2018 Rower of the Year Awards 

Congratulations to all the Award Winners for 2018!

On Friday 19th October, Rowing WA recognised its high achievers of the year in a fantastic evening that brought the 2018 regatta season to a close.

Approximately 100 rowers, coaches, administrators, volunteers & special guests paid tribute to those that were bestowed the honour of receiving recognition for their achievements during 2018.

Unfortunately there were too many success stories & high achievers to acknowledge in one evening, especially with the volunteer contribution made by so many to ensure the sport remains strong & vibrant.

Recipients of the 2018 Rower of the Year Awards included:

• Oarsman of the Year – David Watts (Swan River Rowing Club)
• Oarswoman of the Year – Annabelle McIntyre (Fremantle Rowing Club)
• Age Oarsman of the Year – Sam Marsh (Swan River Rowing Club)
• Age Oarswoman of the Year – Bronwyn Cox (University of WA Boat Club)
• Coach of the Year – Jamie Hewlett (WAIS)
• Club Coach of the Year – Neville Kempton (Swan River Rowing Club)
• Volunteer of the Year – Brian Nash (Swan River Rowing Club)
• Official of the Year – Brett Woolfitt OAM
• Rowing WA Volunteer of the Year – Pierre Pougnault

Pennant Awards were won by:

• Overall Premiership Pennant – University of WA Boat Club
• Champion Club of the Year – University of WA Boat Club
• A Grade Pennant – West Australian Rowing Club
• B Grade Pennant – Swan River Rowing Club
• C Grade Pennant – University of WA Boat Club
• D Grade Pennant – University of WA Boat Club
• E Grade Pennant - Curtin University Boat Club
• Masters Pennant – University of WA Boat Club
• Head Race Pennant – Swan River Rowing Club
• Novice Sculling Award – Swan River Rowing Club

The night highlighted many of the strategic achievements of the sport in Western Australia throughout the year & the future plans for the sport over the coming years captured within the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan for Rowing in Western Australia (this should link to the strategic plan one pager under policies)

Recognising our Boat Race Officials:

The 2018 Rower of the Year Awards also saw the introduction of a new recognition program for Boat Race Officials.  These dedicated volunteers will receive recognition pins for 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 years of service to the sport.  At this year’s event five recipients received their 25 year pins for their outstanding long service to the sport through their contribution as a Boat Race Official.  These people included:

• Brett Woolfitt OAM – 45 years of service
• Craig James OAM – 41 years of service
• Grant Ford – 38 years of service
• John Murdoch – 37 years of service
• Lynne Bayliss – 33 years of service

The evening was a true celebration of everything that is positive in the sport of rowing in Western Australia!