MAGGIE McGowan was born in Corowa and moved to Indigo Valley when she was six years old. She lived there until she was 18, then shifted to Melbourne for university studies. Maggie lived in the Northern Territory for many years, before relocating to Beechworth in 2020.
What do you do workwise?
I currently run two businesses with my partner Laura - a coworking space in Beechworth, called somewhere here co, and Silent Cofounder, a business support agency.
What brought you to your role/career?
Business is a wild adventure and often people need support. My first foray into business was starting the clothing label Magpie Goose. It was a side project while I was working as a lawyer but it took off, and I ended up taking a long break from my legal career to run the business. I learned so much and it was such an enriching experience. Following our move to Beechworth, we made the decision to transition the business to Aboriginal ownership, and spent two years handing over the operations. After that we decided to share the skills and expertise we developed with other entrepreneurs and business owners through Silent Cofounder. The coworking space was created because we needed it to exist! Being able to leave the house and step into a productive environment with other professionals has been life changing.
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What do you love about your work?
I particularly love supporting people to create strong brands, using authentic storytelling, and creating compelling content.
I’m passionate about contributing to the community in the place where I live, and the coworking space has enabled me to do this in a creative yet practical way. For those that don’t have a workplace to go to, it can be very isolating. Through somewhere here co, we’re making it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to establish a professional presence and collaborate with others. It’s more than a workspace - it’s a community.
What do you do in the community?
I am currently on the board of the Beechworth Early Years Learning Centre. There is a waitlist for childcare of over 80 kids, which I believe is one of the greatest impediments to economic development in the Indigo Shire. It’s a feminist issue as it affects mostly women, and it’s a mental health issue. We need to be able to ‘share the care’ – when we don’t, women and families are left in a precarious position.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
Childcare as above.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
The genocide in Gaza committed by the Israeli government. 30,000 people killed (mostly women and children) is unfathomable. We must have a ceasefire, and a strong proposal for a Palestinian state.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?
If I had the power to bring someone to the Indigo Shire, I’d summon my Dad who died of cancer when I was 19. We would go rock hopping in the Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park.
What book are you reading?
I just finished ‘Lola in the Mirror’ by Trent Dalton. It’s a ripper yarn.
