The twinkling eyes and mellifluous voice of Caroline Jones belied the grief and loss underpinning what she called “a gift” that made her an attentive listener who connected profoundly with people experiencing hardship. It was a gift she generously shared with the Australian public over more than 50 years as a journalist, broadcaster, storyteller and mentor.
Jones, who died last week aged 84 after a fall at her Sydney home, paved the way for women in the media. Her own groundbreaking work in the industry encouraged others to confidently follow, and her role as a fierce advocate for young female regional journalists nurtured careers and lifelong friendships. “There’s a special place in heaven for women who help other women” was her motto, and the roadmap by which she lived her life.
