I’ve had the pleasure of being one of Jane Rivers’ good friends for the past six years but she has been a treasured friend of so many here in Noosa for the
past 40-plus years.
Jane was born in Padstow Cornwall and travelled extensively with her family due to her Father’s work. When she married Tim they moved to Australia in the early 70’s and discovered Noosa was the place to settle and bring up their family.
Jane was a prominent member of Noosa Arts Theatre starting back in 1983.
She held the position of President for a couple of years and has been on the committee on and off for over 40 years. Jane was a brilliant character actress and performed in many plays, not only at Noosa Arts, but was also a partner of a successful theatre group called “Miranda’s Dressing Room” which toured with many theatre festivals across the Sunshine Coast.
Her talents didn’t stop there as she also directed many shows at Noosa. One of which was our own David Williamson’s Queensland Premiere of “Jack of Hearts” in 2017, “Pirates of Penzance” in 2024 and last year she came up with a fabulous radio play version of “The 39 Steps”.
Her Noosa journey began with the theatre when she was working with Cooloola Cruises on Noosa River and a colleague, Joan Cubis, who happened to be the the President of Noosa Arts Theatre at the time, suggested she come and take a look and then, that was it, she became hooked and, as she said, became “a theatre tragic”. She was a huge part of the theatre both on and back stage as she was always there helping out in all capacities.
One of her other volunteer jobs was with the Noosa Cub Scouts.
The year 2024 was very tough for Jane as she was battling cancer but being the powerhouse woman that she was, she held fast and appeared in Neil Simon’s “Rumours” in April co-ordinated the annual Shorts on Stage festival in August while also playing a part in one of the plays. Her energy was astounding.
Noosa Arts Theatre was Jane’s second home and a huge part of her life and her passing will leave a big hole in the theatre family. She leaves behind her husband Tim, daughter Lizzie and son-in-law Coz, son Daniel and three grandchildren, Avril, Kodie and Jesse.
There will be a Celebration of her life at Noosa Arts Theatre, 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville on Saturday 24th January from 2pm to 5pm and anyone who knew her will be most welcome.
