Hall of Wisdom, Mary Magee

Mary Magee is a Life Member of the Australian National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame. A pharmaceutical chemist recognized for her many successful entrepreneurial ventures, she was the first woman to own a pharmacy in the Brisbane Central Business District. At that time, a woman had to have a male guarantor in case she became a mother, which, presumably, destroyed one's mind. Mary at the age of 23 managed to pay for the pharmacy in less than a year. But before taking that first entrepreneurial step, she worked at a variety of pharmacies, learning all she could about the business and becoming skilled at relating high ethnical standards to practical reality. She used this knowledge and the advice of mentors, plus courage and determination to carry through her dream.

As the mother of a one-year-old, Mary helped establish the first private medical center in Queensland. She also developed a manufacturing and distributing company for children's clothes and toys retailed throughout Australia. In her spare time, she worked with a developer to create a second medical center and another pharmacy. Her upscale Mill Pharmacy became known throughout Queensland. She also owns the popular Transit Centre Pharmacy.

As past President of Zonta International, a worldwide service organization dedicated to the advancement of the status of women, she has inspired women all over the globe. Mary also served as Chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Queensland Women, making recommendations to develop legislation to improve women's lives. As a member of the Premier's Council for Women, she continues her work in advocacy for women.

Mary was Queensland Business Woman of the Year and Queensland Business Owner of the Year. She was also the first woman pharmacist to serve as a member of the Pharmacy Board of Queensland. Other honors include Outstanding Alumni for Science from the Queensland University of Technology and the Prime Minister's Award for the International Year of Volunteers.

Mary is also active in her community. She is a patron and board member of numerous organizations devoted to commerce and industry, wildlife preservation, continuing education, and health.

She believes aspiring entrepreneurs must first of all have courage to follow their dreams. Then it's important to gather all the information you can, build a team of support, learn from your setbacks, and hope a little good luck and good timing will come your way.

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