Sadness has descended on the Crikey bunker today. Diana Gribble, one of our publishers and owners, died last night after a short illness and after a long, memorable life.
Di Gribble was an extraordinary figure in Australian publishing, culture and media. She was co-founder of the iconic book publisher McPhee Gribble in 1975, co-founder of the Text Media Group in 1990, co-founder of Private Media (owner of Crikey, SmartCompany, The Power Index, StartUp Smart and Property Observer) in 2003, a former deputy chair of the ABC, and a former director of Lonely Planet, Care Australia, the Australia Council, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Major Events Company and Circus Oz.
Di was a creator. She inspired and indefatigably supported the people around her — family, friends, colleagues, authors, artists. She nurtured young talent and motivated old talent. She loved books, ideas, the idea of ideas and she loved being a publisher of Crikey.
We’ll all miss her terribly.
So will we librarians.
This is very sad news, indeed. She was an adornment to Australian society. Sincere condolences to all.
Shocked and sad, goodbye to a terrific achiever and a fine Australian. Didn’t always agree with her, but always kept very great respect for her.
Sad news. Condolences.
Di Gribble showed that one person, working with others of like mind, can make a real and significant difference to our blighted media landscape. Australian culture will be reaping the benefits of her life for many years to come.