RA Rower of the Year Awards Nominations Summary

WA are proud to announce the WA finalists for the Rowing Australia Rower of the Year Awards.

BONT Club of the Year Award

This award recognises clubs that demonstrate excellence across participation, perfromance culture and impact. Proudly supported by Bont Rowing, this category celebrates the clubs whose leadership, innovation and commitment continue to elevate our sport nationwide. 

A huge congratulations to both UWA Boat Club and Swan River Rowing Club! 

The University of Western Australia Boat Club (UWABC)

Founded in 1919, has been shortlisted as a finalist for Rowing Australia’s prestigious BONT Club of the Year award. Operating independently without university or high-performance funding, UWABC exemplifies community-driven success.

In 2025, the club achieved its best-ever Australian Rowing Championships result, climbing to 15th on the medal tally—up from 31st in 2024 and 66th in previous years. UWABC also dominated locally, winning 13 gold medals at the WA Indoor Rowing Championships and securing the WA Champion Club title. Its Masters squad topped the medal tally at the State Championships, while 14 athletes represented UWA at UniSport Nationals, earning four medals.

Beyond competition, UWABC delivered extensive community initiatives: learn-to-row courses, indoor rowing programs, corporate training, and partnerships promoting inclusion and mental wellbeing. The club launched a Rowing Access Program to support athletes from low socio-economic backgrounds and partnered with UWA Sport’s LGBTQIA+ Allyship programme.

With 120 junior athletes, 26 volunteer coaches, and a dedicated full-time coaching team, UWABC continues to lead in participation, performance, and inclusivity. Its success reflects a united, volunteer-driven culture focused on opportunity and community.

Congratulations to UWABC on this well-deserved nomination!

Swan River Rowing Club (SRRC)

Founded on the banks of the Swan River, has been recognised as a finalist for the Rowing Australia’s BONT Club of the Year for its outstanding commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and performance.

In 2025, SRRC achieved significant membership growth across juniors, seniors, masters, and corporate categories, driven by innovative school outreach, corporate partnerships, and coastal rowing initiatives. The club’s partnership with Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club strengthened its position in coastal rowing, while its pathway programmes successfully transitioned school and corporate rowers into competitive racing.

SRRC led the Rowing WA Corporate Cup, training eight of nine teams, generating media coverage and funding for new boats and local charities. Mental health and wellbeing remained a priority through initiatives like Mental Health Activation Month and partnerships with Alike and Blokes & Bridges. The club also championed gender equity, with female coaching leadership and multiple RWA awards for women in rowing.

On the water, SRRC combined community impact with competitive success, securing top 10 national finishes, strong state and international representation, and maintaining a robust coaching development programme.

Congratulations to SRRC on this well-deserved honour!

Rowing Australia Official of the Year

This award recognises the officials who uphold the integrity of our sport through their professionalism, fairness and commitment. Rowing Australia are incredibly grateful for the officials, who dedicate countless hours to ensuring safe, fair and well-run racing. 

 Luke Forysth

Following his award as Boat Race Official of the Year at the Rowing WA Awards, Luke Forsyth has been announced as a national finalist, recognising his outstanding contribution to rowing officiating.

In 2025, Luke achieved Level 3 Boat Race Official accreditation and officiated at 31 regattas across diverse roles—Marshal, Starter, Umpire, Judge and President of the Jury. His expertise spans multiple disciplines, including Head Racing, Sprint, Indoor, Coastal, and Pennant, with key roles at major events such as the Australian Rowing Championships and Beach Sprints Nationals.

Renowned for his leadership and mentorship within the WA BRO community, Luke fosters collaboration and supports emerging officials through knowledge sharing and best-practice guidance. His reliability and professionalism have been pivotal to the success of rowing competitions across Western Australia and nationally.

Congratulations, Luke, and best of luck at the national awards!

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises individuals whose passion, generosity and dedication keep our sport moving forward. Rowing Australia are deeply grateful for the volunteers who give countless hours to support clubs, events and athletes. Our sport simply wouldn't be what it is without them. 

Simone Burge from Swan River Rowing Club

After winning Club Volunteer of the Year at the Rowing WA Awards, Simone Burge has been announced as a national finalist, recognising her extraordinary contribution to Swan River Rowing Club.

