A mural honouring late Brisbane entertainer Jamie Dunn appeared overnight at Paddington Skate Park, drawing locals to the site on Wednesday, 11 March. One of the skate park’s concrete walls had been transformed into a black-and-white portrait of Dunn alongside his famous puppet Agro, created overnight following news of his death on the weekend.
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The mural, the work of well-known Brisbane street artist Drapl, drew a steady stream of locals through the morning. Images of the artwork spread quickly across social media following news of Dunn’s death.
The man behind the microphone
Long before Agro became a household name, Dunn was cutting his teeth in the Brisbane music scene of the 1970s. He worked as a drummer and singer-songwriter, performing with local band Hands Down, building the improvisational skills and timing that have been credited as foundational to his later media career.
His path into TV was, by his own account, something of a fluke. In 1982, following a dispute between the original creator of the Agro character and the Seven Network, Dunn recorded a song demo that included a vocal impression of the puppet. The network hired him on a Friday, and he debuted the following Saturday morning after a marathon night of practice.
What followed was three decades at the heart of Australian children’s entertainment. Agro’s Cartoon Connection became a morning ritual for a generation of kids, racking up seven Logie Awards and turning the wisecracking puppet into one of the country’s most recognisable characters. Dunn’s quick wit and cheeky humour were widely credited with driving the show’s success. He also built a long and popular radio career that kept him connected to Queensland audiences.
A platform used for good
Beyond his entertainment career, Dunn was known for his community work.
Through his “Agro to the Rescue” segment on B105, he provided direct financial resources and support to Queensland families and individuals facing hardship. He served as a patron of the Shandar Smith Foundation, which supports children with cancer, and was a regular participant in annual appeals for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. He also took part in the ‘K’s for Kids’ charity walks and served as an ambassador for Wildlife Warriors.
Brisbane says goodbye
Dunn’s death prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry and the wider community.
Cr Adrian Schrinner described Dunn as a brilliant media personality whose quick wit and comic timing turned a puppet into a cultural icon that entertained a generation.
“For so many Queensland kids like me growing up in the 80s and 90s, Agro’s Cartoon Connection was a daily dose of chaos, laughter and cheeky humour,” said Cr Schrinner.
“Jamie was a proud Brisbane talent who brought joy to millions of homes across the country. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the many fans who grew up with Jamie and his iconic sense of humour.”
The connection to Paddington ran closer to home than many may have realised. Former official for Paddington Ward Clare Jenkinson revealed on Instagram that Drapl is her nephew, and shared her own childhood memories of attending the Agro’s Cartoon Connection studio audience at Channel 7 as a child of around eight, where she was given the small job of handing out chips and drinks and answering the phone.
Ann-Maree Biggar, one of Agro’s earliest co-hosts, was visibly emotional in paying tribute, expressing her gratitude for having known and worked alongside him.
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At Paddington Skate Park, Drapl — real name Travis Vinson — said he felt moved to create something he knew people would appreciate, having grown up watching Dunn on television and following his radio career for years. Brisbane confirmed the work was painted on a designated legal wall, meaning it will remain in place unless another artist eventually paints over it.
Jamie Dunn passed away at his family home north of Brisbane, aged 76.
Published 12-March-2026
