We had many get togethers with Margaret and Dennis and Jackie and John Anderson over the years. One very “significant” occasion happened during a lunch with the newly born , yet unnamed baby boy asleep in his pram beside the table. After much discussion a mutual decision was reached. The boy would be named Ross.
Ann
I met Margaret when I was a student teacher at Canberra High School in 1977. She was the school union rep and I asked her whether I could join the union. So we got off to a good start and soon became friends. Over the next nearly 50 years Ann and I have enjoyed many great times with her and Dennis and their family. She was a lovely friend and I will miss her greatly.
Mick Fogarty

Myself (Carolyn) and sister Suzanne were neighbours for years, there was just one house and a little park between us. Alison and Suz were in the same class and were almost instantly friends. Myself being a few years younger was sometimes a little uncool to my big sister but Alison and Margret always made me feel welcome. Sometimes I'd pop by unannounced and Margret would welcome me (even when she'd probably have preferred a phone call). I recall feeling very safe there and Margret and Denis would diligently watch our performances of fashion shows, dancing and likely terrible singing too. Sometimes we'd convince Ross to join, or possibly allow it - perhaps it was training for play with his daughters? :).
I recall Margret being a caring soul. One day when she was collecting us girls from dancing, Margret noticed that I was a bit avoidant of listening to the teacher. She advised with kindness to my mother to send me to a place with more discipline. My mum sent me to a classic dance school after that and it was such a great outcome for me.
We will miss you Margret. Love the Bigg girls.

I’m blessed to have known Marg for the past 15 years, from preparations leading up to the first meeting from which Pain Support ACT started. Marg's friendship and hospitality remains dear in my heart. I had marked in my diary to ring Marg to catch up when I was to be in Canberra for appointments next month. Sadly, it wasn't to be. My condolences to Dennis and all the family.

Photos: 2014 ACT Volunteer of the Year for Community Service; Finalist in the 2019 Lifeline Canberra Women of Spirit Awards.
The Tribute below expands on Marg’s involvement in supporting others, and her chronic pain advocacy work.

Margaret McCulloch, known to many as Marg, was a dynamic, dedicated, generous woman. For many years she had searched in vain to find information and support locally for her persistent (chronic) pain, so in mid-2010 she advertised for expressions of interest for a community support group. This is when I met Marg, and we worked together planning an inaugural meeting in October 2010. Pain Support ACT (PSACT) was the outcome: a monthly group to gather to share information and resources. Marg was elected President, and her supportive and caring husband Dennis, along with a small group of other people with a variety of skills, was on the very active Committee.

For the PSACT meetings, Marg arranged talks by professionals from varying disciplines – some on chronic pain, while other talks were about related medical conditions that can arise from compromised health.

Marg was soon advocating through Arthritis ACT, Chronic Pain Australia (CPA), Australian Pain Management Association (APMA), Health Care Consumer’s Association (HCCA), Australian Clinical Innovation (ACI), and PainAustralia.
Even though at times her chronic pain intensified, Marg remained focussed on her goal, and was soon liaising with the ACT medical and allied health industry, as well as the ACT and Federal governments.

Marg was instrumental in the ACT being involved in National Pain Week, and she participated in symposiums and conferences on chronic pain. Marg and PSACT were listed as “Participants of the Citizen Engagement Event Development of ACT Chronic Disease Strategy 2012”
Successful submissions were made to the Australian Medical Council’s 2012 assessment of the education and training program & professional development program; and to ACT Health. The latter resulted in the inclusion of chronic pain for the first time in ACT Health history in the ACT Government Health Department’s ACT Chronic Conditions Strategy — Improving Care and Support 2013-2018. Pain Support ACT was mentioned in the list of resources as a condition specific group.

Marg stepped down as President at the same time as ACT Self-Help Organisations United Together (SHOUT), to which PSACT was a member, closed down in 2017. PSACT, to guarantee its continuation moved under the umbrella of Arthritis ACT. Marg took on an advisory role as Arthritis ACT Board member, until increasing ill-health a couple of years ago.

This is only a small description of the tireless work Marg undertook over the past 16 years. The continued success of Pain Support ACT as a support, information, and advocacy group is her legacy to the people of Canberra and beyond.

Vale Margaret McCulloch – you will be missed.