Trailblazing Queensland entrepreneur Betty Byrne Henderson, co-founder of Byrne Ford in Kedron, has died at the age of 93. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in both the automotive industry and philanthropy.
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Establishing Byrne Ford in Kedron
In 1969, Betty and her husband, Bernie Byrne, established Byrne Ford in Brisbane’s northside. The dealership was granted to Bernie that year, but Betty was an integral part of the business from the start.
When Bernie passed away in 1977, Betty took the reins as Governing Director, defying industry norms in a time when female leadership in the automotive sector was rare. Under her direction, the business grew rapidly, expanding from 35 employees to over 140 and becoming a household name in Brisbane’s car market.
By 1993, Byrne Ford was selling approximately 300 new and used cars each month. In 1998, it ranked 29th in Queensland’s Top 400 privately owned companies.
Byrne Ford’s roots in Kedron were central to its success, with the dealership becoming a trusted name in the local community. Its growth was a testament to Betty’s resilience, business acumen, and willingness to challenge the male-dominated industry.
She not only had to fight for a place in the business—first against her husband’s resistance and later against corporate scepticism—but also overcame significant industry chauvinism to establish herself as a formidable leader.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
Beyond business, Betty was an ardent philanthropist, dedicating much of her life to supporting women’s healthcare and education. She was repeatedly nominated for Queensland Philanthropist of the Year by the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital Foundation and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
In 2022, the Queensland Community Foundation Board of Governors honoured her with the Outstanding Achievement Award for her lifetime of giving. Queensland Gives described her as “one of Queensland’s greatest philanthropists,” highlighting her dedication to the Queensland Philanthropy Awards and her unwavering support for initiatives benefiting women’s health.
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Though she handed over the trading company to her son Peter Byrne in 1995, Betty continued to oversee her property and investment businesses while actively contributing to her community. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy—both in Kedron’s business landscape and in Queensland’s philanthropic sector—will endure for generations to come.
Published 12-February-2025
