Marie Shaw

The inspirational journey of Marie Shaw, QC (’69) and how she has truly embodied the Loreto values and spirit to pursue her dreams

The July Old Scholar Story highlights Marie Shaw (’69), QC. Marie shares with LOSA her incredible journey since leaving Loreto and how the life lessons she learnt from both her family and during her time at Loreto, enabled her to pursue her own dreams as well as support the dreams of her family members. Marie’s story is one that is truly inspirational and embodies the Loreto values, spirit and vision.

Marie in her own words:

“As I grew up on a farm at Warrachie on Eyre Peninsula where the nearest school (Lock) went only as far as grade 7, I was well aware that my parents were determined to give me the education that my father was denied because of his family circumstances ( he was the youngest of 12). They sacrificed so that I could attend boarding school at Loreto. To this day, the lesson for me was that I had the opportunity for an education and, as my father would say:. “You have two arms and two legs. Think of all the children in the world that do not have two arms and two legs, and do the best you can with them.”

The second life lesson that came through my father’s strong Catholic faith, that included mass when the visiting priest came to the nearby Lock Hall and a regular rosary, was – “ the greatest virtue of all is humility”. My mother on the other hand was a Methodist convert and the strongest person I have ever known. For her, no matter what the setbacks or hardships were, she kept going forward and instilled in each of her children a belief that if you worked hard enough, nothing was beyond your reach.

I was fortunate at Loreto to have had the opportunity to participate in many activities but especially sport, the debating team and the initiative of a school newsletter. A key life lesson I experienced during my secondary schooling was that if you have one person who believes in you or believes you can achieve at the highest level, it is that belief that can change your expectations of yourself and inspire you to always do the best you can. I had that blessing with my Economics teacher who told me during Year 11, to my absolute surprise at the time as a middle of the road student, that I could top the State in economics. That drove me to work even harder and in fact, that was the outcome. So I realised not just what were the possibilities with the right support but also the potential each one of us has to change the direction of someone else’s life.

Whilst at Loreto I was awarded an American Field Service Scholarship that I took up during my first year at Law School. I spent a year living with an American family near Boston who welcomed me as part of their family unit without expectations and with unconditional love. Whereas before I left, I lacked self confidence and self belief, I returned with a greater purpose.

Whilst at Law school, I married a policeman and then commenced working for Frank Moran QC- a fearless criminal lawyer and champion of the underdog . With his teaching and encouragement I came to appear as counsel. He would reflect his pride in the attempts I made to emulate his convictions by nicknaming me “Queen Boadiceau”. When my eldest daughter and my son were in early primary school, I wanted them to experience first hand the value of community that is so strong in a country town. So we lived at Bute for two years and I commuted the 140 km each day.

In 1996, I was appointed Queens Counsel and in 2005, I was appointed as a judge of the District Court. However I eventually decided to return to the Bar where I am able to practice in Frank Moran Chambers alongside my eldest daughter Rachael, also an ex Loreto girl and her law firm.

When my youngest came along, and after she was expelled from PlaySchool, we faced a huge challenge with a child who we considered was gifted but who struggled in the school system. However when she was nine years of age, she watched the movie, the Mighty Ducks and wanted to be an ice hockey player. That turned her life around. She was motivated to believe in herself and ignore the naysayers.

In 2005, as part of a not for profit group leasing the IceArena , we developed the Ice Factor Program. We partnered with high schools (who identified at risk and disadvantaged students) and community sponsors (who fund the necessary equipment) to provide the same opportunity as ice hockey provided for my daughter. Over the last 16 years, the program has grown so that we support 18 high schools and 250 students each week . We have developed an indigenous program, the “ Kaurna Boomerangs”, coached by my youngest daughter, who are the first indigenous ice hockey team in Australia. With the support of sponsors, they travelled to Canada to play against “ The Cree” First Nations ice hockey team. For example, in one indigenous family alone, four sons that have benefitted from the Ice Factor Foundation charity- none have been in prison and all are in full time employment.

Currently, through “March for Eyre”, I am engaging with my Lock community to pursue their vision to revitalise the district , restore the Eyre Peninsula railway, build accommodation and keep the sports and their extraordinary spirit alive.

I strive to take on Evelyn Mitchell’s words in her forward to “ The Silver Brumby”:

“ The value of your life is measured by your contribution to the community” . I have indeed been fortunate and for that I am truly indebted to so many, especially my supportive husband and children. I will always value the words of Mr Moran QC as he was dying, when I went to thank him for what he did for me as a lawyer and as a person. I asked him, “ Why did you believe in me?”. He said, “why shouldn’t I?.”. I said, “ Because I didn’t think I had any ability”. And he replied, “ It’s those that think they have ability that don’t, because they lack humility.”