The Playford family has played a significant role in the South Australian and Australian political and social sphere since the early days of European settlement.

Thomas Playford Senior was a fiery Baptist minister who arrived in Adelaide in 1844 and, disgusted by the wickedness of the inhabitants, founded a new church called, simply, ‘The Christian Church’.

Thomas Playford II served as Premier of South Australia from 1887 to 1889 and 1890 to 1892, as well as a Senator in the newly formed Commonwealth of Australia (a name he coined), including a stint as the Federal Minister for Defence.

Thomas Playford III was a well known local farmer and Adelaide identity.

Thomas Playford IV was Premier of South Australia from 1938 to 1965; the longest serving elected national or regional leader in the British Commonwealth.

Thomas Playford V is a Baptist minister who ran at the 2002 South Australian state election under the banner of "Independent for Integrity in Parliament", polling 20%. He has not ruled out another run for parliament.