29 May 2026
As the whole School embussed for the Swimming Carnival at the SA Aquatic Centre, another crowd flowed in. The wider rowing family gathered for the second Quick Start Community Lunch. “Willie Watts”, the School’s tub pair, was moored in Big Quad under a pair of crossed sculls. A hundred and eighty guests were shoe-horned into Da Costa dining hall along with two Quick Start quads set at jaunty angles so they fitted.
The rowing community had good reason to gather in such numbers, out of season. James Tomkins OAM had come to share his reflections on his six Olympic Games. Tom Jeffries, of the Blackmore Club committee, had taken the initiative and the Foundation rose to the challenge, to invite James Tomkins. The club supported the event to such an extent it might have been the largest congregation of its members to date. The Quick Start donors were there to see their boats “Ian H Quigley” and “Ward S Matthews”, white against the dark wood paneling of Da Costa.
Tomkins’ themes; own your performance; process over outcome; deal with adversity; assume nothing; bring it all together, resonated with the audience and were eloquently illustrated. He stimulated a vibrant discussion with an expert panel, compered by Georgina McGuinness. Georgina revealed she is still globe-trotting in support of her son Oscar McGuinness’s (WDK 2017) rowing career. Lucy Stephan corrected James Tomkins’ claim that the only time Australia had won the VIIIs was in 1986, reminding him of the women’s win in 2005. Jo Francou reflected on the value of other sports in giving the rowers a break and recognised how much rowing had contributed to her son’s football career. James McRae saw it as a measure of the success of his program how many boys continued rowing after school. Much of the debate continued at the ‘Maid’ subsequently.
The quality of the speaker and panel means this event will continue to grow, keep Friday 28 May 2027 free in your diaries. Operation Quick Start thrives on the generosity of this community and this lunch celebrates what a special community it is.
ROWING COMMUNITY LUNCH GALLERY
Wade Hall Craggs
Head of Rowing
