‘Bronco through and through’: Board legend, Sunshine Coast community leader Don Jackson dies

Broncos board legend and beer industry icon Don Jackson, renowned for his contributions to the Brisbane Broncos and the Australian beer wars of the 1980s and ’90s, has died.

Brisbane is mourning the loss of Don Jackson, a pivotal figure in the city’s sports and business sectors.

Jackson, who died overnight on Sunday, was deeply entrenched in Brisbane’s history, particularly known for his contributions to the Brisbane Broncos and the Australian beer wars of the late 1980s.

Brisbane Broncos chairman Karl Morris said: “It’s with great sadness that the Brisbane Broncos family today learned of the passing of Don Jackson.

“Don was a great club person and was highly regarded and much loved by players and staff alike during his extended time as a board director.

“Don was a Bronco through and through, and everyone at the club extends our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Don Jackson (right) with then-Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen. Picture: Nick Falconer

Jackson’s dedication to the Brisbane Broncos was recognised early when he became the first non-player or non-director to receive life membership in 2001, before joining the club’s board of directors in November of the same year.

His tenure on the board lasted nearly a decade until his retirement in December 2010.

Beyond his contributions to the Broncos, Jackson had a significant impact on Brisbane’s business community.

He spent nearly 25 years in the liquor industry, holding notable positions with Penfolds, Power Brewing, and Castlemaine Fourex.

In 1994, he joined XXXX as a trade relations manager, playing a crucial role in the brand’s success during highly competitive Queensland beer market battles of the 1980s and ’90s.

He also held a board position at the Brisbane Markets, and was the chairman and managing director of DBCT Holdings, overseeing the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal near Mackay.

Stuart Kendrick, Lex Gilvear, Don Jackson and Damian Browne at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. Picture: Facebook

Even in retirement, Jackson continued to serve the community.

After retiring to the Sunshine Coast in 2010, he underwent quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery but remained active.

He chaired the Sunshine Coast Turf Club and held board positions with the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service.

At the time of his retirement from the Broncos’ board in 2010, then-chairman Darryl Somerville paid tribute to Jackson’s extensive contributions.

“Don has been a wonderful contributor to this club in many roles, including the past nine years as a member of the Broncos board,” he said.

“His knowledge of the history of the club, together with his undoubted expertise in marketing and his enthusiasm for developing close sponsor relationships, has proved invaluable around the board table.

“We are indebted to him for his wonderful contribution over an extended period.”