May 19, 2014
Hundreds of people descended on ‘Bethany’ near Kingaroy on Saturday afternoon to take part in its Centenary celebrations and help raise funds for the Queensland Cancer Council.
Buses ferried visitors from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast who were joined by friends and wellwishers from all over the South Burnett.
Guests were able to enjoy lunch and afternoon tea on the grounds, take a guided tour around the historic property, inspect antique farm equipment, browse a collection of vintage cars, and wander through Bethany’s museum.
Special “official” guests on the day included former Murgon Shire mayor Bill Roberts, South Burnett mayor Wayne Kratzmann and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington.
Both Bill Roberts and Wayne Kratzmann have a long-standing friendship with the Bjelke-Petersen family and in a speech before the Centenary cake was cut, Mayor Kratzmann recalled a childhood visit to the property which resulted in a flight with former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen in his cropduster.
He also reflected on the fact that Lady Flo was a unique public figure.
“Unlike any other Australian politician I’ve ever known, no one has ever had a bad word to say about Lady Flo,” he observed.
John Bjelke-Petersen welcomed guests to the celebrations and gave them an overview of both the farm’s history and the history of his family in the area, which pre-dated the establishment of Bethany by almost 12 years.
He noted that religion had always played a central role in the family, something his sister Margaret confirmed before leading the day with a special prayer.
Afterwards, Lady Flo helped her youngest granddaughter Grace, 5, cut a special Centenary cake while her children John, Margaret, Ruth and Helen looked on.
Then guests were invited out onto the farm’s front lawn for the unveiling of a Centenary plaque by Lady Flo, which was mounted on a rock brought to the farm especially for the purpose by Gary Barron.
In the evening, the South Burnett Shed Men wrapped up the day with a meeting in one of the farm’s sheds, coupled with a dinner and guest speakers.
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