Graham Jackson’s Legacy Honoured in Renaming of Young Achiever Award

Graham Jackson’s Legacy Honoured in Renaming of Young Achiever Award

Townsville Enterprise and guests came together for the official commemoration of the Graham Jackson Young Achiever Award as part of the upcoming 2025 North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards.

In recognition of Graham Jackson’s lifetime of dedication and impact as a founding father of Townsville Enterprise, the organisation is officially renaming its Young Achiever Award in his honour. The renaming reflects Mr Jackson’s unwavering commitment to mentoring young leaders and supporting the growth of North Queensland’s tourism and business sectors.

Held by Townsville Enterprise, the official commemoration of this award included:

  • Townsville Enterprise Chairman, Kevin Gill
  • Townsville Enterprise Director Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe
  • Graham Jackson’s daughters Holly Jackson and Margot Morrison and family

Townsville Enterprise Chairman, Kevin Gill said, “It is an honour to commemorate an individual award category after Graham and the legacy he left the Townsville community.”

“Graham had an extraordinary gift for mentoring young people across our region. He believed deeply in the potential of this City and gave his time generously to guide, encourage, and inspire. His legacy reminds us that the most lasting impact we can have is right here in our own communities - by investing in others and leaving something meaningful behind.”

Mr Jackon’s daughter Holly said, “Our dad always had a way of seeing the best in people, especially young people. He gave his time to help people in the community work together to strengthen and develop the city he deeply adored. It means the world to our family to see his legacy live on in the community he loved so much.”

The Graham Jackson Young Achiever Award recognises individuals under 35 years old who have made outstanding contributions - personally, professionally, or academically - to the local tourism and events industry. Nominees must demonstrate service that goes beyond their employment or studies and show evidence of the legacy they are building within Townsville North Queensland’s tourism landscape.

The North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards feature 18 award categories, celebrating excellence across the region’s tourism industry. Now in its ninth year, the Awards continue to grow in significance and impact.

Townsville Enterprise Director Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said, “Graham was very fond of these awards because they shine a light on the people and businesses that contribute so much to our region.”

“To have an award named after him, recognising a young leader in our community, is truly an honour. This year, we also celebrate reaching a historic $1.2 billion in visitor spend - evidence of our region’s strength and future potential, something Graham would be immensely proud of.”

For more information about the North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards visit: townsvilleenterprise.com.au/tourism/north-queensland-tourism-and-events-awards/