Remembering Lesley Bickerton
Is it just me or does everyone feel a little bit sad today?
Last Sunday at the Kawana bowls club I saw a couple of familiar faces. Two beautiful sisters, Lesley and Cheryl, who had once done me an incredible kindness.
On Monday morning, Lesley passed away.
One of six kids, Lesley Bickerton was the daughter of a Northern Territory policeman and spent her childhood in the bush.
As an adult, she dedicated herself to family and the Liberal Party, first the Country Liberals in the NT and then Queensland's LNP.
The "queen of labelling", Lesley was determined and methodical.
Her great skill was campaigning - the quiet achiever who ensured every booth was manned come election day.
Signage, how-to-vote cards and guest lists were in her blood, and reading the mood of the community second nature.
In 2007 I contested the seat of Fisher as an independent. When we opened our campaign office a friendly face appeared at the door - a woman named Cheryl wanted to help and she came with a "to do" list from her sister, Lesley.
Cheryl wouldn't reveal who Lesley was, but it was clear this mysterious sister knew her stuff. We followed Lesley's election bible as best we could, but every once in a while we got a stern word we were doing it wrong. Get back to the plan.
Last Sunday, it was Cheryl I saw first. Behind her was a woman who looked like Lesley, but was too small and broken to be the powerhouse I knew.
Lesley suffered a stroke last year and had been fighting to recover. On Monday, very suddenly and very sadly, the fight was over.
Lesley Bickerton was a life member of the CLP and LNP. I know her tireless work was appreciated by every member she helped get elected and every failed candidate she tried to fix. Especially this one.
Lesley will be laid to rest on Monday at 1pm, from Gregson and Weight Caloundra. In lieu of flowers, her family would like people to make a donation to Mix FM's Give Me Five for Kids. Envelopes will be available at the chapel.
Rest in peace Lesley, our community is the poorer for your loss, but I suspect heaven is a little more organised.
