Rowing WA Recognised at the 2025 WA Sport Awards

Rowing WA Celebrates Outstanding Recognition at the 2025 WA Sport Awards

Rowing Western Australia was proudly represented at the 2025 WA Sport Awards, held on Thursday 26 February 2026 at the Crown Perth Grand Ballroom, with athletes and volunteers recognised alongside the very best of Western Australian sport.

This year’s awards marked a historic milestone for SportWest, with a record 265 nominations received across 13 categories, highlighting the strength, diversity and depth of sport across the State.

Junior Sports Star Finalists

Rowing WA celebrated the achievements of two emerging athletes, Jack Hansen‑Knarhoi and Lachlan Brown, who were named finalists in the Junior Sports Star category.

Both athletes delivered standout performances throughout 2025, demonstrating not only competitive excellence but also a strong commitment to training, sportsmanship and representing Western Australia on the national stage. Their selection as finalists places them among the State’s most promising young sporting talents and reflects the continued strength of rowing pathways in WA.

Brett Woolfitt Awarded the May Campbell Medal

A highlight of the evening for the rowing community was the recognition of Brett Woolfitt, who was awarded the prestigious May Campbell Medal for Service to Sport for his extraordinary contribution to rowing in Western Australia. Brett was in attaendance on the night, supported by his wife, daughters and long time friend Brian Nash.

The May Campbell Medal is one of WA sport’s highest honours, recognising individuals who have demonstrated long‑standing and impactful service to their sport. Brett was recognised alongside two other outstanding WA sports servants, reflecting nearly 200 combined years of service to sport in the State.

Brett’s contribution to rowing spans more than six decades. His involvement began in the mid‑1960s and has included roles as an athlete, umpire, official and administrator. He has officiated atevery Rowing WA club and school regatta since 1965, and at almost every Australian Rowing Championships from 1983 to 2024, as well as international appointments including World Championships, the Southeast Asian Games and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Regatta.

Beyond the water, Brett served as Rowing WA’s Property Officer for 44 years, ensuring the behind‑the‑scenes infrastructure that allows the sport to function smoothly. His leadership at Swan River Rowing Club, including time as Captain, President and Patron, has left a lasting legacy within the rowing community. 

Rowing WA CEO, Daniel Tackenberg, said the evening was a powerful reminder of the impact rowing continues to have within the WA sporting landscape.

“To see our athletes recognised among the State’s best, and to celebrate Brett’s lifetime of service with the May Campbell Medal, is incredibly special for our community. These achievements reflect not only individual excellence, but the strength of the clubs, volunteers and pathways that support rowing across Western Australia.”

Rowing WA congratulates Jack Hansen‑Knarhoi, Lachlan Brown and Brett Woolfitt on their outstanding recognition and thanks SportWest for delivering an evening that showcased the very best of WA sport.

Check out some photos from the evening on our Facebook.