A 28-year campaign to rename South Broken Hill’s community centre after artist Fred Jobson succeeds
An artist, cartoonist, musician, painter and actor — Fred Jobson was one of Broken Hill’s most unique and talented residents, although many may not have heard of him.
Jobson died 50 years ago, and since 1995 one man has led the charge to have his legacy remembered.
Don Mudie believes Jobson is one of the city’s greatest citizens and deserves to be recognised for his achievements.
Jobson is best known for designing Broken Hill’s city crest, and for writing the song Broken Hill, I Love You Still.
“There would be people in this town who are not aware of the man, so I hope that I have conveyed historically … what he did for Broken Hill,” Mr Mudie said.
Now, after almost three decades of persistent campaigning, Mr Mudie’s push to have the South Broken Hill community centre renamed in Jobson’s honour has received the green light.
‘A great celebration’
Broken Hill City Council has voted unanimously in favour of changing the centre’s name.
“It’s going to be a great celebration when the new signage goes up and the South Village [committee] … have that celebration,” council general manager Jay Nankivell said.
Mr Mudie said he couldn’t have done it alone, and he had the support of several community groups including the Broken Hill Historical Society, the repertory club and the Willyama Arts Society.
South Broken Hill resident Larry Angell worked alongside Mr Mudie to achieve the centre’s name change.
“It’s significant … because he was a southy,” Mr Angell said.
“For us to be able to able to recognise people within the south community is great.”
Local historian Christine Adams remembers Jobson from when they both worked at the zinc mine in the 1960s.
She’s glad to see that the multi-talented Jobson will be recognised all these years after his death.
“I think it’s wonderful,” she said.
“Am I pleased about Fred Jobson being recognised in Broken Hill? Yes I am.”
Ms Adams praised both Mr Mudie and Mr Angell for their years of persistent lobbying.
“We all have to remember that the only way these things happen is if someone pushes it … so dear old Don’s done a wonderful job … and good on Larry,” she said.
For Mr Mudie, a decades-long battle has been won.
He hopes people passing down Patton Street will remember the contribution of Fred Jobson to the city.
“I hope that the people of Broken Hill appreciate what has been done here,” he said.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-29/28-years-in-the-making-fred-jobson-to-finally-be-remembered/102660912 A 28-year campaign to rename South Broken Hill’s community centre after artist Fred Jobson succeeds
