Entertainment and sports community mourn legends—Australia says goodbye to two icons
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Losing a cultural icon is always difficult—but losing two in the same week strikes a deeper chord.
In vastly different arenas, two influential Australians passed away, leaving behind rich legacies that spanned decades.
The news has sparked a wave of tributes and reflection from those who knew and admired them.
Legendary Australian radio presenter Paris Pompor died on his 58th birthday.
The beloved broadcaster was widely known in Sydney’s music, arts and DJ scene.
His death was announced by 2SER on social media, where tributes from fans and fellow creatives poured in.
Pompor was the long-time host of Jumping the Gap, a program he presented from 2007 to 2022.
He was also the co-founder of Groovescooter, which evolved from a local venture into a nationally respected name in music, film and the arts.
Originally from Canberra, Pompor spent decades contributing to the cultural heartbeat of Sydney.
2SER aired a special tribute on Friday night, revisiting highlights from Pompor’s radio career.
‘Paris was a brilliant DJ, producer and radio presenter, whose incredible taste was only outshone by his obvious love of music, deep knowledge, incisive wit and infectious sense of humour,’ the station said in a statement.
‘Beyond the radio studio Paris, along with lifelong best friend Georgie ran the Groovescooter label, releasing records, distributing films, hosting in-conversations and so much more, and being an essential part of the cultural fabric of this city over the last 30 years.’
Sydney’s Eastside Radio 89.7FM also honoured Pompor’s legacy, praising his impact on community radio.
‘For two decades as the co-host of the Groovescooter show, he left an indelible mark on Eastside Radio and was the recipient of our highest volunteer award.’
Music writer Stuart Coupe expressed his shock at the news of Pompor’s passing.
‘A complete and total music fan, a beautiful human and always a joy to run into around the traps or at 2SER over the years,’ Coupe wrote in a tribute.
‘Watching him dancing around the studio while presenting a radio show always made my day just that little happier.’
Pompor’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
He is survived by his long-time partner Georgie Zuzak.
In another loss for Australian icons, the community also farewelled a beloved figure in sports.
Australian cricket has farewelled Bob Cowper, who died aged 84 over the weekend.
Cowper’s legendary triple-century during the Ashes remained one of the most iconic innings in the sport’s history.
The Victorian left-hander scored 2061 Test runs for Australia during his career, which spanned from 1964 to 1968.
His most unforgettable moment came in 1966, when he batted for 12 hours to score 307 at the MCG.
That knock marked the first time an Australian batter made a triple-century against England on home soil.
No other Australian matched the feat at home until Matthew Hayden smashed 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003.
Cowper was nicknamed ‘Wallaby’, a tribute to his father Dave Cowper, a former captain of the Wallabies.
Though he retired from Test cricket at just 28, he made a lasting impact beyond the pitch.
He quietly contributed to World Series Cricket, playing a role behind the scenes that helped transform the sport professionally.
He went on to thrive in the world of finance, becoming a multimillionaire based in Monaco through stockbroking and banking.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird paid tribute to Cowper following the news of his death.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper, who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket,’ Baird said.
‘Bob was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple-century at the MCG, as well as his strong influence in the Australian and Victorian teams of the 1960s.’
Baird continued: ‘He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles, including as an ICC match referee, and his wisdom was always keenly sought.’
‘On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and former teammates at this very sad time.’
Both Paris Pompor and Bob Cowper left lasting marks in their fields, inspiring generations through passion, talent and dedication.
Their contributions will not be forgotten, and their legacies will continue to echo across the communities they helped shape.
May they rest in peace.
In vastly different arenas, two influential Australians passed away, leaving behind rich legacies that spanned decades.
The news has sparked a wave of tributes and reflection from those who knew and admired them.
Legendary Australian radio presenter Paris Pompor died on his 58th birthday.
The beloved broadcaster was widely known in Sydney’s music, arts and DJ scene.
His death was announced by 2SER on social media, where tributes from fans and fellow creatives poured in.
Beloved radio host Paris Pompor dies. Image source: Facebook/Paris Pompor
Pompor was the long-time host of Jumping the Gap, a program he presented from 2007 to 2022.
He was also the co-founder of Groovescooter, which evolved from a local venture into a nationally respected name in music, film and the arts.
Originally from Canberra, Pompor spent decades contributing to the cultural heartbeat of Sydney.
2SER aired a special tribute on Friday night, revisiting highlights from Pompor’s radio career.
‘Paris was a brilliant DJ, producer and radio presenter, whose incredible taste was only outshone by his obvious love of music, deep knowledge, incisive wit and infectious sense of humour,’ the station said in a statement.
‘Beyond the radio studio Paris, along with lifelong best friend Georgie ran the Groovescooter label, releasing records, distributing films, hosting in-conversations and so much more, and being an essential part of the cultural fabric of this city over the last 30 years.’
Sydney’s Eastside Radio 89.7FM also honoured Pompor’s legacy, praising his impact on community radio.
‘For two decades as the co-host of the Groovescooter show, he left an indelible mark on Eastside Radio and was the recipient of our highest volunteer award.’
Music writer Stuart Coupe expressed his shock at the news of Pompor’s passing.
‘A complete and total music fan, a beautiful human and always a joy to run into around the traps or at 2SER over the years,’ Coupe wrote in a tribute.
‘Watching him dancing around the studio while presenting a radio show always made my day just that little happier.’
Pompor’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
He is survived by his long-time partner Georgie Zuzak.
In another loss for Australian icons, the community also farewelled a beloved figure in sports.
Australian cricket has farewelled Bob Cowper, who died aged 84 over the weekend.
Cowper’s legendary triple-century during the Ashes remained one of the most iconic innings in the sport’s history.
The Victorian left-hander scored 2061 Test runs for Australia during his career, which spanned from 1964 to 1968.
His most unforgettable moment came in 1966, when he batted for 12 hours to score 307 at the MCG.
That knock marked the first time an Australian batter made a triple-century against England on home soil.
No other Australian matched the feat at home until Matthew Hayden smashed 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003.
Cowper was nicknamed ‘Wallaby’, a tribute to his father Dave Cowper, a former captain of the Wallabies.
Though he retired from Test cricket at just 28, he made a lasting impact beyond the pitch.
He quietly contributed to World Series Cricket, playing a role behind the scenes that helped transform the sport professionally.
He went on to thrive in the world of finance, becoming a multimillionaire based in Monaco through stockbroking and banking.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird paid tribute to Cowper following the news of his death.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper, who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket,’ Baird said.
‘Bob was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple-century at the MCG, as well as his strong influence in the Australian and Victorian teams of the 1960s.’
Baird continued: ‘He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles, including as an ICC match referee, and his wisdom was always keenly sought.’
‘On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and former teammates at this very sad time.’
Both Paris Pompor and Bob Cowper left lasting marks in their fields, inspiring generations through passion, talent and dedication.
Their contributions will not be forgotten, and their legacies will continue to echo across the communities they helped shape.
May they rest in peace.
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Vale Paris 
