Tributes flow for former Pine Rivers Shire mayor Yvonne Chapman

Tributes have poured in for Queensland’s first female Cabinet Minister and former mayor of Pine Rivers Yvonne Chapman who died earlier this week aged 84.

Former mayor of Pine Rivers Yvonne Chapman.

Tributes have flowed for Queensland’s first female Cabinet Minister who was the first and last Mayor of Pine Rivers Shire, Yvonne Chapman, who died on Sunday.

The 84-year-old’s distinguished political career spanned from 1976 to 2008 as she became a Councillor, Deputy Chair and then Mayor of Pine Rivers.

In 1983 to 1988 Mrs Chapman entered state parliament and became Queensland’s first female cabinet minister.

Born on January 28, 1940, Mrs Chapman grew up on a dairy farm at Youngs Crossing and was the eldest of five children.

During an address to Moreton Bay Council on Wednesday, Councillor Yvonne Barlow, who worked under Mrs Chapman, bid goodbye to her “friend and mentor”.

Yvonne Chapman in 1996.

“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,” Mrs Barlow said.

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

Mrs Barlow said she joined her father working at Petrie Paper Mill, where she met her husband Graeme the “love of her life” and 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 to 1983,” Mrs Barlow said.

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

Mrs Chapman returned to Pine Rivers Shire Council and became its first mayor in 1994.

Mrs Barlow said Mrs Chapman was determined to change issues in Pine Rivers with her mindset of protecting the family unit and helping your neighbours.

Former Pine Rivers Mayor Yvonne Chapman and former Caboolture Mayor Joy Leishman in 2020. Picture: File

“She was such a character with that cheeky twinkle in her eye. She was a very personable Mayor but strong in character,” Mrs Barlow said.

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

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Mrs Chapman did an incredible service for the community by 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,” Cr Flannery said.

Mrs Chapman fundraised for ‘Shave for a cure’.

Mrs Barlow said Mrs Chapman “didn’t think she was better than anyone”.

“Yes, she was outspoken, but she stood up for what she thought was right,” she said.

Originally published as Tributes flow for former Pine Rivers Shire mayor Yvonne Chapman