentator on the sport, with occasional stints in West Australian media.
Joel Creasey
From stand-up comedy to Eurovision, and now host of Nova’s national radio show, Joel Creasey is a boy from Perth with big dreams. Attending Wesley College and Curtin University, Creasey is one of three children. His parents met as extras in 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, and in addition, his father owned several McDonald’s restaurants around our city.
Rove McManus
It seems a lot of people often forget this megastar was born on the west coast. Growing up in Perth, Rove McManus is a triple Gold Logie winner. He’s also the cousin of another person on this list — former Fremantle Docker Shaun McManus — and is married to another West Aussie, Tasma Walton. Despite moving away from our great State, the pair often visit, and bought a five-bedroom beach-side mansion in City Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Kizon
Despite denying claims of having any financial interest in our infamous Metro City nightclub, this underworld figure is a regular at the sketchy haunt. No matter which generation you hail from, John Kizon is a name we’ve all heard of.
Heath Ledger
Born right here in WA, Heath Ledger became one of the biggest names Hollywood had ever seen and is deserving of an honourary mention on our top 20 list. From his best-known role as the Joker to leading roles in Brokeback Mountain and 10 Things I Hate About You, Ledger is a homegrown talent whose legacy lives on in Perth at the Heath Ledger Theatre.