Simone is the backbone of the club, dedicating countless hours to governance, decision-making, rowing, and grassroots support. Her proactive approach and positive attitude inspire others to get involved, strengthening the club’s community spirit.

A passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, Simone drives initiatives that make rowing accessible to all. She mentors newcomers through Learn to Row programmes, converts corporate participants into active members, and even handles regatta logistics, towing boats to events.

Her unwavering commitment and ability to engage and empower others set her apart as a true leader in the sport.

Congratulations, Simone, and best of luck at the national awards!

Rowing Program of the Year

This award recognises programs that are creating meaingful opportunities, building participation and developing athletes.

A huge congratulations to Swan River Rowing Club and UWA Boat Club! 

Corporate Rowing Program - Swan River Rowing Club

The Swan River Rowing Club (SRRC), in partnership with Rowing WA, hosted the fifth annual Corporate Rowing Regatta — now one of WA’s premier community rowing events. The program introduces employees from leading organisations to rowing through a six-week training course, culminating in a 500-metre regatta on the iconic Swan River.
In 2025, more than 80 first-time rowers took part, with many progressing into SRRC’s Novice and Masters squads, highlighting strong retention and growth. The event promotes inclusivity with gender-balanced crews and attracts wide attention through Telethon broadcasts, media coverage, and social media engagement.
Beyond racing, the regatta reflects rowing’s core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, and courage. It also delivers social impact through volunteer support, partnerships with organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and reinvestment of proceeds into club development.
The Corporate Rowing Regatta has become a benchmark for grassroots recruitment and community connection, proving rowing is accessible, exciting, and a powerful force for inclusion across Western Australia.

Best of luck SRRC!

Shenton College Rowing Program - UWA Boat Club

The Shenton College Rowing Program, delivered by UWA Boat Club, is WA’s largest public school rowing initiative, engaging over 120 students in 2025 and more than 1,000 since 2012. Its mission: make rowing accessible and foster lifelong participation.
Through assemblies, newsletters, and social media, rowing has become part of Shenton’s sporting identity. Principal Michael Morgan praised the program for teaching life skills like resilience, teamwork, and leadership, while ensuring every child can participate regardless of background.
Each year, more than 450 Year 8 students experience learn-to-row sessions, with retention soaring from 33% in 2024 to 63% in 2025. Senior students are now integrated into UWABC squads, creating a clear pathway from school to university rowing.
The program’s success extends to national competition: 13 athletes raced at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships, 13 joined WA’s Pathways Team, and Shenton claimed the WA Champion School trophy at the All Schools State Championships.
A strong volunteer base of parents, alumni, and club members underpins the program, ensuring sustainability and inspiring the next generation.

Best of luck UWABC

High Performance Club of the Year Award

This award recognises clubs that consistently excel in developing elite athletes, delivering high-quality training environments and contributing to Australia's success on the national and international stage. Rowing Australia is proud to acknowledge the clubs whose commitment to excellence drives the high-performance pathway forward. 

Trinity College Rowing Club

Trinity College Rowing Club (TCRC) combines PSA school tradition with a strong alignment to Rowing Australia’s High Performance strategy. Led by Phil Jurjevich and supported by Level 3 and Level 2 coaches, former national athletes, and senior club coaches, TCRC offers student-athletes elite development alongside academic success, with clear pathways into high-performance clubs post Year 12.
The program boasts a rich history of producing over 25 Australian team members and nine Olympians. In 2025, several students medalled at State Championships, three earned Australian Junior Team selection, and alumnus Alex Rossi joined the Senior Team. Alumni such as Jack Cleary and Rossi continue to excel internationally, while emerging athletes remain in contention for WAIS categorisation.
Recent seasons delivered national titles and multiple silver medals across U19 and youth categories. TCRC also drives collaboration statewide, sharing resources and supporting athlete transitions to national teams.
Through strong partnerships with WAIS, RA-aligned clubs, and Rowing Australia, TCRC upholds values of teamwork, respect, integrity, and courage—creating a culture where excellence and character thrive.

Good luck Trinity!