THE Coffs Coast environment movement is saddened by the passing of passionate environmentalist and campaigner Maggie (Margaret) McCue.
She was the driving force behind the Coffs Harbour Environment Centre, and was involved in the Emerald Beach Ocean Outfall campaign, the creation of Bongil Bongil National Park, and in numerous forest protests.
Maggie was an esteemed member of the committees of the Bellingen Environment Centre, North Coast Environment Council, and the North East Forest Alliance.
She was also an acclaimed international journalist for the New York Times and Sydney Morning Herald, and was well-known as a journalist in Hong Kong.
Maggie followed the Tao philosophy and walked proudly in Gumbaynggirr country.
Caroline Joseph, from the Bellingen Environment Centre, said, “We have lost a much-valued activist and storyteller who touched so many.
“With her gentle strength she will be sadly missed and always remembered.”
Ms Jones said one of her favourite recollections is of a trip to Canberra in early 2014 for a forum with Australia’s top climate scientist.
“I remember Maggie’s bright eager eyes and the face of experience taking notes from Professor Brendan Mackey, Professor David Lindenmayer, Bob Brown, and Ian Dunlop, among others.
“But it was the trip home that topped it off, with Maggie hopping on the train with all our luggage, and it went without me.
“I’m waving it down running beside it and Maggie’s screaming out from the train to stop; everyone [was] in hysterics and the train stopped.
“God only knows what Maggie said to the inspector, but we were finally allowed on to everyone in the train cheering.
“We thought it was a sign the Government would stop and listen to activists.”
All who knew Maggie are welcome to join in sharing memories and celebrating her life and legacy at the Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens on Sunday 27 July at 11am.
The event will be a relaxed, picnic-style gathering and guests are asked to BYO rug, food, and drinks.
Tea and coffee will be available.
By Andrew VIVIAN
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