Donald W Mackay
Cardross Rowing Club (VIC) and Mildura Rowing Club (VIC)
Donald William Mackay.
Donald learned his rowing craft at Geelong College and raced in the Geelong College 1st eight in 1944 in the 3 seat and won Head of the River.
He then went onto found the Cardross Rowing Club in 1947 taking the positions of Captain in 1947-48, coach and afterwards, President.
In 1948, he raced in the winning Henley on Yarra Elswick Challenge Cup for junior fours. The Cardross Rowing Club crew comprised Bruce Midgeley (bow), Peter C. Stubbings (2), Jack Harris (3),Don W. Mackay (stroke) and C. Ryan, cox.
After the demise of the Cardross club, he joined Mildura Rowing Club and served in various positions including Captain, President 1968-197?, Vice-president and coach.
From AD ASTRA, September 1966 page 6.
Mr. Donald W. Mackay, the President of the Mallee-Riverina Branch, Mildura, was at the College from 1942-1944.
In 1944 he rowed in the first VIII which that year won the Head of the River. He was also a member of the glee club.
He served in the RAAF 1945-46, and on being released from service returned to Red Cliffs where he helped start the Cardross Rowing Club of which he was Captain and then President until 1951. He then went on to coach at Mildura RC, which he also captained and of which he was vice-president for two years.
His interest in operas led him to become a member of the Redcliffs Musical Society and the Redcliff Players, and on many occasions he has taken a lead in musical comedies.
An extremely keen golfer, he was for two years, Captain of the Riverside Gold Club. He is a valued member of the Mildura and Mallee Regional Committee of the RACV on which he has served for 15 years, including 4 years as Chairman. In 1958 he organised the first reunion of the Mallee Riverina Branch and has, since that date, occupied the Presidential chair.
Kate Elliott
July 2025