Rowing Australia and Rowing NSW celebrate the life of Margaret Mackenzie OAM

Rowing Australia and Rowing NSW mourn the passing of Margaret Mackenzie OAM, a remarkable figure in Australian rowing whose influence as an athlete, coach, administrator and advocate shaped the sport in profound ways. 

Margaret, a Life Member of both Rowing Australia and Rowing NSW, passed away in 2024 at the age of 86.

Margaret’s passion for rowing began as a competitor, representing New South Wales in the Interstate Women’s Four Championship from 1955-1964. A formidable athlete, she was part of multiple winning crews and helped set the standard for women’s rowing in the country.

Her transition into coaching was equally impactful. By 1967, she had re-emerged in Victoria as the coach of the state’s Women’s Four, leading them to a Silver Medal at the Interstate Regatta. 

In 1968, she co-coached and stroked the Victorian Lightweight Four to victory in the inaugural Interstate Women’s Lightweight Four Championship, pioneering opportunities for female lightweight rowers at a national level. The following year, she coached Victoria’s Open Four to victory while also coaching their Lightweight Four and Single Scull, demonstrating her extraordinary breadth of expertise.

Margaret was instrumental in the introduction of women’s lightweight rowing, ensuring it became a permanent fixture in interstate competition. 

Her deep connections within the women’s rowing community across Australia played a crucial role in bringing the Victoria Cup to life, an event that continues to showcase the country’s top female lightweight crews. She was also a driving force behind the international recognition of women’s lightweight rowing, elevating the status of the discipline on the global stage.

Beyond her coaching and competition achievements, Margaret was a respected regatta manager and administrator. She held leadership roles as President of the NSW Women’s Rowing Association, President of the YWCA Rowing Club and Secretary of both the Australian Women’s Rowing Council and the Victorian Ladies’ Rowing Association. 

Her tireless advocacy extended to fostering women’s rowing in emerging regions such as New Zealand, the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

"Rowing Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of Life Member, Margaret MacKenzie OAM. Margaret has left an indelible mark on our sport and was much loved by athletes, coaches and volunteers alike,” Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook said. 

“On behalf of Rowing Australia, we wish to provide our sincere condolences to Margaret's family and loved ones. We look forward to commemorating her legacy when we present the Margaret MacKenzie OAM Trophy at the Australian Rowing Championships in Barrington next month." 

Rowing NSW CEO Melissa Ashton-Garard also reflected on Margaret’s extraordinary legacy.

"Margaret Mackenzie was a transformational figure in Australian rowing. She opened doors for generations of female athletes, coaches and administrators, ensuring women had the same opportunities to excel in the sport as their male counterparts. 

“Her passion, leadership and vision helped shape the landscape of rowing in Australia and her contributions will continue to be felt for years to come. Rowing NSW is immensely proud to have had Margaret as a Life Member."

Rowing Australia and Rowing NSW extend their deepest condolences to Margaret’s family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.