Congratulations to Margaret McGregor who was awarded Citizen of the year by Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s council on Monday 26 January 2026. It is a well deserved honour and she did Circle of Friends proud.
Margaret started Circle of Friends 42 in 2003. Monica O’Wheel joined this circle in 2005 and notes that Margaret led the circle with energy, dedication, grace and consideration. Margaret still continues to contribute to the Circles though she is now 95. Following is the speach as read by Margaret in accepting the award.
Good morning!I am very honoured to accept this Citizen of the Year award and warmly thank the Mayor – Robert Bria – and the Council.
It is so wonderful that today’s event is being shared with new Australian citizens who are being welcomed into our community. On today of all days we reflect that the First Nation people are the original inhabitants of this country. The rest of us are immigrants, or descended from immigrants.
I first became involved with boat people in the early 2000s with the boat people who landed on the coast of Australia and were detained at Woomera, and later, the Baxter Detention Centre, near Port Augusta. I was shocked and horrified, by the inhumane way in which refugees from Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq were treated. All countries with cruel, and repressive regimes.
A horrifying thing about their incarceration, was that they had no understanding of why they were locked up and treated as criminals, nor if they would ever be released. Politicians cited rules and regulations but gave no thought to the inhumanity of their actions. No wonder that mental health issues became endemic in the centres.
Circles of Friends were set up in South Australia to raise funds, lobby politicians, help with legal cases, and to regularly visit refugees in detention.
I started Circle 42 with sympathetic friends. It comprised mostly women but also two stalwart men: The late Richard Llewellyn and the late Viesturs Cielens, who swept us along with their energy and commitment.
When we support refugees, we’re not just offering help, we’re investing in a more just future – for all of us. They enrich our communities, and remind us of our shared humanity.
At a time when division can feel loud, choosing empathy is a powerful act.
Thank you again for this honour. I accept it with gratitude, and share it with the members of Circle 42, who proved that kindness is not abstract. It is practical. May we keep building communities where everyone has a sense of belonging, the chance to feel safe and valued – and at home.
Thank you.
