Vale Yvonne Chapman

Tributes have been paid to Yvonne Chapman - the “first, last and only Mayor of Pine Rivers Shire - who has died at the age of 84.

In a long and distinguished political career from 1976-2008, she became a Councillor, Deputy Chair and then Mayor of Pine Rivers.

Her only break was from 1983-1988 when she entered State Parliament and became Queensland’s first female cabinet minister.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery acknowledged Yvonne for “her incredible service to our community and dedicating a significant part of her life to public office.

“She was a real character and was not afraid to speak up for what she believed in.”

In a moving tribute, Moreton Bay Councillor Yvonne Barlow – who was a Pine Rivers Shire Councillor under Mayor Yvonne Chapman – said “Goodbye my friend and mentor”.

“Yvonne was a voice for the people and also had an amazing memory,” Cr Barlow told yesterday’s Council Meeting.

“Very rarely did she forget a person’s name and her door was always open to residents needing assistance. Residents loved her.

“She might have been a politician by occupation, but she identified as an everyday person.

“She learnt from an early age, even though money was not plentiful when she was a child, that neighbours helped each other.

"The focus had always been along the lines of being a help to others around her.

“She didn’t think she was better than anyone. Yes, she was outspoken, but she stood up for what she thought was right.”

Yvonne Chapman was born on January 28, 1940 and grew up on a dairy farm at Youngs Crossing, the eldest for five children who sadly, lost their father at the age of 38 and mother at 56.

She went to Petrie State School and enrolled at Banyo State High School, but there was “no chance of going to university as her family needed her”, Cr Barlow said.

She was “the glue that kept the family together,” Cr Barlow added.

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.

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

She entered State politics in 1983 winning the seat of Pine Rivers for the National Party.

Yvonne became Queensland’s first female cabinet minister, as Minister for Family Services in the Bjelke-Petersen Government and then Minister for Transport and Ethnic Affairs in the Cooper Government.

In 1994 she returned to Pine Rivers Shire Council, beating five other candidates to become the Shire’s first Mayor.

“With this mindset of protection of the family unit and helping your neighbour, plus what she’d learned in State Government, Yvonne was convinced she needed to do something about issues in Pine Rivers,” Cr Barlow said.

“This was the first time a preferential ballot was used. Rob Akers had the majority of first preferences, but Yvonne won after distribution of preferences.

“Yvonne was the first, last and only Mayor of Pine Rivers Shire. She did not contest 2008 (amalgamation) election.

“She was such a character with that cheeky twinkle in her eye. She was a very personable mayor but strong in character.

“Yvonne’s contribution to the lifestyle of residents has been paramount. Her love of Pine Rivers will always be fondly remembered.

“Yvonne passed away at 10.30am on Sunday, October 27, 2024. One thing she would miss out on was to hear the LNP had won the State Election.”

Yvonne Chapman's funeral will be at Norths Leagues Club on November 13, at 10am.