Helensburgh & District
HERALD www.helensburghdistrictherald.com.au
Volume 2 #1
FEBRUARY 2012
editor@helensburghdistrictherald.com.au
Rex Frederick Jackson 1928 – 2011 On New Year’s Eve 2011, one of Helensburgh’s best known public figures, Rex Jackson, passed away at his home aged 83. In 1955 Rex was the youngest person to be elected into the NSW Legislative Assembly, and his work in public office continued for over 30 years. Rex made a huge contribution to the local area both before and after his very public indiscretions. In 1983, while Minister for Corrective Services (and Minister for Roads) allegations were made that he had accepted payment in return for granting early release to certain prisoners. A Commission of Inquiry was established in 1984 which eventually led to his conviction and imprisonment. He served 3 years of a 10 year sentence, yet he was fondly welcomed home to Helensburgh upon his release. Some local boys cleaned his car for his arrival and erected a banner which read “welcome home Rex”. To many local residents, the positive impact he made on the area overshadowed his weakness for gambling and demise from politics. He is credited with establishing far more than the sporting fields
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which bear his name. At his funeral service there was much talk of things he had accomplished. From organising a tarred road for the Darkes Forest community, securing funding for a sewerage network for Helensburgh, to introducing electrified train services to the area and getting the community centre and community preschool built in Helensburgh. Rex became known for ‘getting things done’. The funeral service was led by Helensburgh’s Rev. Steve Carlisle at Woronora Crematorium on January 9. A photo collage of his life was played for the crowded chapel which was fittingly accompanied by the song “I did it my way” by Frank Sinatra. In 2010, Rex gave a recount of his life’s story to friend Jill Jones, who organised the information into a timeline. In the interview there was no mention of his time in prison or how he came to be there, those secrets were reserved for very few. He concluded the interview by saying “I appreciate the support of the Helensburgh residents over the years”. More on Page 4
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