Excited guests gathered expectantly at RACA on Wed 19th Mar 2025 for a much-anticipated talk by renowned legal advocate, barrister Margaret Cunneen SC.

To focus on our St. Patrick's Day theme the WPS Deputy President, Joy Dean opened the lunch by paying tribute to the Irish saint and folk hero St Patrick, whose special feast day fell at the start of the week.  WPS President, Ann Lisle read a short history about the Irish Famine Girls who arrived in Australia 1848 and continued by reading with passion and eloquence a witty poem (song lyrics) entitled "The Orange and the Green" by Anthony Murphy.

Ann introduced Margaret, outlining her impressive career resumé and years of work in the cause of justice and freedom. Margaret rose to the occasion, treating all present to a mesmerising and witty tour de force, a talk sprinkled with amusing vignettes and wisdom gained from serving more than four decades in law.

Margaret's appreciation for the opportunities life has afforded her, career-wise, was evident, and she shared a number of highlights and lessons learned. She observed that in the early days of her career, in the late 1970s, only about 10% of society would find themselves in contact with the justice system and most people had a clean record. And that whilst certain types of offences had declined over the years (such as muggings for cash), prosecutions for other offences (such as sexual assault) were on the rise. She also shared her view (a view with which she respectfully acknowledged others might disagree), that the degree of public authorities encroaching into the privacy of the bedroom was concerning.

Margaret also confided some personal experiences about what life was like, growing up and being educated in the Catholic school system, taught by Irish nuns who "did a great job", notwithstanding the large classes. "Everyone knew how to read, knew their times tables, knew how to do long division", she said. The students learnt about their faith "and gained some cooking and sewing skills too!" And the best week of the year? The week of St Patrick and St Joseph - two holidays in the one week!

Margaret generously responded to questions about a number of topical law and justice matters, and explained that her role as President of the Rule of Law Education Centre was to ensure that crucial precepts of justice, such as the presumption of innocence, were upheld - and that schoolchildren would learn about these via the work of the Centre.

All in all, it was a magnificent and uplifting talk! WPS Treasurer Helen Mackenzie did the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the grateful room of guests.

Afterwards, Margaret signed copies of her book "The Boxing Butterfly".

The staff of RACA once again outdid themselves with exemplary service on the day, including  the cuisine prepared and served. The tasty Guiness Beef Cheeks and delectable New York cheesecake were relished by all!

The Macquarie room was fully booked and some hopeful guests missed out - the only comfort being that Margaret indicated she may well take up a return invitation in 2026! Long serving WPS member Joy Dean once again excelled in her event booking skills. 

Ann introduced Margaret, outlining her impressive career resumé and years of work in the cause of justice and freedom. Margaret rose to the occasion, treating all present to a mesmerising and witty tour de force, a talk sprinkled with amusing vignettes and wisdom gained from serving more than four decades in law.

Margaret's appreciation for the opportunities life has afforded her, career-wise, was evident, and she shared a number of highlights and lessons learned. She observed that in the early days of her career, in the late 1970s, only about 10% of society would find themselves in contact with the justice system and most people had a clean record. And that whilst certain types of offences had declined over the years (such as muggings for cash), prosecutions for other offences (such as sexual assault) were on the rise. She also shared her view (a view with which she respectfully acknowledged others might disagree), that the degree of public authorities encroaching into the privacy of the bedroom was concerning.

Margaret also confided some personal experiences about what life was like, growing up and being educated in the Catholic school system, taught by Irish nuns who "did a great job", notwithstanding the large classes. "Everyone knew how to read, knew their times tables, knew how to do long division", she said. The students learnt about their faith "and gained some cooking and sewing skills too!" And the best week of the year? The week of St Patrick and St Joseph - two holidays in the one week!

Margaret generously responded to questions about a number of topical law and justice matters, and explained that her role as President of the Rule of Law Education Centre was to ensure that crucial precepts of justice, such as the presumption of innocence, were upheld - and that schoolchildren would learn about these via the work of the Centre.

All in all, it was a magnificent and uplifting talk! WPS Treasurer Helen Mackenzie did the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the grateful room of guests.

Afterwards, Margaret signed copies of her book "The Boxing Butterfly".

The staff of RACA once again outdid themselves with exemplary service on the day, including in the cuisine prepared and served. The tasty Guiness Beef Cheeks and delectable New York cheesecake were relished by all!

The Macquarie room was fully booked and some hopeful guests missed out - the only comfort being that Margaret indicated she may well take up a return invitation in 2026! Long serving WPS member Joy Dean once again excelled in her event booking skills.


Mrs. Ann Lisle
President
The Women's Pioneer Society of Australasia Inc.
0407 958 582