Margaret Mackenzie OAM

Margaret Mackenzie OAM is a trailblazer in women’s rowing, having significantly impacted the sport as a competitor, coach, and administrator.

Her rowing journey began with Sydney Rowing Club and continued with Y Rowing Club in Victoria. Margaret’s competitive career is highlighted by her multiple victories in the Interstate Women’s Four Championship, where she consistently held the two-seat position and led her crew to numerous first-place finishes from 1955 to 1964.

Margaret's influence extended beyond her personal achievements in rowing. She played an essential role in coaching and developing women's rowing teams, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales.

Her coaching tenure includes leading teams to victories and podium finishes in the Interstate Women's Four and Lightweight Four Championships throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Notably, she guided the Victorian team to victory in the 1969 Interstate Women’s Four Championship and coached the NSW team to a first-place finish in the 1973 Interstate Women’s Lightweight Four Championship.

Her administrative contributions to the sport are equally impressive. Margaret served as the Past President of the NSW Women’s Rowing Association, Past President of the YWCA Rowing Club, and Past Secretary of both the Australian Women’s Rowing Council and the Victorian Ladies Rowing Association.

These roles allowed her to drive substantial changes and advancements in women's rowing on a national and international level.

Margaret's behind-the-scenes efforts have been pivotal in establishing and promoting women’s rowing. She was instrumental in introducing women's rowing in New Zealand and the ACT and reintroducing women’s rowing and sculling in South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

Her advocacy was crucial in the international recognition of lightweight women's rowing and the inclusion of women’s rowing in the Olympic Games.

In recognition of her lifelong dedication and contributions to rowing, Margaret Mackenzie was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). She is a life member of Rowing Australia, honoring her exceptional service and commitment to the sport.

Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of women’s rowing.