Fifty Years On:

The Tasmanian Women’s Coxed Four and a Lifetime in Rowing

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Australian National Championships, a crew took to the water carrying far more than oars and a shell—they carried fifty years of history.

In the coxed four, three members of the celebrated 1976 Tasmanian Interstate crew reunited: Urszula Stanny, Shanne McGinniss, and Jan Scott, alongside their original coxswain, Jillian Heeley (who competed at the time as Jill McCure). Completing the boat in the three seat was Claire Shield, representing a newer generation, yet one with her own deep ties to Tasmanian rowing. Watching from the shore was Kerry Braslin, the coach who guided the 1976 crew to victory and who remains a presence in the sport half a century on.

This row was more than ceremonial. It marked 50 years since the crew’s triumph in what remains the blue riband event of women’s interstate rowing. Notably, Tasmania has not claimed this title since that 1976 victory—neither in the coxed four nor in the modern eights format—despite many outstanding athletes representing the state with distinction in other categories.

Urszula Stanny, stroking the boat, began her rowing journey in 1974. Success came quickly, including an Intervarsity win, followed by the 1975 Intervarsity Women’s Coxed Four alongside Shanne and Jan. Their partnership culminated in 1976 when, with Jillian as coxswain, they claimed Interstate honours. Her career extended well beyond that moment. In 1986, she won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. She twice earned Tasmanian Sport Star of the Year honours and competed internationally, including stroking the women’s coxed four in Copenhagen in 1987. Later, she broke new ground in coaching, becoming the first woman in Tasmania to coach a boys’ First VIII to victory at the Head of the River, and went on to mentor generations of athletes. In recognition of both her competitive success and her significant contribution as a coach and mentor, she was inducted into the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame. Today, she remains deeply active, cycling, bushwalking, and working as a personal trainer in Hobart.

Shanne McGinniss, who also began rowing in 1974, shared early victories with Urszula, including a junior coxless pair title. She went on to become one of the first Australian women to compete at World Championships in 1978 and 1979. Following her national success, she also won numerous Australian titles before retiring from competitive rowing in 1982. After her competitive career, she lived and worked overseas, maintaining her love of the outdoors through rowing, skiing, and bushwalking.

Jan Scott, who rowed under her maiden name Jan Lewis, later represented Australia in triathlon in Switzerland in 2006. She credits rowing with instilling resilience, goal setting, and a strong work ethic—qualities that have shaped both her sporting pursuits and her life. Today, she remains active through swimming, cycling, and bushwalking.

In the coxswain’s seat, Jillian Heeley—then competing as Jill McCure—found her calling early. Initially encouraged to try lightweight rowing, she instead became a highly accomplished coxswain, playing a crucial role in the 1976 victory. Her career extended to multiple national titles and international representation, including coxing Australian women’s crews in Amsterdam in 1977 and in New Zealand in 1978.

Joining this accomplished group was Claire Shield, bringing both youthful energy and her own impressive credentials. A former Tasmanian schoolgirl and junior eight champion, Claire went on to win a silver medal in the Under-23 coxless four at the Nations Cup in Belgrade in 2003 and represented Australia again in 2006 at Eton. Notably, she shares a unique connection with Urszula: both competed in the Tasmanian Interstate Eight in 2003 at Lake Barrington, with Urszula racing at the age of 48.

The legacy of the 1976 crew also reflects the strength of the broader squad. Recognition is due to Ro Foster for her role within the Interstate Five crew, and to Helen Schiel, who contributed to the success of the state four—both part of the wider network of athletes who helped define that era of Tasmanian rowing.

Together, this crew represented more than a reunion—it was a continuum. Their stories span generations, from the pioneering days of women’s rowing to modern international competition, all linked by shared experiences of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Standing behind it all was Kerry Braslin, their coach from 1976, whose influence has extended across decades of rowing. His presence on the day underscored the enduring bonds between athletes and coach, and the lasting impact of leadership in sport.

Looking back across these fifty years, we see far more than five individual stories. We see how rowing shaped their lives—how it forged pathways, built character, and strengthened lifelong connections. This anniversary row was a celebration of achievement, friendship, and lives defined in part by the sport—and a reminder of the lifelong benefits that rowing can confer.

Fifty years on, the rhythm of their stroke still tells the same story.