Fond farewells for political trailblazer and stuntman behind iconic album cover
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Kalgoorlie has bid farewell to one of its most colourful and controversial political figures, who passed away at the age of 86, is being mourned by the world of music, which is also mourning the loss of the man behind the unforgettable cover of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album Wish You Were Here.
Though from very different worlds, both men left behind work that remains instantly recognisable and continues to be remembered.
Graeme Campbell’s story began far from the red dust of Western Australia.
Born in Oxfordshire, England, he emigrated to Australia as a child, growing up in South Australia before venturing into the wilds of the Nullarbor Plain.
Alongside his brother Rod, he established Kybo Station—a remote pastoral property that would become the backdrop for some of his most formative years.
Fate intervened at Kybo in the form of Michele Lelievre, a French traveller whose curiosity about the 'interesting' Campbell brothers led her to the station.
As Michele later recalled, 'I looked at him and thought, “Definitely, I will stay.”'
The pair married and eventually settled in Kalgoorlie, where Campbell’s journey into mining and, ultimately, politics began.
Campbell’s entry into politics was as unconventional as the man himself.
He joined the Labour Party and, in 1980, was elected as the federal member for Kalgoorlie—a seat he would hold for nearly 18 years. But Campbell was never one to toe the party line.
His pro-mining stance and outspoken opposition to immigration set him apart from many of his colleagues, earning him both admirers and critics.
One of his most memorable moments came in 1988, when he crossed the floor to oppose then-Prime Minister Paul Keating’s plan to remove company tax exemptions for gold miners.
This act of rebellion cemented his reputation as a politician who put his constituents first, even if it meant ruffling feathers in Canberra.
Former O’Connor MP Tony Crook summed it up: 'What I love most is he was prepared to represent his constituents first and foremost.'
That willingness to stand up for the Goldfields, even at personal cost, would become a hallmark of Campbell’s career.
Campbell’s refusal to compromise on his beliefs eventually led to his disendorsement by the Labour Party.
Undeterred, he resigned just before the 1996 election and ran as an independent—winning the seat and proving that his connection to the people of Kalgoorlie ran deeper than party politics.
His family later described this victory as one of his proudest moments, saying, 'Graeme found a special connection to the people of regional Western Australia.
He was deeply honoured to be able to represent his people as the federal member for the seat of Kalgoorlie.'
Even after leaving politics, Campbell remained a fixture in the community. Member for Kalgoorlie Ali Kent described him as 'a very bright and colourful character' who 'liked not ever conforming.'
Right up until the end, he could be found at voting booths, eager to chat about local issues and offer his unique perspective.
Doug Daws, a Boulder resident and former chair of the Goldfields Transport Board, recalled their early clashes but ultimately became good friends with Campbell.
'He picked up causes and fought for them valiantly, sometimes against overwhelming odds,' Daws said.
'He was a very able representative of this district [and] he was a hell of a good bloke.'
One story that captures Campbell’s forthright nature involved a meeting to promote an emu leather and meat farm.
Campbell arrived wearing a pair of emu leather shoes and promptly declared them 'the most uncomfortable shoes he’s ever worn in his life.'
It was classic Campbell—honest, direct, and unafraid to speak his mind.
Campbell’s legacy is one of fierce independence, unwavering advocacy for his constituents, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
His efforts are well documented in the Hansard of federal parliament, and his influence can still be felt in the Goldfields today.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, that man was Ronnie Rondell Jr., a Hollywood stuntman whose career spanned decades and whose legacy has just ended at the age of 88.
Rondell passed away in Missouri, leaving behind a trail of cinematic sparks and a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected daredevils.
Ronnie Rondell wasn’t just a one-trick pony. His resume reads like a highlight reel of Hollywood’s most action-packed moments.
From the far reaches of the Star Trek universe to the high-octane streets of The Matrix Reloaded and the glamorous chaos of Charlie’s Angels, Rondell’s work was everywhere—even if you didn’t always see his face.
But it wasn’t just his on-screen exploits that made him a legend.
In 1970, he co-founded Stunts Unlimited, a pioneering talent agency that helped shape the future of stunt work in Hollywood.
