Macarthur Coal’s chief executive Nicole Hollows, and chairman Keith De Lacy paid their respects along with Felix Resources’ Brian Flannery and Aston Resources managing director and entrepreneur Nathan Tinkler.

Other dignitaries included former Queensland premier Wayne Goss, former deputy premier Terry Mackenroth, Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Liberal National party MPs Mike Horan and Jeff Seeney.

Former Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said mateship defined Talbot as much as any other trait.

The Macarthur Coal founder was also known for his hotel group, which he sold for about $A130 million in 2007.

“He was a mining magnate, business man, respected colleague, engineer, dedicated fundraiser, charity giver, friend, family man and my favourite, our dad,” Talbot’s son Liam said.

“He was happiest when he had a rum and coke in his hand, and was surrounded by family and friends.”

Fittingly, Bundaberg Rum and Coke was served to the mourners yesterday along with party pies.

Barrister Martin Burns said Talbot was looking forward to clearing his name in court.

Talbot was facing charges for $300,000 of undisclosed payments to former Queensland industrial relations minister Gordon Nuttall between 2002 and 2005.

Almost a year ago Nuttall received a seven-year sentence for receiving secret payments from Talbot and former Jellinbah Resources director Harold Shand.

Last month Talbot died along with the five other board members of Sundance Resources when their chartered plane crashed near the Gabonese border in the Republic of Congo.

A video of the memorial service is available on the Talbot Group website.