Meet the Resident I grew up in Atherton, a country town inland from Cairns in Far North Queensland. It was a small town and a wonderful place to grow up, helping to shape the person I am today. I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who shared many of the same interests from a young age. Looking back, this was a great advantage. Together with the experience of growing up in North Queensland, it played an important role in my life. My favourite place has always been North Queensland, and it will always feel like home. I have travelled the world with my late husband.
Margaret McG
I have many photo albums of our travels over many years. I have lived in Brisbane most of my adult life. The most memorable holidays were taking my sons, partner of our eldest and grandsons to New York, a cruise on the QE2 from New York to London and time in London in 2018. and a family holiday for 4 weeks around Australia camping mostly with Cobb & Co Coaches. I volunteered as a Gallery Guide at the QLD Gallery of Modern Art for over 40 years and was one of the first volunteers enrolled. This involved an immense amount of time learning about artists and the exhibitions and was informing others about these. This involvement has been very important for me as I love art in all its forms creativity and beauty along with visiting art museums and galleries. The biggest change in the world during my lifetime was the war reaching Australia and the impact it had on everyday life. I was not yet 10 years old, but I could sense the tension around me. My mother welcomed many Australian troops stationed in Atherton into our home, helping to feed and care for them. It was a very different time, with men away from their families and women taking on new roles and responsibilities in the workforce.
My parents have had the greatest influence on my life, especially my mother, who was a nurse. Patients would often ask for her by name, and I am very proud to have called her my mum. I have also been inspired by many leaders throughout my life, including those in the Girl Guides and other organisations with which I have been involved. My three boys always make me smile and have brought great joy and support to my life. I also find happiness in listening to other people’s stories and learning from their experiences.
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