Margaret Gill, Deputy Mayor Margaret Gill is one of the great personalities of Cairns. As a long standing member of the tourism industry and a dedicated Councillor, Margaret has contributed to the growth of our community in so many ways. Today she enjoys the dual role of deputy mayor and accomplished businesswoman, and The 20/20 Group is delighted to share a few insights into whatmakes Margaret Gill tick.

1. In three words – what does Cairns mean to you?
FAMILY, WARMTH, OPPORTUNITIES

2. What was your first ever job?
An usherette at the Regent Theatre in Albury, NSW.

3. For people just starting their own business – what are your 3 success
tips?
Know absolutely that you ARE capable of what you are planningSeek knowledge
and advice from everyone you can think of, but trust your own judgment in the
end
Budget for the least favourable financial result, and be vindicated when your best
result eventuates

4. What business decision, or action have you taken that has had a
beneficial impact on Cairns?
In the pilot’s strike, I added another 20 units onto the Flying Horseshoe Motel,
and went into a deal with a Perth Travel Agent and Compass Airlines; which saw
our 51 units 90% full during that time.
As a councillor, the most “grass roots” benefit to the residents, was the adoption
of systematic rosters for the cleaning and enhancement of our city, not only the
glamour places, but in the suburbs as well.

5. What do you dislike most about your industry?
As a business operator, I would meet with my managers weekly and decisions
would be actioned by the end of the day. In council, it takes somewhat longer
for the process to happen

6. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
Seeing the improvements to the city; and being able to directly assist people

7. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would
you do?
Be a member of the Police Force, or local justice mediator.

8. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that wish you had the
time to pursue?
I had two years of piano lessons during secondary school. I would dearly love to
have the time to take further lessons

9. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
There is nothing I can change, so I live on this philosophy “the roses don’t have
thorns, the thorns have roses”.

10. Tell us something we don't know about you?
At 11.00am on 11/11, I will turn 60 – and I am going to party, party, party!!!

11. Who do you aspire to?
I have a little grandson with Aspergers (similar to autism); and I want to help him
and others sufferers to reach their full potential; and make life more bearable for
his Mum and Dad.

12. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
I have had so many wonderful moments in my life, I just want them to continue

13. If you could invite someone famous for dinner (dead or alive) – who
would it be?
Warren Buffett and ask him to share some of his investment strategies with me

14. When was your last overseas holiday and where?
In May we had ten days cruising on the canals of France. Wonderful

15. What’s your favourite journey?
Going up to our property on the edge of Lake Tinaroo via Kuranda Range.
Spectacular

16. Your favourite time of day?
After work, sitting on the balcony with my husband and a glass of wine

17. Your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?
Barnacle Bill’s is hard to top

18. What music or radio station do you listen to in your car?
846 Easy Listening, and Strauss tapes

19. Your favourite author or book?
Any book on tape as listening to them makes the time at the gym in the morning
bearable

20. What will you be doing when you’re 80?
Taking the great grandkids for rides in my new sports car.