Di Gribble
Diana Gribble | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Melbourne, Australia |
| Died | October 4, 2011 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Editor, publisher, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Co-founder of McPhee Gribble, Text Media Group, and Private Media |
Diana Mary Gribble (13 April 1942 – 4 October 2011) was a prominent Australian editor, publisher, and entrepreneur. Recognized as a feminist, she played a significant role in shaping Australia's publishing industry and cultural landscape between 1975 and 2010.
Biography
Gribble was born in Melbourne to Sir Archibald Glenn and Betty Balderstone. She attended Fintona Girls' School before enrolling in architecture studies at the University of Melbourne, where she became acquainted with Hilary McPhee.
Together with McPhee, Gribble launched the influential Australian publishing firm McPhee Gribble in 1975. This company was instrumental in introducing writers such as Helen Garner, Tim Winton, Murray Bail, Kathy Lette, and Gabrielle Carey to the literary world. In 1989, the firm was acquired by Penguin Books.
In 1990, Gribble collaborated with Eric Beecher to create Text Media Group, which attracted notable authors including Peter Singer, Tim Flannery, and Robert Manne. The group became part of Fairfax Media in 2004.
Gribble and Beecher also co-founded Private Media in 2005, through which they took ownership of the digital news platform Crikey along with other online ventures.
Her leadership extended to several organizations; she served on the boards of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation—where she was deputy chair—the Australia Council, Lonely Planet, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Austrade, Circus Oz, and Care Australia. Additionally, Gribble was a founding member of the Women's Electoral Lobby and participated actively in the Essendon Football Club's Women's Network.
She passed away at age 69 in October 2011 due to pancreatic cancer.
Honours and recognition
In recognition of her contributions, Gribble was named a Member of the Order of Australia during the 1993 Australia Day Honours. She was also honored by being inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2001.