In the heart of our community stood a woman whose spirit was as ancient as the land itself, yet whose vision stretched far beyond the horizons that society had drawn around her. This woman was my Grandmother— Margaret Lawton (nee Kemp)
An Aboriginal woman who defied every limitation placed upon her and emerged as a formidable woman and Elder for our people.
Humble Beginnings
Born into a world that offered little opportunity for Aboriginal girls, my grandmother’s early years were marked by the systemic challenges that Indigenous Australians have faced for generations. Growing up on a mission, her formal education was limited, but what she lacked in classroom learning, she more than made up for with the wealth of cultural knowledge passed down to her through her oral stories and a life filled with experiences.
She often spoke of her childhood with a mixture of sadness, loss, love, heartbreaks and mischievous fun! Her steely determination to speak her mind—recounting how the very obstacles meant to keep her contained instead became the foundation for her unwavering resolve. “They thought ’cause I didn’t have a proper education I’d stay quiet,” she once told me, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “but they forgot I ain’t scared of no-one!”
Rising Above
What made my Grandmother extraordinary wasn’t just her ability to overcome personal hardship, but her relentless pursuit of good for her people. As a feisty and fearless woman, she quickly gained recognition for challenging government officials and state representatives who had long grown accustomed to Aboriginal voices being made to be silent. Her approach was confrontational — but moreover, it was strategic, persistent, and ultimately, effective.
When officials would arrive in our community with predetermined solutions to problems they barely understood, they’d inevitably find themselves face-to-face with my Grandmother. Armed with nothing but unflinching truth and intimate knowledge of her community’s needs, she became what one reluctant bureaucrat eventually described as “a force of nature impossible to ignore.”
Building Foundations
Understanding that meaningful change required action, my Grandmother worked tirelessly with other community Elders to establish essential services that would specifically address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous people. Legal Aid, medical and healthcare facilities, and safe and appropriate housing weren’t just items on her wish list—they became tangible realities through her extraordinary ability to secure the recognition and funding from the government to make them so.
She mastered the art of ‘speaking her mind’ swiftly and her persistence in finding who she needed to speak to (the bureaucratic systems) to make it happen, resulted in the establishment of organsations that continue to serve our people to this day. What makes these achievements even more remarkable is that she accomplished them without the formal education or donation backing that typically opens such doors.
A Mother to Many
Despite her public accomplishments, it was perhaps in her role as a foster mum that my Grandmother’s heart shone brightest. Her home was never just our home—it was a sanctuary for many Indigenous children who needed shelter, a bed, and stability. As a foster mother, she cared for countless children, giving them not only the practical support they needed but also a deep sense of cultural identity and belonging.
Her door was perpetually open to Mums and Dads struggling to raise their children amid systemic challenges. Whether they needed a warm meal, sharing stories over a cuppa and damper, or simply offering the wisdom gained through her own experiences, she became the embodiment of the term – the village that raises the child.
“Our kids belong to all of us,” she would say, “they are our future.”
A Seat at the Table
As her reputation grew, so did the demand for her perspective. My Gandmother found herself sitting on numerous Boards and Advisory committees, where her practical wisdom often stood in stark contrast to tertiary and government theory approaches. Government officials who initially invited her presence as a token gesture quickly discovered they had welcomed a powerful advocate who would hold them accountable.
She approached these positions with a character that would defy and demand the robes off even the Roman Gods! Never unyielding in her purpose. In meetings where her people’s’ concerns were traditionally an afterthought, she ensured they became central to the conversation. Her ability to speak the truth, when no one else would, meant that non-indigenous people had no choice BUT to take action! This made her an invaluable bridge between worlds that had long existed in painful separation.
Rooted in Culture
What made my grandmother truly remarkable was that through all her accomplishments and accolades, she never disconnected from her cultural roots. In a world that often pressured Indigenous people to assimilate, she stood firmly in her identity, honouring the traditions, stories, and wisdom of her Ancestors and Old People.
She was as comfortable in high-level policy discussions as she was sitting at her big wooden table with her cuppa sharing stories with us kids. She understood that progress for Aboriginal people could never come at the expense of cultural preservation. Rather, she saw culture as the essential foundation for everything.
Legacy of Wisdom
The wisdom my Grandmother shared wasn’t confined to formal settings. Some of her most profound teachings came during quiet moments—making Johnny Cakes or damper over the stove, sitting under a tree on Country, or simply sitting in reflective silence while gazing over her favourite TV shows. She imparted lessons about responsibility to the community, connection to culture, and the unbreakable threads that bind past, present, and future generations.
“Never forget who you are,” she would often remind me, as her message made you uncompromising. “Your Old People, they walk with you.”
The Ripple Effect
Today, the impact of my Grandmother’s work extends far beyond our immediate community. Organizations she helped establish have become models for Indigenous services elsewhere. Policies she influenced continue to shape approaches to Aboriginal advancement. Children she nurtured—both her own and those she took under her wing—carry forward her passion for advocacy and cultural preservation.
But perhaps her greatest legacy lives in the countless small moments of dignity she created—the Aboriginal Elder who got appropriate service for her people; the indigenous families who found comfort in her cultural wisdom; and the Aboriginal activist who found her voice after hearing her speak truth to power.
Conclusion
My Grandmother’s journey from an uneducated Aboriginal girl to a respected Elder and community leader, serves as a powerful reminder that the human spirit, when fuelled by passion to advance her own people and maintain cultural pride, can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Her story is not just one of individual triumph but a testament to the extraordinary resilience of Aboriginal women and the transformative power of leadership that remains firmly rooted in cultural identity. In sharing her story, today and every day, I honour not just her memory but the ongoing struggle and achievements of my fellow Indigenous communities everywhere.
Though she is now playing cards and sharing endless cups of tea with our Ancestors, her voice continues to echo in our community’s achievements, our cultural practices, and most importantly, in the courage shown by new generations of Aboriginal female leaders who, like her, refuse to be defined by limitations others would place upon them.
