Rower of the Year Awards

The Rower of the Year Awards, held on October 24 saw 120 rowers, coaches, club supporters, BRO's and Rowing WA partners come together in a celebration of our community.

The new venue of Perth Royal Yacht Club was exquisite. Guests enjoyed welcome drinks on the patio whilst mingling and reminiscing on the past season. The venue was brought to life by a varierty of club blazers being proudly worn by rowers, coaches and BRO's, who all scrubbed up well! Janelle Austin was our wonderful Emcee for this event and the perfect steward for proceedings - thanks Janelle, another great job!! Our amazing photographer, Joe Mammoliti from Vidimage also did a fantastic job. Click here to check out the full album.

Johnson Daubney and Lachlan Brown were kind enough to take part in a panel discussion, talking about their 2025 rowing experiences, both local and internationally. It's always great to hear the stories and gain insights into our athletes physical and emotional journeys.

We would like to thank our event partners, Perfect Balance Rowing (PBR) and Rowgear, for their support. PBR gave a generous $1000 gift voucher to the winner of the Champion Club of the Year, whilst Rowgear donated a pair of sculling oars to the winner of the Novice Sculling Award.

Congratulations to the following award and pennant winners, announced at the Rower of the Year Awards!

Act Belong Commit ERG Challenge - UWA Boat Club

RWA Volunteer of the Year - Olivia Jones (SRRC)

Club Volunteer of the Year - Simone Burge (SRRC)

Left: Olivia Jones and Sue-Ellen Morphett | Right: Simone Burge and Sue-Ellen Morphett.
Photo credit: Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage                                                    

BRO Encouragement Award - Michelle Nurzenski (Level 1)

BRO of the Year - Luke Forsyth (Level 3)

John Murdoch and Luke Forsyth.
Photo credit: Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage   

Club Coach of the Year - Maisy Dawson (UWABC)

Coach of the Year - Tom Gatti (WAIS)

Left: Maisy Dawson and Matt Fulton | Right: Tom Gatti and Matt Fulton
Photo credit Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage   

Male Masters Rower of the Year - Daniel Real (CUBC)

Female Masters Rower of the Year - Megan Bagworth (UWABC)

Left: Daniel Real and Jes Moore Right: Megan Bagworth and Jes Moore
Photo credit: Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage   

Age Oarsman of the Year - Lachlan Brown (WARC) & Jack Hansen-Knarhoi (FRC)

Age Oarswoman of the Year - Greta Spencer (SRRC) & Lyla Fievez (SRRC)

Left: David Vandas, Lachland Brown and Jes Moore Right: Greta Spencer and Jes Moore.
Photo credit: Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage   

Oarsman of the Year - Alex Rossi (WARC)

Oarswoman of the Year - Jacqui Swick (SRRC)

Novice Sculling Award - Swan River Rowing Club

Neil Smith Memorial Male Sculling Ladder Champion - Ben Clayton (UWABC)

Ben Clayton and Lynne Bayliss.
Photo credit: Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage   

Lynne Bayliss Female Sculling Ladder Champion - Rebecca Pretorius (SRRC)

Head Race Pennant - Swan River Rowing Club

Masters Pennant - ANA Rowing Club

D Grade Pennant - University of WA Boat Club

C Grade Pennant - University of WA Boat Club

B Grade Pennant - University of WA Boat Club

A Grade Pennant - University of WA Boat Club

Premiership Pennant - University of WA Boat Club

Champion Club of the Year - Canning Bridge Rowing Club

Photo credit: Joe Mammoliti, Vidimage   

Rowing WA would like to thank the athletes, coaches, volunteers, BRO's and the clubs for their amazing work during the 2024 - 2025 season. The sport has seen phenomenal growth and this is thanks to the work of the community! Great job WA!!