Renowned businessman and philanthropist Stefan Ackerie AM will today become the 58th recipient of the Keys to the City.
Stefan’s outstanding contribution to Brisbane over the past 60 years will be celebrated at a special Civic Reception.
The Keys to the City represent the highest honour a city can bestow on an individual or an organisation, with just 57 recipients in Brisbane’s 100-year history.
Stefan’s incredible contribution to Brisbane’s business community and charitable sector will see him become the 58th recipient to receive the Keys to the City in Brisbane.
After opening his first Stefan Hair Fashions store in 1966, he went on to build the longest-running hairdressing company in Australia.
His 37 Queensland salons have employed approximately 500 staff and provided more apprenticeships than any other private employer in the sector.
Other achievements include:
- Opening the iconic Jo-Jo’s Restaurant
- Keeping the Sky Needle in Brisbane after Expo 88
- The relocation of the giant tennis racquet from the old Milton tennis centre to Frew Park
- Founding the Stefan’s MASKS Foundation to “Make A Sick Kid Smile”
Stefan has also been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2000 and the first Lord Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement award at the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.
Other recipients of Keys to the City include The Bee Gees, Savage Garden, Red Frogs, the SES, Li Cunxin AO, and the Australian Olympic and Paralympic sporting teams.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Brisbane is home to many icons but there are none quite like Stefan.
“Throughout his career, Stefan has received many accolades that have underscored his contribution to our community.
“Today, he will unlock the highest honour our city can bestow on an individual or organisation by becoming the 58th recipient of the Keys to the City.
“Stefan’s story may not have begun in our city, but it soon became a uniquely Brisbane story of hard work, perseverance, and generosity towards the city he now calls home.”
Quotes attributable to Stefan Ackerie
“I am beyond proud and deeply moved to be presented with The Keys to The City of Brisbane.
“I knew the moment I drove into Brisbane in the early 60s that this was the place I wanted to spend the rest of my life in.
“I feel truly honoured that our Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has bestowed this special award on me, and I accept it with absolute pride and respect.
“I made a promise to Australia that once I was accepted into Australia and became a citizen that I would reciprocate and give back to my newfound country in whichever way I could.
“I feel so blessed that so many young people chose to be a part of the Stefan world over the last 60 years, and for that I personally thank each and every one of them.”
