Jan Power, a beloved cook, media personality, journalist, and entrepreneur from Brisbane, recently passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 30, 2024, at 85.
Jan Power’s family announced the demise on her official Instagram, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, on September 1, 2024, with a heartfelt message honoring her life and legacy.
The message stated that Jan Power was renowned for her passion for fresh produce, commitment to supporting local farmers, transforming the city’s food scene, and deep love of The Arts.
Moreover, the message continued, “Brisbane has lost a true pioneer, but her spirit will live on in the markets she founded 30 years ago, which continue to run in her name.”
In response to the announcement of her demise, many of her followers and loved ones expressed their sorrow and condolences to her family. People also appreciate her contribution to the food market, stating that what she did for the Brisbane farmers’ market is phenomenal.
Jan Power launched The Jan Powers Farmer Market in 2000
Follwing her passion for fresh produce and long-standing commitment to supporting farmers and their livelihood, Jan Power founded her farmer market in 2000 at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Likewise, with her powerful market concept, Jan Power helped change the Brisbane market with a food revolution, providing residents with greater choices, introducing them to farmers and producers, and educating them on mindful and sustainable shopping.
For years, Jan Power actively ran the Jan Powers Farmers Market before withdrawing her position and giving it to her daughter, Sammy Power, until 2019. The family-run business is still operated by her other daughter, Astrid Gates, and her granddaughters, Emily, Olivia, and India Gates.
The Jan Power’s Farmers opens every Saturday at Brisbane Powerhouse, every first and third Saturday at Manly Harbour, and every first Sunday of the month at Blackwood St, Mitchelton, from 6 a.m. to 12 noon.
Similarly, Jan Power also contributed her knowledge and skills to the media industry. She was a radio food segment presenter and TV presenter of restaurant and food stories on ABC and Channels 7,8 and 10.
She was also a food column writer and editor for numerous publications, including The Courier-Mail and Gourmet Traveller.
Additional Information
- Jan Power was born in Glen Innes in 1939 and grew up on a farm in Stanthorpe. She trained as a nurse and qualified cook in Cordon Bleu in London.
- Her great-grandfather, T C Beirne, was a renowned businessman, politician, and philanthropist who ran market stalls in Fortitude Valley in the early 1900s.
- Jan was the Queensland Performing Arts Trust’s Deputy Chairman and Brisbane City Council’s Arts and Festival Board member. She was also the city’s first cultural ambassador.
