Ian Jones (seen at right of Club President Themba Bulle) was born in Burnie and attended the local State School and High School (during which he was named Junior Citizen of the Year in 1970). He then moved to Hobart and found work in an office equipment firm, before moving to Sydney and a job with NCR (National Cash Register).

The world beckoned and Ian went to Hong Kong, where he was offered a job in Shenzhen designated in 1980 as the first Special Economic Zone in China. Ian’s job involved managing a hotel and restaurant.

He returned to Tasmania and was introduced to the Burnie Chamber of Commerce ten years ago by a former Burnie Rotarian, John Packham. Ian is now President of the Chamber. This position has put him in close contact with politicians of every stripe, as well as with the Burnie City Council. That the seat of Braddon in the Fed. Parliament is currently held by a Liberal member, he said, has been a great help to our community.

Ian can be found working in the RSL. “My father fought on the Kokoda Track and became a Life Member of the RSL, but – while I am not a member, I spend every Monday, Wednesday, Friday here plus many Saturdays and Sundays!         

“The Citizen of the Year Award gave me a nice feeling – I think it is in my blood – but I am only one person: where are the other volunteers from among the younger generations?” Ian said we must sell the concept of volunteering to those generations.

 Ian is encouraged that funding of over $2 million has been obtained to take health services to veterans living in the North West, instead of sitting back and waiting for veterans to ask for help.