Shevahn Healy Makes History as First Female President of Stawell Athletic Club

Date: 7th March 2025

The Stawell Athletic Club (SAC) has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Shevahn “Shev” Healy as its first female president. 

A passionate advocate for athletics and community involvement, Shev takes the reins after serving as Vice President last year and joining the committee in October 2021.

Shev’s leadership journey within the SAC began through her work on various sub-committees, including a key role in negotiating the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the 2023 Stawell Gift. She also brings experience as the first female president of the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club, further cementing her dedication to the sport.

Reflecting on her appointment, Shev expressed her gratitude for the club’s support. “Becoming the first female president of the Stawell Athletic Club has been an incredible experience so far,” she said.

“I’m deeply grateful to have such supportive members who have welcomed me into this role with open arms. Together, we share a clear drive to ensure that each year’s event is the best it can possibly be. The energy and commitment of everyone involved is truly inspiring.”

Shev is joined by Sue McPherson, who has been elected as Junior Vice President. Sue’s ties to the club run deep, as her father, Murray McPherson, was a long-time committee member and historian, contributing to books documenting the club’s rich legacy.

Honouring Tradition, Embracing Progress

As a lifelong runner and volunteer, Shev’s passion for the Stawell Gift is personal. “For me, joining the SAC committee was a natural progression—combining my love for running with giving back to a club that means so much to the community.”

Shev has been a strong advocate for gender representation in the sport, playing a key role in ensuring Women’s Gift finalists’ names appear on the scoreboard before the Women’s Gift final. She also acknowledges the importance of the event’s history, something her family holds close.

“My husband has been attending the Stawell Gift since he was eight years old, and he has so many stories from the past. It’s a huge part of the community, and it’s incredible how widely recognized it is – even when I visited San Francisco, people knew about the Stawell Gift.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for the Gift

With growing participation post-COVID, Shev sees promising signs for the future of the sport. “I have seen the climb back from the COVID years, with more and more entries each year. This is promising for the sport, and I can’t see it going away any time soon.”

Shev also hopes for continued government support for athletics, ensuring future generations stay active and inspired.

“Living a healthy, active lifestyle is so important, and I hope that government officials continue to support and nurture athletics in Australia. Having professional runners as role models will inspire our youth to pursue the sport.”

Beyond the Track

Away from athletics, Shev is a Registered Nurse with a background in Critical Care nursing, bringing a strong sense of discipline and dedication to her leadership role.

As Shev leads the SAC into an exciting new era, her vision remains clear: honour the club’s rich history, embrace progress, and ensure the Stawell Gift continues to thrive for generations to come.

Left to Right: SAC committee members Mia Bell, Sarah Baker-Goldsmith, Shevahn Healy and Sue McPherson.

 

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