Journalist, cowgirl and brave mother: A tribute to Frances Cameron

Frances Cameron a fiercely passionate rural reporter and farmer has passed away with a ‘satisfied mind’. Read about her incredible life in this tribute.

Frances Cameron, born in NSW on April 4 1938, passed away on January 11 2024

Journalist, cowgirl, mother and altogether extraordinary woman, Frances Margaret Cameron passed away on January 11 2024.

Born in 1938 in the Macksville hospital as the third child and only daughter of George and Ella Fortescue, Frances was destined for great things.

After a childhood growing up in Murwillumbah, NSW, her first job was at the The Tweed Daily.

Although starting as a secretary, her potential was undeniable and she was soon offered a cadetship at the Lismore Northern Star, starting a long and storied career in journalism.

A passionate reporter, Frances had to work hard to prove herself in the male dominated journalism industry of the 1950s.

Frances began the process of becoming a Queenslander when her career brought her to Cairns.

Linda Johnson, France’s youngest daughter said she was ahead of her time as a career woman.

“In the very beginning she was only allowed to report on social events and then worked her way up,” Ms Johnson said.

“Even finding accommodation, she had to board with a married woman.

“It was a different world.”

Frances moved from Cairns to Mackay to take a job at the Daily Mercury.

It was in Mackay that Frances fell in love with the north Queensland countryside and the man who would become her husband.

Frances, an avid horse rider, arranged to borrow Doug Cameron’s mare ‘Black Magic’ at the Koumala Rode, when things changed for her.

Six weeks after this chance meeting they were engaged and married on January 30, 1960, having their first child in little under 12 months later.

Frances borrowed the horse 'Black Magic' and found a life long husband in its owner.

“When you got married that was it,” said Mrs Johnson.

“Working life was done.

“She did a couple of articles after that.”

Mrs Cameron returned to journalism later in her life, but even after putting her career on hold she achieved elsewhere - including saving her kids after a car crash.

In 1964, on the road to Nebo, while driving with three of her children, Frances crashed into a tree.

“No phones no anything so she left a bloody nappy and half a ticket with dads name on it and an arrow made of wood to show what direction she had walked in,” recounts Mrs Johnson.

Frances carried her three children away from the crash and thanks to her ingenuity, they were rescued by a neighbour.

She was invited onto the 1960s variety program The Tommy Hanlon Show where she was recognised for her bravery.

Frances Cameron's stated that winning QLD's Country Woman of the year was one of her proudest achievements.

Far from idle, Frances dedicated her time to improving the land that she and her husband had named ‘Valkyrie’.

“There was nothing,” said Mrs Johnson.

“There was no house, cattle yards or fencing.”

As a staunch conservationist, Frances rebelled against the stigma surrounding farmers and the environment.

“The birdlife and wild animals came back to the land because they brought a permanent source of water.

“When she woke up and could see a garden, horses and cows, that made her feel good inside.”

She was named the Queensland Country Woman of the year for her work in rural communities.

Following the great drought in 1969 Frances returned to journalism and contributed regularly to the Daily Mercury.

The daughter of a timber cutter, Frances never shied away from hard work, helping her husband put in new fence posts on their property and was particularly proficient with a cross cut saw.

A woman of multitudes, she also believed in the importance of appearances.

“She would always wear white gloves, because she thought a woman had to protect their hands and have nice hands,” said Mrs Johnson.
“She never went anywhere without being dressed to the nines.

“We’d always know mum because of her hats.”

Frances Cameron is remembered by her five children, her grandchildren and all at the Daily Mercury who walk in her footsteps.

Her funeral will be held on Friday January 19 at Phillips Crematorium Chapel in Sarina.