John Pickup OAM had a long and illustrious career in broadcasting before his involvement in the establishment of Community Radio Mackay 4CRM.
John’s media career began in 1947 when he was convinced to enter, and ultimately won, a talent quest with Sydney radio station 2UE.
He went on to work with 2GB before joining the ABC in 1950.
John’s ABC career took him far and wide across radio and television, a memorable moment coming when his hand became the first "animated object" ever seen on Australian television in 1956.
While with the ABC, John managed television and radio stations in Darwin, Broken Hill and Mackay, where he retired from his role as ABC Radio Mackay Manager in 1992.
Upon retirement, John joined an organisation working towards establishing a community radio station in Mackay.
After many discussions, license applications and the sourcing and testing of equipment, Community Radio Mackay 4CRM was brought into being, broadcasting for the first time on December 11, 1993 on frequency 107.5 FM.
As the inaugural Station Manager, John’s voice was the first heard on the station.
“John was the first voice heard on Community Radio Mackay and he wrote the initial original handbook,” said Community Radio Mackay President Bill Boyd.
“It really remains the guide to the people who come and volunteer at 4CRM.”
John remained at 4CRM until 2005, returning to Mackay in 2018 to celebrate the station’s 25th anniversary as guest of honour.
Away from the studio, John was an avid painter, famously forming the artist collective Brushmen of the Bush with Pro Hart, Eric Minchin, Jack Absalom, and Hugh Schulz while living in Broken Hill in 1973.
The group became famous for their depictions of the outback and staged over 50 exhibitions, raising money for various charities with each one.
During the 1970s, the Brushmen of the Bush exhibited in London, Rome, New York City and Los Angeles.
John was the recipient of the Order of Australia Medal in 2020 for service to the community as a regional radio broadcaster.
He passed away at his home in Murwillumbah on January 31, 2023 aged 91.
“The ethic of family broadcasting that John espoused will live long after him,” said Mr Boyd.
“We have adhered to that ethic at 4CRM, and we like to think that we broadcast wholesome family content, something for everyone.
“All I can say about John is he was the epitome of a gentleman.
“Just lovely, helpful, always keen, interested, ready to give advice on broadcasting or anything else, in fact.
“He had a huge experience in life and a joy for life, so it was a great privilege to have known John Pickup.”
Caption: John Pickup (right) was the guest of honour at 4CRM’s 25 year celebrations in 2018
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