The woman who is proof that age is just a number
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This week, my Grandma turns 90. That’s right – 90. But if you think that means slowing down, you’ve clearly never met Margaret Reid.
If you’d told my younger self that my Grandma was a political trailblazer, I probably would’ve nodded politely and gone about my day. It wasn’t until I was older – juggling my own career and family – that I began to understand the true scale of what the amazing woman has achieved, and just how lucky we are to have her as ours.
Margaret Reid AO made history as the first woman to serve as President of the Australian Senate. Before that, she was the first woman to lead the Australian Liberal Students’ Federation. She represented the ACT in the Senate for more than 20 years, back when politics was even more of a boys’ club than it is now. She was elected Senate President in 1996 – at the ripe age of 62 – and it was one of the happiest and greatest moments in our family’s history.
Margaret Reid, 1996.
But as proud as I am of her political legacy, it’s not the only reason we’re celebrating her this week.
Turning 90 is no small thing. It’s nine decades of showing up. Of giving, leading, organising, mentoring, mothering and making magic in the everyday. And Grandma has done all of that time and time again – with a sharp mind, an even sharper wit, and more energy than most people half her age.
Recently one day over coffee my Grandma gave me some advice that I will never forget. She said you must learn as much as you can, get to know people and understand them and be involved with your community.
“Be ready to get on the next train that stops in front of you. And prepare yourself for the opportunities that come your way!”
“If you retire, or if you become a widow and all you do is stay home and don’t accept invitations – that is what people will think you want to do, and people won’t ask you to do things. So, say yes, and go to absolutely everything.”
Margaret Reid: more than a political pioneer
The Margaret Reid portrait at Parliament House
She still drives herself (yes, even over the Clyde Mountain during peak season), goes to her weekly water aerobics classes, hosts dinner parties, attends big events, buys a brand-new swimsuit each time she goes on a holiday (with no chance of it ever getting it wet) and somehow remembers everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries and latest life updates. She’s an incredible cook, a babysitter, a personal driver when you need a lift from the airport and the kind of woman who can recall exact dates from Senate sittings in the ’80s while plating up roast lamb.
But that’s not why I admire her most.
Yes, she broke barriers and stood tall in rooms where women weren’t always welcome and where it wasn’t common for women to have a voice. But she also managed to have been a loving wife, mother to four, grandmother to seven (including me), and now also a great-grandmother to many more! She did all of this without missing a beat – hosting Christmas, baking birthday cakes, keeping our family traditions alive, and still somehow knowing exactly what each grandkid was up to (even now). Honestly, I don’t know how she does it.
Four generations of women.
These days, she’s 90 and somehow still outpacing the rest of us. She has a sharp mind, a cheeky sense of humour, and a wardrobe that’s still so smart with matching accessories head to toe. She also sacrificed a lot for love – marrying my grandfather within only six weeks of meeting and raising his four children as her own. Her values, warmth and strength are stitched into the fabric of our family.
I’ve always looked up to her – but it’s only now, as a working mum myself, that I fully appreciate the quiet power in all she’s done. She carved out a space in history, yes – but she also carved out time for all of us. She has shown us what it means to live with purpose, style and a very full calendar!
This week, we raise a glass (or maybe a few) to the incredible Margaret Reid – who’s proof that age is just a number.
At 90 years young, she’s still showing us all how to show up – with grace, with love and a suitcase packed for the next adventure.
Happy 90th, Grandma!
