CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr LLEW O'BRIEN (Wide Bay) (10:07): On 26 May this year, Moira Hansen, OAM, a humble, kind and gracious lady, passed away at the age of 96 years. Moira was a much-loved member of the Maryborough community, and she'll be remembered for her empathy, her generosity and her enduring musical legacy. Moira Ann O'Sullivan was born in Granville in 1929, and it was there that she met her husband, Brendan Hansen, who, as a member of the Labor Party, went on to hold a number of roles between 1961 and 1983, including as the federal member for Wide Bay, the state member for Maryborough and a Maryborough council alderman.
Moira and Brendan were married in Maryborough's St Mary's Catholic church in 1960 and had eight children. Moira skilfully managed the multiple commitments of raising her children, supporting her husband in his roles and being actively involved in a number of local community groups, in particular the Maryborough Choral Society, which she was instrumental in founding.
Brendan passed away in 1999 aged 77 and was posthumously awarded an OAM for his service to the community of Maryborough, recognising his service to the Maryborough and district housing action group and the scouting movement. A talented singer, pianist and musical mentor, Moira was awarded an OAM in 2025 for her service to community music. Her influence and dedication to family and community was truly inspiring.
Moira was also playing piano for groups visiting nursing homes well into her 90s. The Hansen name is familiar to Maryborough residents. Moira's outstanding community influence and commitment was recognised in 2018, when the Maryborough state government office was named in honour of her.
In the suburb of Granville, where Moira and Brendan were raised, the Brendan Hansen Park honours Brendan's memory, and Moira continued to be a great supporter of the Granville State School, where she presented the Brendan Hansen Bursary Award to the dux of the school each year. Tragically, one of Moira and Brendan's daughters, Mary, was killed in an accident in London in 2002.
Mary was also a musician, like her. and a member of the band Stereolab. In a touching tribute to Mary, one of her fellow band members said: … I feel Mary's energy is still around somewhere. It didn't just disappear.
Similar tributes are no doubt being echoed for Moira not only by her family and close friends but also the Maryborough community at large.