interview

Kate McGurgan Cameron,

Age-54

Mother/Homemaker 
– as told to The Silver Women

Women who inspired you as a young girl?
Of course, I adored my mum, she was always around for me.
The coolest, nicest and most beautiful mum ever.My mother, Margaret McGurgan was one of Australia’s leading models in the 50s and 60s, so she is gorgeous inside and out. I also adored my Nana. I grew up with my little sister Alex surrounded by women and girls. My dad and grandfather were the only guys in the family.

Cher. When I was a kid, around 12 years old I was obsessed with Cher, her outfits, her attitude, she looked so amazing, she sang, cracked jokes and could act.

Women who inspire you now?
I am impressed by many different women and girls. Especially the ones looking after those who need help.You don’t get a lot of recognition or any pay for that sort of stuff. So I suppose I am impressed by women with no personal agenda. Women who are content with themselves and kind to others.

Most valuable lesson taught by your Mother?
You have to be happy with yourself ! I don’t think she meant to teach me that, but that’s what I understood. Oh and stay out of the sun, that’s saying something for the time. It was the 1970s.

Do you think older women are valued or celebrated enough?
By some people.When I asked my mother (who is now in her 70’s) what she would be wearing to an event. She said “The only people looking at what I’m wearing are other 70-year-old ladies.”
I was a little taken back…as yeah it’s most probably true.

Have you made career changes over the years?
Two successful careers. One as a model for 20 years and the next as a homemaker/mother.

Through the decades!
20’s: I began my working life at 15 traveling the world alone, modeling, (photography, fashion shows, TV commercials).I was never a superstar, but I worked, earned money and made some truly amazing wonderful friends. From the age of 17, I was living in London, with extended visits home to Sydney, I have to say I totally appreciated the life, that the business and my looks gave me access to.

I also had some truly tragic times with the untimely deaths of my closest and most loved people through AIDS. In my late 20s, I went to a fashion industry party held on a boat, in London, on the Thames. I attended with my boyfriend of 8 years and three close friends. During the party, the boat was hit by another vessel. There were 51 fatalities. That night I lost my boyfriend and many friends.

“There are no words to describe the sadness I have been through, for myself and for the families of my lovely young friends who were gone. I was a survivor and I’m grateful.”

30’s: Hmm well I was being an old model for the first half. Ha! Ha ! I hosted a Fox TV Fashion series in Sydney. I felt that was the way my career was going to move forward. Jump next stop NYC at age 35, not the best career move for me but I was in love and soon to be a mother. And I have to say, SO VERY  HAPPY!

40’s: After being surrounded by women I find myself surrounded by guys. I feel very loved.

50’s: So far so good. I get more freedom now that my boys are grown. (17 and 12 years old) I love my family. I think there is another career out there for me not that I have any idea what it may be.

What have been your greatest challenges? Living so far from my family and friends in Australia, at times I feel completely stupid for living so far away.

What are you most grateful for? All the love I have received in my life.

Thoughts on AGING,
Oh … Gotta fight it and accept it and hope to be healthy.
Beauty-wise, if I had loads of cash, I would be off having every pricey treatment under the sun. It’s all gotta do something! Facial Acupuncture, Tracie Martyn treatments and visits to the Derm. I have always been a swimmer, so I will keep doing that, it makes me feel great.

The downside…It’s funny when you look in the mirror and you are just older … It’s you, but not as fresh faced and you are larger. Ha! Ha!
However, you don’t feel older. My Nana, Margaret Deas, said she still expected to see a young girl in the mirror because that’s how she felt.
She was in her 90s when she told me that. She passed away last year at 103 years of age.
The upside…I don’t feel like I’m old enough to say.

Your advice to young women of today?
Invest in your future because it is coming.Learn something new. Be smart with whatever little bit of money you can stash away. It will save your arse one day. Don’t bake in the sun!
–Kate McGurgan Cameron