The PBS staff and volunteer community are deeply saddened by the passing of Jane Brownrigg.
from, the PBS Book. Photo by Jon Osborne 2012
One of our city’s great champions of community radio, music and the arts, Jane has been a familiar face at the front of gigs and theatre performances and at art galleries for as long as any of us can remember.
Jane was also familiar at PBS, holding it down on her weekly reception shift for many years, helping at events, and coordinating the station’s compost. She’d pop in a few times a week on her red bike (adorned with plastic flowers and stickers – you could barely tell it was red) to pick up our organic matter, tea bags and coffee grounds.
Her history with PBS reaches back to the 1980s St Kilda days volunteering on Waves magazine, edited by Mick Geyer. Across the years she has also been a volunteer at 3RRR, 3MBS and at 3CR. Until recently, she continued to host Music Matters each fortnight on 3CR, midday – 2pm, representing the local underground and independent music scene.
Jane was also politically active, having been heavily involved with The Greens and with supporting countless good causes for the environment and for humanity generally.
On top of all of this, Jane was a good friend to many of us here at the station. She will be sorely missed.
We’ve been sharing stories of Jane since hearing the sad news and one theme is constant: her commitment to her community. She was always working to join the dots in the local community, making sure that everyone was introduced to each other and made to feel welcome. Her presence at local arts and music events was always felt, as she made her way through the crowd, stopping to say hello to punters along her way.
Vale Jane Brownrigg, and love to all of those close to her.
Jane at Easey Street reception. Photo by Christine Brackenhoff
Jane with PBS Program Manager Owen McKern at Easey Street
Jane at Community Cup. Photo by Owen McKern.
Jane and Andy Merkel on a Vespa at Easey Street.
Gabrielle, Rusty, Herb, Amada, Marie, Julie, Kristin, Vader, Dan, Nanda, Kieron, Shambe and Jane at the Receptionist meet-up in March 2024. Photo by Mara Williams.
Banner photo of Jane in the Easey Street music library by Christine Brackenhoff.