A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR:

With great sadness, we have lost one of our own.

Station stalwart Ruth Hessey succumbed to her injuries in St Vincent’s Hospital this morning (Sat, April 1). As a pedestrian, she was involved in a serious traffic incident near her home in Bronte yesterday.

She had been a lively and infectious spirit and a dedicated volunteer and presenter at Eastside for the past decade. Amongst her many contributions, she was a videographer for our campaigns, presenter of Monday Drive and producer of Breaking Waves, our physical and neurodiversity program.

Eastside is liaising with her family and will keep you informed about arrangements for what will be a sizeable send-off. We are making plans for our own tributes and where to express your condolences, which we shall share soon.

In the meantime, while this news is shocking, we shall reflect and remember her singular character and many contributions with the good humour which was her trademark.

Our Managing Director Tony Smythe has expressed, “Ruth was a champion of the arts and a widely respected journalist for decades. She was a warrior for the environment and a dedicated voice for the physically and neurologically diverse.

Her kindness and compassion were matched by her professionalism and a strong sense of right and wrong. We have lost a dear friend and confidant and will miss her greatly.”

With many sympathies to all her many friends, colleagues and family.

Christopher Zinn

Eastside FM Chair