July 15, 2014
The death on Saturday morning of Deadly Vibe managing director Gavin Jones, 47, has sent shockwaves through indigenous communities throughout Australia.
The news of his death, in his hometown of Goulburn, followed the announcement that as of June 30 the Federal Government had redirected funding from the Vibe project to “programs that deliver frontline services” to indigenous communities.
This effectively axed the popular Deadly Vibe magazine, the annual Deadly awards, InVibe magazine (for prisoners), Deadly Sounds radio and Move It Mob Style TV.
The Deadlys – the popular national awards celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement – were scheduled to be held at the Sydney Opera House on September 30, but have now been cancelled.
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Gavin Jones founded Deadly Vibe in 1993.
After finishing school, he started a journalism cadetship at the Goulburn Post before completing a communications degree at the University of Canberra.
His vision and mission for founding Deadly Vibe was to “support all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in reaching their full potential by providing positive imagery, identifiable role models and quality media to improve community and quality of life.”
His first venture was the Deadly Sounds radio program in 1993, followed by the monthly Deadly Vibe magazine in 1995, and then InVibe, an insert into Deadly Vibe produced specifically prisoners and children in juvenile detention centres, delivering targeted messages focusing on mental health, sexual health, substance abuse, and promoting pride and self-worth.
At the time of Gavin’s death, Deadly Vibe magazine had published 209 issues and had a national distribution figure of 55,000 per month.
For 15 years, the Vibe project also ran “Vibe 3on3”, a travelling event that brought role models, health and education expos, breakdancing workshops, and a round robin basketball tournament into regional communities.
The first event that would become the Deadlys was held in 1994.
In 2008, Gavin launched Vibe TV, producing the programs “Living Strong”, which delivered health stories and profiles, and “Move it Mob Style” which combined cultural pride with health messages and hip hop dancing workshops.
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Tributes have flowed for Gavin following the announcement of his death on the Vibe Australia website yesterday.
SBS managing director Michael Ebeid said he was saddened to hear the news.
“Gavin worked closely with SBS for over a decade. He was an incredibly well-respected businessman, with an extraordinary commitment to supporting and celebrating the achievements of indigenous Australians. His passion, hard work and dedication were evident through his many successes, including 20 years of the Deadly Awards, and the Logie-nominated Move It Mob Style,” Mr Ebeid said.
“This is not only a great loss for the indigenous community, but also for Australia more broadly. Gavin will be missed by the SBS family. I send my deepest condolences to Gavin’s family, friends and colleagues.”
NITV channel manager Tanya Denning said Gavin’s endless dedication for more than two decades paved the way to many successes.
“He epitomised the words Deadly Vibe, driving indigenous entertainment forward, whilst providing a sense of empowerment and opportunity for our youth. Gavin was a cherished friend to myself and NITV, giving so much to so many whenever we needed him. His passing is a great loss to both our community and indigenous Australia. We send our deepest sympathies to Gavin’s family and friends at this sad time.”
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