‘First lady of Australian television’ Dawn Kenyon dies aged 92

Australia’s “first lady of television” has sadly passed, following a long career as a pioneer of the small screen Down Under.

Renowned Australian children’s presenter Dawn Kenyon has died at the age of 92.

Kenyon, originally Dorothy Dingwell, was born in Toowoomba in 1932 and made her way onto the television scene in 1956, the same year TV was introduced in Australia.

She became the country’s first female host of a children’s show with her role on Captain Fortune and was later affectionately referred to as the “first lady of Australian television”.

Known affectionately as Miss Dawn, Kenyon captivated young audiences with her enthusiastic and engaging presentation. She hosted several early Australian children’s shows and became a household name with her stint on Channel Seven’s Romper Room in the late 1950s, years before the ABC’s Play School made its debut in 1966.

Renowned Australian children’s presenter Dawn Kenyon has died at the age of 92. Source: National Archives of Australia

She became a household name with her stint on Channel Seven’s Romper Room. Source: National Archives of Australia

Although she was a major hit on screen, Kenyon also made significant contributions behind the scenes as a producer and screenwriter.

In 1957, she married Fred Kenyon, a British television engineer. The couple would go on to have three children: Steven, Peter, and Anne.

Kenyon eventually chose to step away from her presenting career after her marriage, relocating to England when her husband accepted a job there. Despite her departure from Australian television, her legacy endured.

Many of Dawn’s friends in the media industry paid tribute to her as news broke of her passing.

“Dawn was always a shining light,’”Australian journalist Anita Jacoby said.

“She was so often the first to greet us, introduce us to new families, and lead us deeper into that magic of the Merry Makers,” 60 Minutes’ Jeff McMullen said.

Originally published as ‘First lady of Australian television’ Dawn Kenyon dies aged 92