Jamie Dunn, the veteran radio personality and creator of the beloved puppet Agro, has died at the age of 76. Dunn, who was once Australia's longest-serving breakfast radio host, passed away on Saturday.
Dunn introduced Agro Vation, a sharp-witted puppet made from a bath mat, on the Seven Network children's program Wombat in the 1980s. He later hosted Agro's Cartoon Connection from 1990 to 1997. On radio, he co-hosted the top-rating Brisbane breakfast show on B105 for 16 years until 2005.
Fellow radio personalities remembered Dunn for his brash and unapologetic humour. His Cartoon Connection co-host Jill Ray-Black said, “You either loved him or hated him and sometimes both at the same time!!!!” Ranger Stacey, who worked with him on TV, described him as “brilliant, hilarious, sharp-witted, and above all a kind and loyal friend.”
Robin Bailey, who co-hosted with Dunn on B105, said he taught her the craft behind his “legendary” storytelling ability. “Jamie was a trailblazer for our industry. I am so grateful for having been in his orbit,” she said.
4BC radio presenter Gary Hardgrave paid tribute to his longtime friend, calling him a true entertainer who “had a lot of fun in his life” despite some challenges. Brisbane's mayor, Adrian Schrinner, noted that Dunn's quick wit brought joy to millions of children, including himself, growing up in the 1980s and 1990s.
In December, Dunn revealed he had been in talks with Channel 7 to bring back a one-hour special of Agro Up Late in 2026.
