Panthers' most recent premiership win to date. 10 October – 22 November – Australia hosts the 2003 Rugby World Cup. In the final held at Telstra Stadium in Sydney, England defeats Australia 20-17 after a last-minute field goal from Jonny Wilkinson in extra time. 12 October – New Zealander Greg Murphy and Rick Kelly dominate the Bob Jane T-marts Bathurst 1000 for the K-mart Racing Team. It was Murphy's third win, each for different teams, while at just 20 years of age, Kelly becomes the youngest winner in the races history. It was the fifth consecutive win for Holden, a new record. 4 November – Makybe Diva wins the Melbourne Cup horse racing event. It is the first of three Melbourne Cup wins for the mare. Births 1 December – Robert Irwin, television personality and wildlife photographer Deaths 12 January – Maurice Gibb, musician (born in the United Kingdom and died in the United States) (b. 1949) 20 January – John Halfpenny, trade unionist (b. 1935) 29 January – Sir Alan Walker, theologian (b. 1911) 2 March – Malcolm Williamson, composer (died in the United Kingdom) (b. 1931) 3 March – Dick Garrard, Olympic wrestler (b. 1911) 7 August – Charlie Jones, New South Wales politician (b. 1917) 23 August – Jack Dyer, Australian rules footballer (Richmond) (b. 1913) 24 August – Mal Colston, Queensland politician (b. 1938) 9 September – Don Willesee, Western Australian politician (b. 1916) 19 September – Slim Dusty, country singer (b. 1927) 27 September – Olive Cotton, photographer (b. 1911) 12 October – Jim Cairns, 4th Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (b. 1914) 17 December – Ed Devereaux, actor (died in the United Kingdom) (b. 1925) 30 December – Nora Heysen, artist (b. 1911) See also 2003 in Australian television List of Australian films of 2003 References Years of the 21st century in Australia Australia 2000s in Australia