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Dr Betty Byrne Henderson AM
Betty Byrne Henderson's business interests span a period of 40 years, with the first 26 of these years as owner and Governing Director of The Byrne Group of Companies, the family owned Ford dealership at Chermside and Kedron in Queensland. Since handing over the trading company to her son Peter Byrne in 1995, Betty pursues her board and community interests, as well as directing her property and investment companies.
The privately owned family company was established in 1969, when Betty's late husband Bernie Byrne was granted the Ford dealership for the north side of Brisbane. At the time, Betty was co-owner of the business. Following Bernie's death in 1977, Betty became Governing Director of the company, Byrne Ford. The company rapidly expanded from the original staff of 35 to employing more than 140 people. In October 1991, the company was the first automotive dealer in Australia to attain Quality Assurance accreditation. In 1998, Byrne Ford ranked 29th in Queensland's Top 400 privately owned companies.
Betty has been actively involved in numerous boards. She has had a lengthy involvement with the Royal Women's Hospital when she was chairman of the Hospital Board from 1982 to 1991. The Betty Byrne Henderson Women's Health Research Centre, located within the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and affiliated with the University of Queensland, has been named in her honour.
Last updated: 7th July 2009
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