Symes Family Genealogy & History

Jaclyn Symes, born on 7 July 1978, is a prominent Australian politician currently serving as the Treasurer of Victoria. As a Labor Party member, she has represented the Northern Victoria Region in the Victorian Legislative Council since 2014. Symes has held various significant positions, including Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Resources. In March 2020, she became the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and was appointed as Attorney-General of Victoria later that year. As of December 2024, Symes made history by becoming the first female treasurer of Victoria, exemplifying her influential role in the state's political landscape.

Robin Symes, a prominent British antiquities dealer born in February 1939, was renowned for his success in the international art market, notably becoming London's best-known dealer in antiquities. His career, however, was marred by his pivotal involvement in the illegal trade of looted archaeological treasures. Symes was a key figure in Giacomo Medici's operation, supplying looted antiquities to major Western museums, including the J. Paul Getty Museum. His downfall began after the death of his partner, Christo Michaelides, leading to legal battles with the Papadimitriou family, ultimately resulting in his conviction for contempt of court and bankruptcy.

Bob Symes, born Robert Alexander Schutzmann, was an influential Austrian inventor and television presenter known for his work in engineering and media. As a presenter on BBC's "Tomorrow's World" and "Model World," Symes captivated audiences with his expertise in technology and railways. He co-founded SH-Production & Co KEG, producing railway films such as "Bahnorama," and was instrumental in forming the Institute of Patentees and Inventors. Symes was an accomplished inventor with patents in metal engineering and plumbing, and he authored several books, including "Eureka! The Book of Inventing." His dedication to railways led him to establish the Border Union Railway Company, contributing significantly to the restoration of the Waverley Line.

Symes hailed from a Jewish family in Austria, the son of Dr. Herbert Schutzmann, a lawyer and ardent Zionist, and writer Lola Blonder. After his father's death in 1937 and the subsequent political turmoil of the Anschluss, Symes and his family relocated to Palestine. His mother and sister later moved to the United States, while Symes embarked on a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, leveraging his multilingual skills and family connections.

Bradley Thomas Symes, born on March 7, 1985, is a former Australian rules football midfielder, recognized for his time with Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows in the AFL. Selected by Port Adelaide in the 2003 AFL draft, Symes made his mark with a nomination for the 2006 AFL Rising Star Award and played in the 2007 AFL Grand Final. After moving to the Adelaide Crows in 2008, he became a regular player, known for his role as a running defender and his impressive tackling ability. In 2012, Symes achieved a standout performance in the SANFL, sharing the Magarey Medal honor, before being delisted from Adelaide at the end of the season.