Jim Service

Deputy Chancellor Tom Calma, honorary doctorate awardee Jim Service and Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker. Photo: Michelle McAulay

Mr Jim Service is one of Australia's most respected businessmen with an enduring career spanning over 45 years.

Jim has played a key role in the Canberra community through his business, voluntary, and philanthropic activities. His dedication to the Canberra community can be seen in his support of a broad range of institutions and events through membership or patronage.

For thirteen years from 1995 to 2008, Jim served as the Chairman of ActewAGL, Canberra's largest corporation, and oversaw the formation of the company known today, when the then Australian Gas Light Company (AGL), and ACTEW Corporation, an ACT Government owned enterprise, entered into Australia's first utility joint venture in 2000.

In 1981, Jim founded JG Service proprietary limited, an international consultancy practice, based in Canberra, specialising in all areas of property management and development. The company, of which he is still Executive Chairman, now employs around 100 staff in Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout his career, Jim has served as a Chairman or Director of over 30 companies and organisations, including: Chairman of the National Museum of Australia; National President of the Property Council of Australia; Chairman of the National Building and Construction Committee; Deputy Chairman of the Australian Building Codes Board; Director of the Capital Airport Group Pty Ltd; and Director of the Australian Foundation for Science.

Jim has also served as the long term Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, and also serves as Chair on the UC Campus Development Board.

Jim has been a mentor to many, and has often worked in a voluntary capacity with governments and community organisations, and has given his time freely to many charities.

In 1990, Jim was honoured with as a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community, followed in 2004 as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to business and to the community, particularly through his support for arts, cultural and charitable organisations. He has been awarded the Centenary Medal for service to developing Australia's construction industry, and in 2001 was named as Canberran Citizen of the Year for his contribution to business and charity organisations.

It is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Canberra community that Mr Jim Service is being awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Canberra.