Photos and images
Photos from Mum’s life, from the family farm at Highbury to her 90th birthday.
Most of these appear in Meg: A Memoir, with the captions from the book. Select “View and download” to see any photo at full size.
Meg’s life in photos
Tom, Meg and Dick, 1941
Meg adored her two older brothers, though they teased her mercilessly at times. They grew up together on Linton, the family farm in Highbury, WA, during the Depression years.
On the track near Wooroloo, 1951
One of Meg’s many adventures across Western Australia. By then she had worked at Royal Perth Hospital and the Repatriation General Hospital in Hollywood.
Meg’s WAAAF photograph
Meg joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force in 1942 and served in World War 2 as a radar operator in Geraldton, Western Australia.
Passport photographs, about 1953
Meg was preparing for the adventure of a lifetime: travelling overseas on her own, still a rare thing for young women at the time.
King Neptune certificate, 1954
Presented to Meg on her voyage to the United Kingdom, when the ship crossed the equator.
John and Meg after their wedding in Narrogin
They shared a deep love of the land and an adventurous spirit, which took them to some of Australia’s most remote stations.
Meg’s WAAAF service record
An extract from Meg’s service records from her time at the Group 447 Radar Station in Geraldton during World War 2.
Save the Children Fund letter, 1970
Meg and John sponsored several children despite having little money. After John’s sudden death in 1970, this moving letter came from Greece, where a whole village mourned him.
Ned with Meg and John
Family life was a joy for Meg, who loved sharing stories of the bush, the goldfields and her travels with her sons.
John with Jim and Ned
One of the many station adventures that shaped the family’s life, on stations such as Balfour Downs and Towera.
John Coten
Date and place unknown. John was known for his calm manner, his love of bush life and his deep respect for Indigenous culture and the land.
John Coten, photographed by Robin McArthur
Robin McArthur first met Meg and John while on a survey expedition in the North West. Lifelong friendships made in remote places were a hallmark of their lives.
Ned, Meg and Jim, 1973
At home in Andrews Street, Narrogin, where Meg and the boys moved after John’s death in 1970.
Ned, Jim and Meg, 1975
In the backyard. Meg made a warm and loving home for her family.
Meg at the Highbury Memorial, 2007
Highbury was where Meg’s life began, on Linton farm, with her beloved pony Myrtle and a joyful, often mischievous childhood.
City to Surf at 82
Typical of Meg’s indomitable spirit, she took on the City to Surf at the age of 82.
Meg’s 90th birthday, 2013
Celebrated in Perth at Jim and Kylie’s home. Back row: Kylie, Jim and Ned. Front row: Claire, Max, Meg, Andre, William and Sam.
Meg with her grandchildren
From left: Claire, Max (hugging Meg), Andre, William and Sam. Meg loved sharing stories of her adventurous life with them.
Blowing out the candles
Meg’s 90th was a fitting celebration of a life filled with love, adventure, humour and resilience.
The last family Christmas, 2019
The family was fortunate to gather one last time in Perth for Christmas in 2019, a treasured memory.
Jim Coten visits Towera Station
Our family lived on Towera Station during the early years of our life, from 1965 to 1969. In 2020 my brother Jim visited the station again to see where we lived and to distribute some of our mother’s ashes.
Dad’s grave at Towera
Fulfilling his wish, Dad lies in the red dust of the outback he loved.
More family photos
Meg at 98 Shenton Road, 1952
Swanbourne. The house was the home of Anne Porter’s mother, Dorothy Paterson.
Would you like to discuss more about the family?
If you have a question, a story to share or information about our family, I'd love to hear from you.
NED COTEN
Chair, director and executive leader in commercial, data and global sport.
Copyright © 2026 Ned Coten Melbourne, Australia