Jack Thomson

Jack Thomson (1915 – 1991) was the longest serving Town Clerk of City of Doncaster & Templestowe, Victoria, Australia, now known as the City of Manningham.

Jack (born John William Thomson) originally commenced his public service role at the Northcote City Council in 1933 and continued there until World War 2 when he served in the RAAF Royal Australian Air Force in New Guinea and Borneo as part of the Borneo campaign (1945). .

Upon his return from war duties he joined the Doncaster and Templestowe Council as the assistant Shire Secretary. The following year he became the Shire Secretary. In this role he contributed more then most and was the longest serving Town Clerk for the area. Originally the population of the Shire was just 6,000 in 1948 growing rapidly to become a City with Jack Thomson role being renamed from Shire Secretary to Town Clerk in 1967. In 1972 the population had grown to 65,000 and close to a 100,000 upon his retirement of 40 odd years of service. He was the longest serving Town Clerk for the City and contributed most due the City’s rapid rate of growth. Being a primary driver for many developments during this time, such as the Swimming Pool Center to the new council offices in the 70s.

In 1994 City of Doncaster & Templestowe was changed to the City of Manningham.

He had many community roles and donated his time, such as providing backup service to the Fire Brigade, revegetation of many area effected by bushfire. He was President of the Doncaster Lions Club International and the Doncaster R.S.L Returned and Services League of Australia. He was well represented by his peers becoming the President of the Melbourne Metropolitan Institute of Town Clerks. A Fellow of the Institute of Municipal Administration.

He originally lived in Churchill St, Doncaster East and then later moved to Leura Street to be closer to work.

Jack passed away on 1991.