Community & Business
10 November, 2026
Lifetime of commitment to the region
THE Tablelands has lost a man who gave a lifetime of commitment to veterans, military history, fundraising, charitable voluntary services, and agriculture research and development.
John Hardy OAM
1949-2026
John Hardy OAM passed away on 2 November, aged 77, but his presence in the region will not be forgotten.
John was born and raised near Innisfail and graduated with a Diploma in Agriculture from the Agricultural College in1966. He joined the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in 1967 as a Cadet Technician at the Biloela Research Station before spending a year at the Walkamin Research Station where he was involved in research on improving irrigation and cropping practices for different soil types relevant to the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation area.
His next posting was to the Kairi Research Station where, from 1968 to 1990, he progressed to become an Agronomy Experimentalist in a wide range of research projects on crops and cropping practices before being appointed as manager of the Southedge Research Station.
He continued in this role until 1997 when he became manager of Walkamin Research Station until he retired in 2012 after 45 years of service with the Queensland DPI.
John achieved a notable milestone in his career in 2017 when he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to veterans and their families. The award recognised John’s extensive involvement in several organisations connected with veterans including the Rocky Creek War Memorial Park and the Afghanistan Avenue of Honour.
John believed passionately in preserving the history of the armed services and those who served, especially those who gave their lives.
As a National Serviceman himself, John was a leading veteran advocate and was the Tableland Branch president of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia. His historic war tours allowed him to pass on knowledge of the role the region played in World War II to hundreds of visitors each year.
Following news of his sudden death last week, John was lauded by former colleagues at DPI and numerous organisations posted on social media to honour his involvement with them.
“He was a true gentleman at all times and always happy to provide advice or help out with a problem,” DPI Senior Principal Horticulturist Geoff Dickinson said.
“He has contributed so much to the Mareeba and Tablelands communities through both his professional and personal life.”
Walkamin Research Facility manager Brett McCahon said: “John was a true advocate of the Department of Primary Industries with a proud history that he was happy to share with everyone.
“He was a true gentlemen, like another father to me and grandfather to my children and so invested in everything he was involved in. For those who had the privilege to know John, please reflect on his life and contribution to DPI and the community today as he will be sorely missed.”
The Afghanistan Avenue of Honour Association posted on its FB page that it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our committee member and friend, John Hardy OAM.
“John was a part of the Avenue of Honour Association from the beginning and was a valued and respected member, not just by our association, but by the many committees and groups he was a part of. John will be missed by us all.”
Rotary Mareeba posted that it was “with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Paul Harris Fellow John Hardy OAM, a man who gave so generously of his time and worked tirelessly to help others and the community.
“A true friend of Rotary, John’s efforts have made a lasting difference. We are forever grateful for his dedication, kindness, leadership and willingness to lend a hand at every event and project.”
The Tolga Historical Society said John was a highly valued member of the organisation, “generously contributing his time, knowledge and expertise over many years.
“His passion for preserving our region’s history, particularly its military and agricultural heritage, was invaluable.
“Among his many contributions to Tolga Museum was the Vietnam War and National Servicemen’s Display, along with his extensive involvement in historical research, grant applications and documenting the region’s history.
“John and his partner, Terry, also generously dedicated their time and knowledge to conducting World War II historical tours, sharing fascinating stories and insights into our region’s wartime history. In a further act of generosity, they donated money raised through these tours back to the Museum.
“John’s dedication to preserving and sharing our local history has left a lasting legacy, and his knowledge, generosity and contributions will be greatly missed.”
John Hardy’s funeral service will be held at Guilfoyle’s Mountain View Chapel on Nasser Road, Atherton, from 1pm on Thursday.
