0
Donate here
E-News
Log in
0 Log in

WA Finalists for Rowing Australia 'Rowing Program of the Year'

Published Mon 17 Nov 2025

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

Rowing Australia announced today the finalists for the 2025 'Rowing Program of the Year'. Winners will be announced on December 5th at the 2025 Rower of the Year Awards in Canberra. 

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

 

Corporate Rowing Program - Swan River Rowing Club

The Swan River Rowing Club (SRRC), in partnership with Rowing WA, proudly hosts the Corporate Rowing Regatta — now in its fifth year and recognised as one of WA’s premier community rowing events. This world-class program introduces employees from leading organisations to the sport through a structured six-week training program, culminating in a thrilling 500-metre regatta on the iconic Swan River.

In 2025, over 80 first-time rowers participated, many transitioning into SRRC’s Novice and Masters squads, demonstrating strong retention and growth. The event promotes rowing to new audiences through extensive media coverage, live Telethon broadcasts, and social media engagement, while fostering inclusivity with gender-balanced crews and community participation.

Beyond racing, the regatta exemplifies teamwork, respect, integrity, and courage — values at the heart of rowing. It also delivers significant social impact, with more than 40 volunteers supporting the program, partnerships with organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and proceeds reinvested into club equipment and development.

Through innovation, collaboration, and corporate engagement, the Corporate Rowing Regatta has become a benchmark for grassroots recruitment and community connection, proving that rowing is accessible, exciting, and a powerful force for inclusion and growth across Western Australia.

 

Shenton College Rowing Program - UWA Boat Club

The Shenton College Rowing Program, run by the UWA Boat Club, is WA’s largest public school rowing program, engaging over 120 students in 2025 and more than 1,000 since 2012. Its mission is to develop rowing skills by fostering a supportive and engaging environment that encourages students to stay involved in the sport beyond their school years.

As a public school initiative, the Shenton program is redefining perceptions of rowing as an inclusive and accessible sport. Through school assemblies, newsletters, and social media, it has built strong visibility and enthusiasm. Rowing is now celebrated as part of Shenton’s sporting identity, sparking interest and pride across the student body and wider community.

Shenton College Principal Michael Morgan has commended the rowing program for its positive influence and inclusive approach, stating:
“The rowing program has had a significant and positive impact on our students who participate. The sport teaches students important life skills like discipline, resilience, teamwork, organisation, hard work, goal setting, grit, and leadership, which translate into other aspects of their life, including at school. The program allows any child the opportunity to be involved, whatever their background and athletic ability.”

Learn-to-row sessions are delivered to more than 450 Year 8 students each year, ensuring every student has the opportunity to try rowing in a supportive environment. From there, they can join the program, which has seen retention rise from 33% in 2024 to 63% in 2025. This year, senior students were regularly integrated into the senior UWABC squads, supporting the transition from school to university rowing and further strengthening retention. Mentorship from older athletes and a sense of belonging beyond the school environment provide value that extends well beyond sport.

The program’s pathway is now delivering strong national results, with 13 Shenton College athletes representing the club at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships and four selected for the WA Pathways Team that travelled to Penrith. Shenton College also won the 2025 WA Champion School trophy at the Rowing WA All Schools State Championships.

Volunteer involvement has expanded in step with participation, with more than 30 parents, alumni, and club members contributing to coaching, logistics, and regatta support. This strong volunteer base underpins the program’s success and sustainability, and it continues to attract former Shenton students back into the program to coach, mentor, and inspire the next generation.

Gallery