FORMER Victorian premier Joan Kirner has been remembered as a trailblazer and role model by Bendigo politicians.
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Mrs Kirner's death from oesophageal cancer was announced on Monday evening.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards paid tribute to the state's first female premier as a role model to herself and others.
"She has been a fabulous mentor, not just to me but to hundreds of women in politics, not just in Victoria but right across the country," she said.
Ms Edwards said Mrs Kirner's involvement in Labor network EMILY's List, which supports the election of progressive women, helped smooth the path for many female Labor politicians.
"One of the things I will always remember is the call I received from Joan when I was first preselected offering support," she said.
"In later years, every time I bumped into her in Parliament she was very keen to see how things were going in Bendigo. She never lost touch of what was happening in politics in Victoria.
"That personal interest and empathy and consideration for others was what put her head and shoulders above other politicians."
Ms Edwards said the mother of three's political success was an inspiration to aspiring women politicians.
"Being mother myself to four children, seeing her as a mother with children set the bar very high and indicated that anything is possible," she said.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said it was a great privilege to get to know Mrs Kirner on a personal level.
"She was a great friend, a great role model and a great supporter of women," she said.
She was a great friend, a great role model and a great supporter of women.
- Jacinta Allan
"Joan always had an uncanny knack for knowing when to reach out and give support when it was needed most.
"She had a deep reservoir of compassion and care for others that she drew on to provide support for so many women."
Ms Allan said Mrs Kirner was determined to develop the next generation of female politicians.
"Parliament today is a vastly different place; there are many more women in Parliament than ever before," she said.
Former Member for Bendigo West, Bob Cameron, said Mrs Kirner keenly drove the Landcare movement in regional Victoria.
“She brought together farmers and environmental activists to fight for a common cause. That’s a great legacy.”
