General News
3 December, 2025
Tributes flow for FNQ fisher and former Olympic rowing coxswain
TRIBUTES have flowed for a little known distinguished Olympic rowing coxswain who has died in Cairns after a battle with cancer.
Stuart Carter, 67, was a 10-time national champion whose career was defined by leadership, precision and a long record of achievements on the water. Educated at Newington College in Sydney, the prawn fisherman coxed the school’s First VIII in 1975 under coach Michael Morgan. In the same year, he represented New South Wales in the Youth Eight at the Interstate Regatta, marking the start of a rapid ascent in the sport.
Mr Carter joined the Sydney Rowing Club in 1976 during his final year of school. At just 17, he steered club crews to three state titles and two national championships, and guided NSW to victory in the King’s Cup.
His performances earned him selection as coxswain of the Australian Men’s Eight for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, making him the youngest coxswain ever chosen for an Australian Olympic Eight.
The Australian crew set a world-record time in their heat, but their campaign was disrupted when Malcolm Shaw sustained an injury. Mr Carter guided the boat to a fifth-place finish in the Olympic final despite the setback.
He returned to international competition in 1978, coxing the Australian Eight at the World Rowing Championships in Lake Karapiro, New Zealand, where the crew finished a close fourth.
Domestically, Mr Carter was a commanding presence across the coxed boat classes. Between 1976 and 1979, he steered Sydney Rowing Club crews to national titles in Pairs and Fours and held a regular seat in NSW King’s Cup victories in 1976, 1977 and 1978.
Later in life, Mr Carter was also a captain with the Northern Prawn Fishery, where he mentored others in the fishing industry and was known for his giant personality, vast knowledge and loyalty among his colleagues.
Colleague Gregory Willis said Mr Carter was “another true NPF character, gone, but forgotten. RIP Stu”.
A celebration of Mr Carter’s life was held earlier this month at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron.
