Award-winning cartoonist Jon Kudelka has been farewelled at a funeral in South Hobart, with family, friends, politicians and fellow media figures gathering to pay tribute to the man who “could draw wind”.
Kudelka, 53, died at his South Hobart home on February 8 after a two-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The funeral drew politicians, journalists and cartoonists who celebrated a prolific talent whose razor-sharp wit defined Australian political commentary for three decades.
Online tributes from school friends and admirers poured in, with one describing him as “the man who could draw wind” and another saying “You were an inspiration: at school; on the hockey field; and through your wonderful cartoons – speaking truth to power by poking fun at it”.
Friend James Jeffrey, current speechwriter for Anthony Albanese and book illustrator Tom Jellett were among those honouring Kudelka’s legacy at the funeral.
Kudelka began his career at the Hobart Mercury in 1993 before spending 20 years drawing cartoons for The Australian and later working for The Saturday Paper.
He earned two Walkley Awards and he was twice named the Museum of Australian Democracy’s Cartoonist of the Year.
Kudelka is survived by his wife, teenage children Kay and Oskar, and sister Liesl.
The family has requested donations to The Bob Brown Foundation, Canteen Australia or The Menzies Institute for Medical Research.