The agency became a launchpad for countless careers, and Rondell was known as a generous mentor, always ready to share his wisdom and set the bar higher for those who followed.
As Stunts Unlimited shared in a heartfelt tribute: 'Ronnie was not just a legend, he was legendary and will be deeply missed.'
Of all his feats, it’s the Wish You Were Here album cover that’s perhaps most seared into public memory.
The concept was as bold as the band itself: two men, one on fire, shaking hands as if nothing was amiss. No digital trickery, no CGI—just pure, old-school stunt work.
To pull it off, Rondell was doused in flame-retardant gel, his suit and even his hair carefully protected.
The photographer, Aubrey Powell, later revealed that it took 15 takes to get the perfect shot.
On the final attempt, a sudden gust of wind blew the flames into Rondell’s face, singeing off part of his moustache. But the image was captured, and the rest is rock ‘n’ roll history.
The album itself was a smash hit, topping charts in Australia, the US, and the UK.
Decades later, it still ranks among the greatest albums of all time—Rolling Stone placed it at 264th on their list of the 500 greatest albums in 2023.
Rondell’s story is a reminder of the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the men and women who risk life and limb to bring our favourite films and albums to life.
Stunt performers like Rondell have always been the backbone of action cinema, often going uncredited while stars take the spotlight.
It’s a tough, dangerous job, requiring not just physical skill but nerves of steel and a deep understanding of safety.
Over the years, the industry has become more regulated, but back in Rondell’s day, it was all about guts, ingenuity, and a willingness to push the limits.
Ronnie Rondell’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence lives on in every explosion, car chase, and fiery stunt that graces our screens.
He inspired generations of stunt performers and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Both Graeme Campbell and Ronnie Rondell Jr. were trailblazers in their own right—one in the dusty halls of Parliament, the other in the explosive world of Hollywood stunts.
They remind us that true impact isn’t always about following the rules or staying in the spotlight.
Sometimes, it’s about standing up for what you believe in, taking risks, and leaving a mark that endures long after you’re gone.
Read more: Childhood icon gone: Famous Aussie entertainer’s final moments will break your heart
Though from very different worlds, both men left behind work that remains instantly recognisable and continues to be remembered.
Graeme Campbell’s story began far from the red dust of Western Australia.
Born in Oxfordshire, England, he emigrated to Australia as a child, growing up in South Australia before venturing into the wilds of the Nullarbor Plain.
Alongside his brother Rod, he established Kybo Station—a remote pastoral property that would become the backdrop for some of his most formative years.
Hollywood stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr., who died at 88, was remembered for co-founding Stunts Unlimited and his fiery stunts. Credit: Facebook
Fate intervened at Kybo in the form of Michele Lelievre, a French traveller whose curiosity about the 'interesting' Campbell brothers led her to the station.
As Michele later recalled, 'I looked at him and thought, “Definitely, I will stay.”'
The pair married and eventually settled in Kalgoorlie, where Campbell’s journey into mining and, ultimately, politics began.
Campbell’s entry into politics was as unconventional as the man himself.
He joined the Labour Party and, in 1980, was elected as the federal member for Kalgoorlie—a seat he would hold for nearly 18 years. But Campbell was never one to toe the party line.
His pro-mining stance and outspoken opposition to immigration set him apart from many of his colleagues, earning him both admirers and critics.
One of his most memorable moments came in 1988, when he crossed the floor to oppose then-Prime Minister Paul Keating’s plan to remove company tax exemptions for gold miners.
This act of rebellion cemented his reputation as a politician who put his constituents first, even if it meant ruffling feathers in Canberra.
Former O’Connor MP Tony Crook summed it up: 'What I love most is he was prepared to represent his constituents first and foremost.'
That willingness to stand up for the Goldfields, even at personal cost, would become a hallmark of Campbell’s career.
Campbell’s refusal to compromise on his beliefs eventually led to his disendorsement by the Labour Party.
Undeterred, he resigned just before the 1996 election and ran as an independent—winning the seat and proving that his connection to the people of Kalgoorlie ran deeper than party politics.
