Abstract
Jessie Marian Robertson (1909-1976), radio broadcaster and community leader, was born on 1 July 1909 in West Perth, second of three children of Robert Robertson (d.1912), a journalist from Scotland, and his South Australian-born wife Agnes, née Keay, who became a senator. Educated at Thomas Street State and Perth Modern schools, Jess trained as a teacher of home science and set up (1931) Phoebe's School of Domestic Art. From the mid-1930s she was employed by W.A. Broadcasters Ltd as an announcer on Radio 6IX. She became known as 'Phoebe the early cook' to housewives and as 'Aunt Judy' to those who listened to her children's programme. She also conducted 'good housekeeping' parties for Metters Ltd, manufacturers of the 'Early Kooka' gas stove.