Vale Jan Deane

“At the end of 2022, we reached out to the community, inviting readers to become writers,” Mrs Anderson said.

“Jan was one of the first to approach us with the idea of writing book reviews.

“Having a reporter of her calibre, who had shared the stories of our community through television and radio, become part of the Shepparton News was a wonderful prospect.”

For Jan, it was an opportunity to expand her already extensive reporting repertoire and explore writing for both print and an online platform.

“I remember we were both excited about this opportunity,” Mrs Anderson said.

“She was looking for a way to stay involved in media during her retirement and to take on a small, casual role.”

Her column was titled Books and More and was published between December 2022 and August, 2023.

“What I’ll remember most about Jan is her passion for Shepparton and her deep love for words,” Mrs Anderson said.

“On behalf of Shepparton News, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Jan’s family and friends.”

Jan also had a passionate love for the theatre — and the Shepparton Theatre Arts Group joined in the chorus of tributes to the iconic voice and personality of the region.

“Jan's presence on stage was nothing short of captivating, and she became one of STAG's most recognisable and cherished performers over the years,” STAG secretary Nicky Pummeroy said.

“Jan's passion for theatre was evident in every role she undertook, whether she was delivering a powerful dramatic performance or bringing laughter and joy through her comedic talents. Her dedication to the arts extended beyond her own performances, as she was always there to mentor and support fellow actors.

“Jan’s impressive array of roles included playing the Woman in Duchess on Thursday, a performance that earned her a Georgy Award, and Thelma in The Haunted Through Lounge and Recessed Dining Nook at Farndale Castle. She portrayed the iconic Mme. Thénardier in Les Misérables for both STAG and Bendigo Community Theatre, and captivated audiences in Naughty Marietta with Turaton, another role that garnered her a Georgy Award. In STAG's 1979 production of The Sound of Music, Jan took on the role of Maria, and in 2013, she returned to the beloved musical to play Mother Abbess in Albury Wodonga Theatre Company’s production.

“Jan's exceptional talent was also recognised with Georgy Awards for her portrayal of Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar. Among her most notable credits were Jack's Mother in Into the Woods and Svetlana Sergievsky in Chess, both of which earned her Victorian Music Theatre Guild Awards. Additionally, she was part of the band for STAG’s 1992 production of Little Shop of Horrors. Her last performance with STAG was enchanting us all over again as a performer in 2014’s inaugural season of A Month of Sundays.

“Jan’s versatility and dedication to her craft made her a standout performer, and her contributions to the theatre community will be remembered with great admiration.

“Jan Deane's impact on STAG and the wider Shepparton community is immeasurable, and she will be profoundly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends during this time, and we honour Jan's memory by continuing to uphold the passion for theatre that she so beautifully exemplified.

“Thank you, Jan, for the laughter, the tears, and the countless performances that touched our souls. Your star will forever shine bright in the STAG family.”

Further tributes for Jan poured across social media, including from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

“You may not know her name, but so many of us in regional Victoria would instantly recognise the voice of Jan Deane,” Ms Allan said.

“Jan was an incredible journalist — a Shepparton girl who I first met when she was reading the news for Bendigo’s own 3BO.

“She clocked up an impressive 20 years at the ABC, leaving the Melbourne newsroom to tell the stories of her own community in Shepparton.

“Jan was passionate about regional Victoria and the issues that matter to regional Victorians.

“My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues.

“Thank you Jan, for being such a strong voice for country communities.”