Born in the Netherlands in 1927, Martin Jonkers came to Australia in 1954.
In 1963 he purchased a rundown service station in Scarborough, which he turned into a Toyota franchise in 1966, despite being told that the Toyota brand was going nowhere.
An astute businessman, he successfully expanded the franchise to cover Caboolture in 1973 and the business prospered.
A strongly committed family man, he was also involved in the scouting movement in Redcliffe.
He joined Rotary in 1971 and was president of both Caboolture and Redcliffe branches during 44 years of service.
He was also a member of Probus and the Knights of the Southern Cross.
The Queensland Government presented him with an award for service to the migrant community and he received the Medal Of Orange Nassay from the Queen of the Netherlands.
Martin was awarded the Caboolture Citizen Of The Year in 2001.
Martin also received an Order of Australia Medal in 2010 for his efforts with Rotary, aged care and the Dutch community of Queensland.
Mr Jonkers led projects such as the installation of a chapel at Caboolture Hospital and the construction of the Prins Willem Alexander Village at Birkdale.
Martin Jonkers is listed on the wall of the Redcliffe Wall of Fame:
A collection of portrait and information honouring the achievements of individuals who have influenced and shaped Redcliffe. The collection is in the Jetty Arcade at 139-141 Redcliffe Parade.
For a complete list of people who appear on the wall click on the following blog post:
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