His family later described this victory as one of his proudest moments, saying, 'Graeme found a special connection to the people of regional Western Australia.
He was deeply honoured to be able to represent his people as the federal member for the seat of Kalgoorlie.'
Even after leaving politics, Campbell remained a fixture in the community. Member for Kalgoorlie Ali Kent described him as 'a very bright and colourful character' who 'liked not ever conforming.'
Right up until the end, he could be found at voting booths, eager to chat about local issues and offer his unique perspective.
Doug Daws, a Boulder resident and former chair of the Goldfields Transport Board, recalled their early clashes but ultimately became good friends with Campbell.
'He picked up causes and fought for them valiantly, sometimes against overwhelming odds,' Daws said.
'He was a very able representative of this district [and] he was a hell of a good bloke.'
One story that captures Campbell’s forthright nature involved a meeting to promote an emu leather and meat farm.
Campbell arrived wearing a pair of emu leather shoes and promptly declared them 'the most uncomfortable shoes he’s ever worn in his life.'
It was classic Campbell—honest, direct, and unafraid to speak his mind.
Campbell’s legacy is one of fierce independence, unwavering advocacy for his constituents, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
His efforts are well documented in the Hansard of federal parliament, and his influence can still be felt in the Goldfields today.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, that man was Ronnie Rondell Jr., a Hollywood stuntman whose career spanned decades and whose legacy has just ended at the age of 88.
Rondell passed away in Missouri, leaving behind a trail of cinematic sparks and a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected daredevils.
Campbell’s nearly two decades in federal parliament were defined by his advocacy for regional communities and uncompromising honesty. Credit: Facebook
Ronnie Rondell wasn’t just a one-trick pony. His resume reads like a highlight reel of Hollywood’s most action-packed moments.
From the far reaches of the Star Trek universe to the high-octane streets of The Matrix Reloaded and the glamorous chaos of Charlie’s Angels, Rondell’s work was everywhere—even if you didn’t always see his face.
But it wasn’t just his on-screen exploits that made him a legend.
In 1970, he co-founded Stunts Unlimited, a pioneering talent agency that helped shape the future of stunt work in Hollywood.
The agency became a launchpad for countless careers, and Rondell was known as a generous mentor, always ready to share his wisdom and set the bar higher for those who followed.
As Stunts Unlimited shared in a heartfelt tribute: 'Ronnie was not just a legend, he was legendary and will be deeply missed.'
Of all his feats, it’s the Wish You Were Here album cover that’s perhaps most seared into public memory.
The concept was as bold as the band itself: two men, one on fire, shaking hands as if nothing was amiss. No digital trickery, no CGI—just pure, old-school stunt work.
To pull it off, Rondell was doused in flame-retardant gel, his suit and even his hair carefully protected.
The photographer, Aubrey Powell, later revealed that it took 15 takes to get the perfect shot.
On the final attempt, a sudden gust of wind blew the flames into Rondell’s face, singeing off part of his moustache. But the image was captured, and the rest is rock ‘n’ roll history.
The album itself was a smash hit, topping charts in Australia, the US, and the UK.
Decades later, it still ranks among the greatest albums of all time—Rolling Stone placed it at 264th on their list of the 500 greatest albums in 2023.
Rondell’s story is a reminder of the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the men and women who risk life and limb to bring our favourite films and albums to life.
Stunt performers like Rondell have always been the backbone of action cinema, often going uncredited while stars take the spotlight.
It’s a tough, dangerous job, requiring not just physical skill but nerves of steel and a deep understanding of safety.
Over the years, the industry has become more regulated, but back in Rondell’s day, it was all about guts, ingenuity, and a willingness to push the limits.
Ronnie Rondell’s passing marks the end of an era, but his influence lives on in every explosion, car chase, and fiery stunt that graces our screens.
He inspired generations of stunt performers and left an indelible mark on pop culture.
They remind us that true impact isn’t always about following the rules or staying in the spotlight.
Sometimes, it’s about standing up for what you believe in, taking risks, and leaving a mark that endures long after you’re gone.
Read more: Childhood icon gone: Famous Aussie entertainer’s final moments will break your heart
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