The Rowing Victoria Awards are presented annually at the Rowing Victoria Awards night. Presentations include Club Premierships, Volunteer Recognition Awards, Nominated Awards, and Rower's of the Year. Rowing Victoria would like to acknowledge past recipients of Rowing Victoria Awards & Premierships below.

Club Premierships 

Premierships are traditionally awarded to clubs in four sections; Champion Club, Senior, Club/Grade, and Masters. See previous premiers via our Premiership Archive.

Volunteer Recognition Awards (2010-Present)

Victorian Rowing relies on the contribution and support of volunteers, whether umpires, regatta volunteers, commission and committee members, board members or the many other roles which contribute to the success of rowing in Victoria. We thank them all for their commitment of time and energy and acknowledge the role that they have played. 

The William Waterfield Outstanding Service Award

This award is named after life member William Waterfield who exemplifies long and outstanding service to the sport in Victoria. William was the backbone of the administration of the Association for some 30 years.

The Kath Bennett Community Service Award

The Kath Bennett Award for Outstanding Service to a Rowing Community in Victoria is planned to capture those people who have done outstanding work in a club, regatta committee or region. Life member Kath Bennett is a fine example of such work with reinvigorating women’s rowing in Victoria prior to amalgamation with the men’s association in 1979.

The Bob Duncan Award for Commitment and Professionalism of Umpires

Bob Duncan was an Olympian but more importantly, a dedicated, long serving, and excellent umpire. He led the improvement in umpiring standards and broke new ground in many aspects of umpiring. Given the heavy workloads undertaken by our umpires, this special award is to recognise outstanding service to umpiring, displaying excellence in their umpiring, and improving various umpiring operations at large.

The Susie Palfreyman Award for Distinguished Service to School Rowing

A woman who continues to play a significant role in Victorian rowing, this award is named after Susie Palfreyman. Developing a world class program at Methodist Ladies’ College, founding the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta, and continuing to support initiatives such as the Hall of Fame event, Susie continues to be a wonderful role model for women in Rowing.

Nominated Awards (2008-Present)

Regatta of the Year

The Regatta of the Year Award recognises a regatta that delivers an exceptional racing and participant experience, supported by a dedicated volunteer base and strong relationships with external partners. This regatta fosters a great atmosphere, offers creative and engaging activities beyond the rowing itself, and demonstrates forward thinking through clear long-term planning.

Club Person of the Year 

The Club Person of the Year Award recognises a club member who has demonstrated outstanding respect, initiative and commitment to both their club and to the sport of rowing. They contribute positively as part of a team, are highly regarded by their peers, and have made a meaningful and successful impact throughout the season.

School Person of the Year 

The School Person of the Year Award recognises a school member who has consistently shown respect, initiative and commitment to both their rowing program and school community. They are a valued team member, well-regarded by peers and staff, and have demonstrated success through their positive contribution throughout the season.

Coach of the Year 

The Coach of the Year Award recognises a coach who fosters inclusive, athlete-centred programs, adapts their coaching to support a wide range of rowers, and upholds the highest standards of ethics and conduct. This coach actively encourages athlete development through regular regatta participation, contributes their time and expertise to the broader rowing community, and plays a meaningful role in guiding and supporting emerging coaches.

Previous Recipients