Premier leads salute to "trailblazer"

Formal tributes have been made in State Parliament to Yvonne Chapman – the first, last and only Mayor of Pine Rivers Shire - who died last year.

Mrs Chapman – who died on October 27 last year aged 84 – was described as a “trailblazer” by the Premier, Ministers and State Members.

All addressed the State Parliament last week to “place on record this House’s appreciation of the services rendered to this State by the late Yvonne Ann Chapman”.

Premier David Crisafulli told how Mrs Chapman “will forever have a place in Queensland’s history as the first female to serve as a cabinet minister in this state”.

Mrs Chapman was Minister for Welfare Services, Youth and Ethnic affairs, which then became Family Services, Youth and Ethnic Affairs and later Minister for Transport and Ethnic Affairs.

“She has been described by those who knew her as a strong character with a strong belief in protecting family and helping your neighbour,” the Premier said.

“I spoke with her family this morning and they spoke of her love for the region, her passion for her family and her role as a trailblazer.

“On behalf of the government, I place on the record our thanks for her service over many years.”

Labor Leader and State member for Murrumba Steven Miles said Mrs Chapman “broke barriers, fought for representation and paved the way for those who followed”.

He recalled Mrs Chapman visiting Petrie State School when he was a pupil and saying”: “Any of us could grow up to be a local member of parliament. That was the first time I thought maybe I would like to do that.”

Fiona Simpson, Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, said Mrs Chapman “was enthusiastic about supporting women from all walks of life”.

“As the member for Pine Rivers and with a background in local government, Yvonne’s door was never closed to those who reached out for help,” the Minister said.

Nikki Boyd, State Member for Pine Rivers, said Mrs Chapman “was outspoken, but she stood up for what she believed was right.

“She took the title of the ‘First Lady of Pine Rivers’ and turned it on its head, demonstrating steadfast leadership and resolve,” the state member said.

Ariana Doolan, State member for Pumicestone, said those who served with Yvonne Chapman “often remarked on her determination and strength of character”.

“Even in retirement she remained engaged and unafraid to speak up,” the state member said, “as she once said, she was already ready to be a ‘thorn in their side’ if it meant holding the government accountable.”

Yvonne Chapman joined her father working at Petrie Paper Mill, where she met her husband Graeme – the “love of her life”. They had two children, Wendy and Greg.

She entered politics in 1976 with Pine Rivers Shire Council and was Deputy Chairman (before the Mayoral position was introduced) from 1982-83.

Mrs Chapman entered State politics in 1983 winning the seat of Pine Rivers for the National Party and went on to hold two Ministerial positions.

In 1994 she returned to Pine Rivers Shire Council, beating five other candidates to become the Shire’s first Mayor – a position she held until no contesting the 2008 amalgamation election.