An important mentor and role model for local government women
Inducted in 2015 for services to: Business; Community, advocacy and inclusion; Government (Public services and politics); Industry.
Born: 28 Jun 1936 {asset_metadata_roll.birth.in.on} Launceston, Tasmania
Margot Smart OAM describes herself as "unashamedly parochial about Launceston."
Margot is a Life Member of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, a former Executive Member of the Launceston Chamber and was a Company Director and major shareholder of Robert Fergusson Pty Ltd, a statewide retail and wholesale business.
Margot was a Launceston City Council Alderman from 1992 until 2007. When Margot stood in the Launceston City Council election in 1992 she pledged "… to encourage a balance between important city development and the city’s heritage". Margot served on Launceston’s Heritage Advisory Committee, campaigned to save Launceston’s historic post office building, and was a Treasurer for the National Trust and volunteer in the Umbrella Shop.
Margot’s interest in youth was evident both through her involvement with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Council where she showed a deep interest in employment opportunities for young people. She was a member of the Newstead College Committee, Chaired the Northern Youth Coordinating Committee, set up the Launceston City Council Scholarship Program and was involved in Youth Spaces, a project to enable young people to use public spaces.
The Vice-President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Tasmanian Branch, Cheryl Fuller, said "Margot has been an outstanding mentor for women" and "a crucial component of the successful WomenCan campaign" by "supporting candidates with hours of introductions, encouragement and support."
Margot was the first woman elected to a committee of any principle racing club in Australia in 1991. She was subsequently chairman of the Tasmanian Turf Club 1996 – 2000 and the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council 1998 – 2000 with a seat on the Australian Racing Board.