Local community pays tribute to beloved retailer (84) after decades of unwavering service
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In the heart of Toowoomba, a regional town in Queensland, a beacon of retail and community spirit has dimmed.
One of the community's long-standing retail owners has passed away and left behind a legacy that has extended beyond the walls of their family-owned department store.
Retailer John Hanna has passed away at 84 years old.
He was a pillar for Toowoomba's retail and business community.
Hanna was the second-generation owner of the popular regional retailer Hannas and has been considered a beloved father and grandfather figure in his community.
John Hanna's story was one of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his family's values.
Their family-owned store, Hannas, was a treasure trove of goods—from farm hats to school uniforms.
Since its establishment in 1956, Hannas has drawn customers from across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
John Hanna was a constant presence behind the counter as the store became an integral part of regional Queensland's fabric.
John Hanna was the second out of 10 children and the first Hanna born in Australia.
His parents, Norman and Lavina Hanna, emigrated to Australia from Lebanon in 1939.
John Hanna's son, Paul Hanna, fondly remembered his father's roots and the history of Hannas.
'Like a lot of the immigrants, particularly of Lebanese descent, they got into either clothing or fruit and vegetables,' Paul Hanna said.
'It was a simple life early on.'
'Like most immigrants at the time, they came over with very little and had to work hard and sort of start from scratch,' Paul recounted.
The Hanna family's journey was a story of adaptation and community.
Norman Hanna had limited education and no formal English lessons.
However, he quickly mastered the Australian monetary system and embraced the challenges of leaving pre-war Lebanon.
The family cultivated a vibrant community in Toowoomba as they introduced Lebanese traditions to Australian culture.
Norman Hanna's iconic red truck was a familiar sight as it travelled across the region.
Norman Hanna would often share meals and card games with local families before moving on to his next stop.
As Hannas continued operations, it also became a testament to the hard work and vision of John, his father, and his brothers.
The store's success was built on old-fashioned customer service, with many staff members remaining loyal to the business for decades.
Looking back at his father's legacy, Paul Hanna attributed the store's longevity to his family's ability to adapt to changing customer needs.
'One thing that has been a real strength for our business is that foresight of my grandfather, my father, and his brothers to really adapt to what our customers needed and the way that shopping changed,' Paul shared.
'That's still an essential part of our business now, that we need to be relevant.'
Hannas has been featured in the news back in the 1990s. Watch Brisbane Extra's feature on Hannas here:
Source: Jennifer T Hanna/YouTube
Hannas and John Hanna's impact is evident in the tributes of community members.
A former Hannas employee, Sue Dale, recalled the work ethic John instilled in her as a young employee.
Locals also praised the store's exceptional service and John's down-to-earth approach when it comes to retail.
The outpouring of support from the Toowoomba community has been a source of comfort for the Hanna family during this difficult time.
'He would be very overwhelmed if he knew how much everybody cared about him and wanted to share their stories,' Paul Hanna concluded.
John Hanna's life and work remind us of the profound impact one person can have on a community.
As we remember John Hanna, we celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire and serve as a cornerstone of the Toowoomba community for generations to come.
May he rest in peace.
One of the community's long-standing retail owners has passed away and left behind a legacy that has extended beyond the walls of their family-owned department store.
Retailer John Hanna has passed away at 84 years old.
He was a pillar for Toowoomba's retail and business community.
Hanna was the second-generation owner of the popular regional retailer Hannas and has been considered a beloved father and grandfather figure in his community.
John Hanna had been a part of the business since its opening in 1956. Image Credit: Hannas Toowoomba
John Hanna's story was one of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his family's values.
Their family-owned store, Hannas, was a treasure trove of goods—from farm hats to school uniforms.
Since its establishment in 1956, Hannas has drawn customers from across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
John Hanna was a constant presence behind the counter as the store became an integral part of regional Queensland's fabric.
John Hanna was the second out of 10 children and the first Hanna born in Australia.
His parents, Norman and Lavina Hanna, emigrated to Australia from Lebanon in 1939.
John Hanna's son, Paul Hanna, fondly remembered his father's roots and the history of Hannas.
'Like a lot of the immigrants, particularly of Lebanese descent, they got into either clothing or fruit and vegetables,' Paul Hanna said.
'It was a simple life early on.'
'Like most immigrants at the time, they came over with very little and had to work hard and sort of start from scratch,' Paul recounted.
The Hanna family's journey was a story of adaptation and community.
Norman Hanna had limited education and no formal English lessons.
However, he quickly mastered the Australian monetary system and embraced the challenges of leaving pre-war Lebanon.
The family cultivated a vibrant community in Toowoomba as they introduced Lebanese traditions to Australian culture.
Norman Hanna's iconic red truck was a familiar sight as it travelled across the region.
Norman Hanna would often share meals and card games with local families before moving on to his next stop.
As Hannas continued operations, it also became a testament to the hard work and vision of John, his father, and his brothers.
The store's success was built on old-fashioned customer service, with many staff members remaining loyal to the business for decades.
Looking back at his father's legacy, Paul Hanna attributed the store's longevity to his family's ability to adapt to changing customer needs.
'One thing that has been a real strength for our business is that foresight of my grandfather, my father, and his brothers to really adapt to what our customers needed and the way that shopping changed,' Paul shared.
'That's still an essential part of our business now, that we need to be relevant.'
Hannas has been featured in the news back in the 1990s. Watch Brisbane Extra's feature on Hannas here:
Source: Jennifer T Hanna/YouTube
Hannas and John Hanna's impact is evident in the tributes of community members.
A former Hannas employee, Sue Dale, recalled the work ethic John instilled in her as a young employee.
Locals also praised the store's exceptional service and John's down-to-earth approach when it comes to retail.
The outpouring of support from the Toowoomba community has been a source of comfort for the Hanna family during this difficult time.
'He would be very overwhelmed if he knew how much everybody cared about him and wanted to share their stories,' Paul Hanna concluded.
John Hanna's life and work remind us of the profound impact one person can have on a community.
May he rest in peace.
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. Condolences to all John’s family & friends.
thoughts and prayers are with his family
