Vale Jon Kudelka
February 10, 2026
We are deeply saddened to mark the passing of Copyright Agency member, Jon Kudelka. The award-winning Tasmanian cartoonist left a lasting mark on Australian journalism and culture.
Jon’s sharp wit, artistic mastery and thoughtful commentary appeared in publications such as The Australian, The Saturday Paper and The Hobart Mercury over more than three decades, earning him widespread admiration, as well as a slew of awards including two Walkley Awards, a Stanley Award and the Vince O’Farrell Award for Outstanding Cartoon at the Kennedy Awards. He has been the Museum of Australian Democracy’s Cartoonist of the Year twice.
Jon had an extraordinary gift: he knew how to generate a reflexive response, but gently – cutting through complexity with clarity, insight and humour, engaging audiences without ever diminishing their intelligence.
Beyond his celebrated cartoons, Jon was a generous colleague, devoted to his family, and committed to bringing joy, perspective and humanity to his craft. His presence, his art, and the laughter and thought he inspired will remain with us.
Our heartfelt sympathies are with Jon’s family, friends and colleagues.