Graham Jackson (businessman)

Graham Robert Jackson OAM (born 1931 or 1932) is an Australian retired businessman.

Graham Jackson

OAM
Born1931 or 1932 (age 91–92)[1]
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia[2]
Alma materJames Cook University (DCom (h.c), 2021)
Occupationgemologist (retired)
Known forAn extensive career in the jewellery industry
AwardsQueensland Great (2011)

Best known for his extensive career as a jeweller, Jackson was the foundation chairman and managing director of Australian buying group Showcase Jewellers.[2][3][4]

Life and career

Jackson was born in Brisbane.[2]

After time in Toowoomba where he had a Holden car sub-dealership, Jackson briefly managed his father-in-law's jewellery business in Murwillumbah.[2]

After considering opening his own jewellery business in Brisbane, Jackson decided against it and instead went to Townsville in 1957 to become general manager of Vaculug North Queensland, which specialised in maintaining the tyres of large earth moving equipment.[2]

After qualifying as a gemologist, Jackson finally established his own local jewellery shop called Loloma in Townsville's Flinders Street in 1959 which ultimately grew to a franchise of seven stores throughout North Queensland before he became the foundation chairman and managing director of buying group Showcase Jewellers.[2]

He has also served as president of Townsville Enterprise Ltd as well as director and deputy chairman of the Queensland Small Business Development Corporation.[5][6]

Jackson has been a supporter of many charitable organisations including the Salvation Army.[7] Jackson is credited with helping the charity secure land for a local drug and alcohol treatment centre.[7]

Jackson retired at the age of 88 in 2020.[1]

Honours

In the 2002 Queen's Birthday Honours, Jackson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognistion of his service to the city of Townsville through his work with social welfare, service and health organisations as well as his contribution to local sport.[8]

Jackson was named as a Queensland Great in 2011.[5][9]

In 2021, James Cook University bestowed Jackson with an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree.[10]

References
  1. Elder, Keagan (30 June 2020). "Loloma Jewellers to close as owner Graham Jackson retires, 88". Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  2. Rowbotham, Jill (15 August 1994). "Townsville wins a gem of a stayer". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  3. "Townsville owes debt to jeweller". Townsville Bulletin. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  4. Davis, Kylie (February 2014). "The Men We Love: Graham Jackson". DUO magazine. p. 1. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  5. "2011 recipients: Graham Jackson OAM". Queensland Greats Awards. Queensland Government. 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  6. "Plante takes helm at Townsville Enterprise". ABC News. 26 July 2008. Retrieved 24 June 2023. Mr Plante replaces Graham Jackson, who has retired after seven years as the chairman.
  7. Raggatt, Tony (29 May 2021). "How Graham Jackson's call led to approval of Salvo's alcohol centre". Townsvile Bulletin. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  8. "Award: 1040758". Australian Honours Search Facility. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 10 June 2002. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  9. Kidd, Rob (10 June 2011). "Our greats come from many walks of life". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  10. "Honorary Degree and Fellowship Holders: Honorary Doctorates". JCU Alumni. James Cook University. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
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