[4] He began working at 13 years of age, initially with a Japanese import and export company and later as a ship's purser.

Through various companies Hooker's interests expanded to include property investment, new home development, projects, takeovers, finance, trusts, pastoral activities and franchising.

With a vision and persistence Hooker survived bankruptcy, the Great Depression, World War II and the 1960s credit squeeze to build an empire.

[8] Hooker was a director and life governor of the Royal New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.

[1] He was heavily involved in the development of CIDE, now the Shepherd Centre, which assists deaf children.

[7] He died on 29 April 1976 at St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales aged 72.