Client spotlight: Meg Murphy - Mama to many

At allcare, we like to highlight the lives of our clients. We dedicate time to getting to know their stories and highlighting their achievements. Today we interview Mama Meg Murphy, a woman whose story is filled with love, passion, and remarkable achievements.

Where were you born? 

I was born in Penrith on 9 November 1934 to parents Elizabeth and John, known to everyone as Jack. My father worked as a baker in Glenbrook and by the time I was 11, he had outgrown his small bakery and took on a new challenge by purchasing the Dapto bakery. This is what brought us to Wollongong. He enjoyed working there for six years before Tip Top purchased the business.

What is your favourite childhood memory? 

School – I just loved it. I could already read when I started at a very small, two teacher school in Glenbrook, which consisted of an upper and lower division. The school was 200 yards away from my home, which meant I could go home for playtime and lunch. Everyone knew everyone. I remember if it was someone’s birthday, you had to make enough cake for the whole school – which my mother grew tired of very quickly!

What did you want to be when you grew up and how did this compare to what you did as a job?

Since the age of 5 I knew I wanted to become a teacher and this is what I ended up doing until I retired. I taught primary school students through to highschool. A notable moment in my career was running special classes for partially sighted students at Port Kembla. I was very much interested in supporting students who were behind in their reading and writing. 

Tell us about a happy time in your life.

When my little sister Suzanne was born and came home from the hospital. I was six and had a cheeky younger brother Tim. Finally, I had a comrade to help me keep him in check!

Who is the love of your life and how did you meet?

My late husband Ted. We were happily married for over 60 years. We both attended co-ed high schools in Wollongong and regularly went to dances at Southern Cross Hall every Saturday. It was there when I first saw him. I don’t know what it was about him, maybe it was his dancing, but ever since, I was smitten by him.

What is your passion or favourite hobby?

I love watching rugby league and following the Dragons. Ted and I were even foundation members of the Steelers. At the time, I read Big League magazine and saw tours advertising trips to London following the Steelers international games. Once I convinced Ted to go, we watched six games in six weeks across London and Europe. We started the tour in Wembley Stadium – it was fantastic. Ted didn’t think much of travel before this trip, but after it, he was hooked.

What is something about yourself that people might not know?

Everyone calls me Mama. It started when my first grandson Michael was growing up – he couldn’t say Meg or Grandma so made up his own name for me. The term stuck and became my official title. Other people in the community also started using this name, due to my family’s involvement in rugby league. To this day I’ll be out and have people approach me, calling me Mama.