Above: Cr Jeune Matthews, in her mayoral robes, with retiring president Cr Bob Bysouth in 1979.By Jade Lawton
JEUNE Matthews made history in 1979 as the first woman ever elected president of the Pakenham Shire.
Cr Matthews was the first woman to hold the position since the shire was founded 117 years prior, and paved the way for a succession of female shire presidents and later mayors.
But her tenure was not without its difficulties, with Cr Matthews battling a serious, and secretive, illness during her presidency.
“I first went on the council in 1972 and I was there until 1988,” Mrs Matthews, now 80, told the Gazette this week.
“I was only in the chair for two weeks before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went to hospital and had my breasts removed, but only missed a few meetings. Cyril, my husband, stood in for me at a couple of things I had to go to,” she said.
“It wasn’t really reported (the illness) but I wish that they had put it in the paper because it helps other people. I am very thankful to God I am still here.”
In the 17 October 1979 edition of the Gazette, a brief story on page three informed readers that the shire president had left hospital.
Cr Matthews was apparently the centre of attention during her two-week stay at the Pakenham Bush Nursing Hospital.
“Her room was filled with many ‘get well’ letters and cards, as well as countless sheaves of flowers. To all who sent along messages by phone, letter, card or in the form of flowers, Cr Matthews has asked us to pass on her sincere thanks,” reported teh Gazette.
She was back in the chair for the 22 October 1979 council meeting.
Mrs Matthews said the highlight of her time on the council was her brush with royalty.
“I met Princes Di and Prince Charles at the Hyatt. They were at the next table and when Di got up to dance with Charles she beckoned to me because she didn’t want to dance alone.”
Mrs Matthews had five children with her husband, Cyril, who passed away in 2002.
Still living in Garfield, she keeps up to date with council affairs, although she thinks the council has changed since she last she was last on it.
“I don’t think it is as good as it used to be,” she said.
“When I think about what I did, it was pretty hair-raising some of the time – just where you go, what you do.”
