About Us

After 30 years as one of Australia's leading model agencies, it's no wonder the Chadwick name is synonymous with the business of beautiful people.

The man behind that name is Peter Chadwick, one of the most respected and well-liked individuals in the international modelling community - not a bad rap in an industry known for its share of bitchiness and back-stabbing. With only one other competing agency on the scene in those early days, Peter was able to build an agency based on firm ethics, in contrast to today's often cut-throat competitive practises.

As a breed, Chadwick models don't fall far from the tree. Our girls and guys have a reputation for professionalism, hard work and being down-to-earth (and not adverse to a good party !). There's a very simple reason for this: the right attitude can be as important as the right look.

Over the years the Chadwick agency has discovered and developed some of the most recognisable faces in the world - names like Elle Macpherson, Rachel Hunter, Toneya Bird , Travis Fimmel and Megan Gale to name a few.

Then there are the hundreds who have spread across the world, forging long-term careers in the fashion capitals of New York, Paris, London, Milan and Tokyo.

Several Chadwick models have gone on to become success stories in the acting world. Cameron Diaz, Peta Wilson, Julian McMahon and Naomi Watts were all at one time signed with the agency. Television personalities Antonia Kidman and Tom Williams, and fashion designers Jodhi Meares and Michelle Jank, have all been on the books at different stages of their careers.

Currently, the management division of Chadwick handles household names including Megan , Sophie Falkiner, Karina Brown, Tara Moss, Tammin Sursok and Anneliese Seubert, all of whom were once, anonymous young models putting their trust in the agency to give them a start in a fickle and daunting industry.

That relatively new division soon attracted other leading personalities keen for personalised and experienced management: radio and media personality Jackie O, designer Peter Morrissey and sporting stars Elka Graham and Thomas Whalan.

But it's the models who have always been the backbone of Chadwick.

Chadwick Model Agency started in 1971 under the name Griffins, before being bought by Peter Chadwick in 1976, who later took on business partner Stuart Cameron.

Four years later a young male model who had started in Adelaide called Martin Walsh signed on with Chadwick in 1980. Work commitments soon had me on assignment around Australia, to Fiji, Bali, New Zealand and Paris; the idea of being paid to travel was astonishing to me. Then in 1984 a one-week trip to New York turned into 12 years with the Ford Agency.

Finally, in 1995, I returned to Sydney as Peter Chadwick's business partner, taking over from Stuart Cameron who had relinquished his position in 1993 to manage Elle Macpherson. A steep learning curve ensued under Peter's watchful eye, and model became model agent.

With Mathew Anderson at the helm of Chadwick Melbourne, that division continued at the forefront of the local market. A few years later a new division in Perth opened, quickly uncovering some of the most exciting modelling talent in the world.

By September 2006, with 30 years in the business under his belt, Peter Chadwick stepped into the role of consultant to the business, divesting his majority shareholding to me with shares also acquired by long term Melbourne manager Mathew Anderson and financial controller Daniel Kinross. The name Chadwick, however, will remain permanently imprinted on the door.

I think I speak for all of us at Chadwick in saying that we look forward to maintaining the reputation for quality and professionalism that the name inspires.

As the company looks toward the next 30 years, these models - with their various looks and sizes - are our assets, our colleagues, and our friends.

[Excerpt from foreword to Black + White "Models Only" Book 2006. 70 of the guys and girls of Australia's Chadwick Model Agency, celebrating 30 years as Australia's leading Model Agency.]

MARTIN WALSH
MANAGING DIRECTOR
CHADWICK MANAGEMENT & MODEL AGENCY