A Life of Empathy, Action and Fundraising for Community with Margaret-Anne Hayes

Connecting Seniors (Kintsugi Heroes)

Margaret-Anne grew up in post-war Australia, experiencing a tough childhood marked by community support and church, yet overshadowed by her father's unresolved trauma.

Inspired by her mother’s kindness, Margaret-Anne learned the importance of empathy and helping those in need, which became central to her values. In 1994, during a severe drought, she launched a grassroots drought appeal, mobilising her community to collect and deliver essential goods to affected areas. This began her lifelong commitment to fundraising and community service, starting with local efforts and expanding to larger initiatives like cancer research.

Despite personal hardships, including raising three children and losing her son Aaron to cancer, she remained dedicated to her community work.

Margaret-Anne lost 20 kilograms, completed a half marathon, and raised significant funds for cancer research in her son’s memory, impacting many lives. She organized vital relief efforts for victims of the Cobargo bushfires, using social media despite limited technical skills, proving her adaptability and resilience. Margaret-Anne participated in skydives and shaved her head multiple times, raising substantial funds and awareness for various causes with creative initiatives.

Her unparalleled community service earned her an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), acknowledging her extensive contributions and inspiring many. She champions simple acts of kindness, advocating patience, empathy, and colourfulness in life, emphasizing humanity's shared desires for well-being.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice Connecting Seniors Grant Program. To find out more about the program, head to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.