It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Townsville Enterprise founding father and Life Member, Graham Jackson OAM.
Mr Jackson proudly held the position of Townsville Enterprise Chairman, as the company’s longest serving, for over seven years from 1999– 2006.
Arriving in Townsville from Brisbane in 1957, Graham – an accountant at the time – moved into insurance sales, car dealership partnership and onto a variety of management roles before opening the successful Loloma Jewellers business in 1959.
With the business flourishing and quickly expanding, Graham’s passion and dedication to see the city of Townsville succeed saw Graham, alongside the then Mayor Tony Mooney and other city leaders create the organisation – Townsville Enterprise – taking the helm as founding Director in 1991-1993, before becoming Chairman in 1999.
During his time leading Townsville Enterprise, Graham took focus on driving prosperity and liveability for the region – attracting world-class zinc manufacturing with Sun Metals, securing major events such as Supercars and Professional Bull Riding, and cleverly marketing the city and region to ensure its everlasting success.
Townsville Enterprise Chairman Kevin Gill recognises the immense contribution and foresight shown by Graham in his tenure as Chairman, and beyond.
“Graham as a founding Director of Townsville Enterprise has been part of several game-changing outcomes for this city, but what I want to particularly acknowledge is the legacy Graham has left us all – a legacy that has helped to create a city that is aspirational, never accepts second best and is proud and excited about its future,” Mr Gill said.
“Beyond the legacy which has influenced the modern Townsville that over 200,000 of us now enjoy, the culture and sense of community Graham inspired has also meant that we as a city are united with a joint purpose, where business stands shoulder-to-shoulder with community leaders – and this is something we as Townsville Enterprise strive to embody to this day.”
“Graham truly understood people; after a yarn with Graham, you always came away feeling better about yourself and the future of the city – a true mentor having guided countless leaders in our city.”
“On behalf of the Townsville Enterprise Board of Directors, members, stakeholders and staff, I express my deep gratitude for one of Townsville’s finest leaders, most devoted businessman, and an overall good bloke.”
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Betty, to their children and extended family.”
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