Golden Oldie David Jackson OAM

David Jackson OAM doesn’t just report the news—he lives it, and for more than half a century, he has been at the heart of Home Hill, capturing its stories, shaping its history, and championing its people.

Born into a family of local news pioneers, David’s roots in journalism were almost predetermined. His grandfather founded the Home Hill Observer in 1923, his father carried it through wartime, and David, alongside his brother, took the reins in 1974. “Even when Dad was in Changi, the paper didn’t miss an edition,” he recalls. “That’s the kind of commitment that shaped us.”

David’s early life was hands-on, steeped in the craft of print. He learned hot metal printing, set type by hand, and mastered heavy commercial presses. “It was a dirty, tough job, but you gained pride in what you produced,” he says. By 14, he was attending council meetings, taking notes, and reporting local governance—a training ground that would serve him for decades.

As the industry evolved, so did David. Computers replaced hot metal, photos became central to storytelling, and regional journalism shifted under the pressures of modern media. Yet through it all, he adapted while keeping the community at the centre of every story. “You get involved in the community, and the people become part of your story,” he says.

That community influence, though, has spanned well beyond journalism. Having chaired the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, spent 42 years in Rotary, and held leadership roles across numerous local organisations, David has become a bedrock of the local community--officially recognised in 2007, when he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal. “It was never something I chased—it was about being part of the town. The award was a bonus,” he says, crediting his wife, Desley, for decades of unwavering support.

David remains at the forefront of local reporting through the Home Hill News, connecting readers well beyond the Burdekin. “People in Brisbane, Canberra, even overseas still want to read about Home Hill,” he says. “It’s their connection to the town, to its stories and heritage.”

Over decades of chronicling the region, David has become part of the story himself—a cornerstone of local journalism and a symbol of what it means to actively support your community, and as he continues to capture the events and moments that define our town, his work stands as a lasting record of its people, its history, and its spirit.

‍