Rowing Australia Rower of the Year Award Winners

Congratulations for the National Award Winners!

Simone Burge - Winner of the "Volunteer of the Year Award"

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. 

Rowing WA is proud to celebrate Simone Burge (Swan River Rowing Club), who has been awarded National Volunteer of the Year – a remarkable recognition of her outstanding contribution to the sport of rowing.

Simone is the backbone of the Swan River Rowing Club, dedicating countless hours to governance, rowing, and grassroots development. Her passion for inclusion and diversity has driven initiatives that make rowing accessible to everyone. From mentoring newcomers through Learn to Row programmes to converting corporate participants into active members, Simone’s efforts have strengthened our community and inspired others to get involved.

Her leadership extends beyond the water – managing regatta logistics, towing boats to events, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Simone’s unwavering commitment and ability to engage and empower others set her apart as a true leader in the sport.

Congratulations, Simone! This national honour is a testament to your dedication and the positive impact you’ve made on rowing in Western Australia and beyond.

Swan River Rowing Club - Winner of "Rowing Program of the Year"

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

We are thrilled to announce that Swan River Rowing Club has been awarded the prestigious National Rowing Program of the Year title! This incredible recognition celebrates the success of our Corporate Rowing Program, which has become a benchmark for community engagement and grassroots recruitment, proving rowing is accessible, exciting and a powerful force for inclusion across Western Australia.

In partnership with Rowing WA, Swan River Rowing Club hosted the fifth annual Corporate Rowing Regatta in 2025 – now one of WA’s premier community rowing events. Over six weeks, more than 80 first-time rowers from leading organisations trained on the iconic Swan River, culminating in an exciting 500-metre regatta. Many participants have since joined our Novice and Masters squads, showcasing the program’s strong retention and growth.

The Corporate Rowing Program champions inclusivity with gender-balanced crews and promotes rowing’s core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, and courage. Beyond racing, the event delivers social impact through volunteer support, partnerships with organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and reinvestment of proceeds into club development.

This national honour reflects the dedication of our volunteers, coaches, and partners who make rowing accessible, exciting, and a powerful force for inclusion.

Congratulations to everyone involved – Swan River Rowing Club is proud to lead the way in growing our sport and strengthening community connections!

Click here for the album: credit to Patrick Boere Photography