{"id":373799,"date":"2026-06-30T13:32:53","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T03:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=373799"},"modified":"2026-06-30T13:32:53","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T03:32:53","slug":"hospital-honour-for-lady-flo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2026\/06\/30\/hospital-honour-for-lady-flo\/","title":{"rendered":"Hospital Honour For Lady Flo"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service chief executive Annette Scott PSM, retired Bishop Noel Noack, Karyn Bjelke-Petersen, John Cummins and DDHHS Board chair Merrilyn Strohfeldt with, at front, Lady Bjelke-Petersen’s daughters Dr Meg Noack and Ruth Cummins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

June 30, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

A commitment made by then-Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the opening of the new Kingaroy Hospital four years ago became a reality on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

The Premier had promised that Lady Bjelke-Petersen would be honoured in some way at the hospital.<\/p>\n

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service chief executive Annette Scott PSM said initially the idea was to name a ward after Lady Flo, but after consulting with the community, it was decided that could be confusing as the there was already a Lady Bjelke-Petersen Hospital in Kingaroy.<\/p>\n

Ms Scott said about 160 people responded to the consultations, which eventually came up with the idea of a memorial bench that would endure the weather and “endure time”.<\/p>\n

The polished granite seat, made by stonemasons J.H. Wagner & Sons in Toowoomba, was officially unveiled in a small ceremony in the hospital grounds on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n

Lady Flo’s daughters, Dr Meg Noack and Ruth Cummins (and their husbands, Noel and John)\u00a0 plus daughter-in-law Karyn Bjelke-Petersen did the honours.<\/p>\n

The bench is conveniently located for visitors, overlooking the gardens at the front of the hospital.<\/p>\n

Ms Scott described Lady Flo as “one of the legends” of Queensland, who not only had a commitment to the Darling Downs Health Service region but to the whole of Queensland.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr Noack said her mother lived both her public and family life out of a deep faith.<\/p>\n

She “showed up” and took all her responsibilities seriously, both as a mother and as a Queensland Senator.<\/p>\n

She also “stood up” for what she thought was right, which is why she would cross the floor to vote against her party colleagues.<\/p>\n

Dr Noack said Lady Flo also respected the human dignity of everyone, political friend or foe, and always offered hospitality to the reporters who would come to ‘Bethany’.<\/p>\n

“She was committed to her family, community and her hardworking staff,” she said.<\/p>\n

“We are all proud to be here today and to honour her.”<\/p>\n

The opening of the Memorial Bench coincided with a visit by the Darling Downs Health Board to Kingaroy Hospital.<\/p>\n