Marg Atley grew up in a housing commission home with a father who had been a prisoner of war in Changhi and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy from the time she was very young. She was fortunate to have a good education, which provided a pathway out of poverty. She became a physical education teacher, but as a result of adversity, went on to travel the world, cross paths with famous people and have further careers and qualifications in small businesses, regional development, hospitality, accommodation, business development, higher education and management.