Tributes for Jennifer Chew, loved teacher and Hervey Bay businesswoman

A South Burnett educator and mentor who later became a businesswoman in Hervey Bay is being remembered as “the teacher you hoped you got” after her sad passing.

Tributes have flown for Jennifer Chew, a South Burnett teacher and Hervey Bay businesswoman, who died on June 26.

Tributes are flowing for a “beautiful teacher” after her said passing at 73.

Jennifer Chew died in Hervey Bay last Thursday, June 26 after a career that spanned across multiple different industries including teaching, business consultancy and indigenous affairs.

Following those careers, she became a small-business owner and consultant with Chew’s Place Consultancy in Craignish, where she led workshops for business coaching and business planning courses.

She is being remembered for her “firm but fair” teaching by former students and parents in the South Burnett, most notably at Yarraman State School and Nanango State High.

Many took to South Burnett community groups on Facebook to voice their support for her family and to share their own special memories of the beloved teacher.

Bel Craft said she was “one of the best”.

“Had a lot to do with her during school musicals and such. Very fond memories,” the tribute read.

Coral Stevenson shared a story Mrs Chew chasing down a bus for her.

Tributes have flowed for Jennifer Chew, a Hervey Bay businesswoman and South Burnett teacher, who died on June 26.

“She was a lovely teacher. I remember her chasing down my school bus on my first day as I missed it. It was a funny experience,” Coral said.

Others recalled times where Mrs Chew would have to pull them back in line, highlighting her stern, yet fair style.

“RIP Mrs C you were a great teacher,” a tribute from Kelly Bliesner Stolzenberg read.

“You were a great teacher, firm but fair (and) always one to call me out when I talked too much.”

Simone Kucyk paid a heartfelt tribute to Mrs Chew, saying she was a “woman who helped shape the lives of so many students”.

“I have fond memories of her,” Ms Kucyk’s post read.

“My mother and grandparents always had such great things to say about her.

“She was the teacher you hoped you got because she was not only a great teacher but was no nonsense and had the respect of both students and teachers.”

Other commenters said she was “one in a million”, while the substantial impact she had on South Burnett residents was still being felt in 2025.

Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral service which will be held at the Fraser Coast Crematorium and Memorial Gardens on Monday, July 7 at 11am, while a livestream will be provided by Ross Funerals.