Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen farewelled by dignitaries and family at state funeral in Kingaroy
Updated
Former senator Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen is being honoured with a state funeral in Kingaroy, after passing away last month at the age of 97.
Lady Bjelke-Petersen was the wife of Queensland's longest-serving premier, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
The funeral service is being held at the Kingaroy Town Hall, the same place her husband's service took place in April 2005.
More than a thousand people are attending, including many of the country's top politicians.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will all speak at the service.
A hymn book, Bible, packet of Cherry Ripe chocolate and a plate of pumpkin scones have been placed on a table near her coffin at the front of the hall.
Mr Joyce said the life Lady Bjelke-Petersen lived was a "splendid example to those around her".
"She showed the grace and dignity of wearing the suit in the senate chamber and also the grace and dignity of wearing the apron in the kitchen," he said.
"She believed in both, and believed they were both part of her duty."
Daughter Helen Folker said they were often asked as children what it was like to grow up with such a strong personality leading the household — referring to their father.
"They didn't appreciate that it was Flo who was the firm, strong leader at home," she said.
Son John Bjelke-Petersen said even through the busiest of times, family and her local community remained a very meaningful part of Lady Bjelke-Petersen's life.
"The growth of her family was also a source of joy for Flo," he said.
Eldest daughter Meg Noack said throughout her life, her mother proved herself to be a "cheerful, caring and tireless worker".
"She was a true woman of strength, centred around her faith, her family, and her community," she said.
"Her leadership and care, proven so often in her public life, was brought to bear when it mattered most in her own home, and we will all forever be grateful."
Her husband presided over a controversial period in the state's history and his legacy divides Queenslanders to this day.
Speaking outside the service, Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said today was about recognising her contribution to Queensland.
"She was a political pioneer," she said.
"For any female politician, particularly in the LNP, we can always look up to Lady Flo and what she did in those years."
Former premier Rob Borbidge said it was the end of an era.
"This state and this nation is a far better place for her efforts," he said.
"She was a strong and formidable person in her own right … she sorted a few people out in Canberra while she was down there."
She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at the family's Kingaroy property, Bethany.
Topics: people, human-interest, government-and-politics, states-and-territories, political-parties, liberal-national-party-queensland, nationals, kingaroy-4610, qld, australia
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