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TROPHY HISTORY

A. J. Shepherd Cup This trophy is named in honour of Arthur J. Shepherd, a highly respected rowing administrator, coach, and supporter of the sport in Victoria. Beginning in 1892, Shepherd served on the Victorian Rowing Association committee for an extraordinary 62 years — including 39 years as Vice President and 10 as President. As an athlete, he rowed in the Victorian Intercolonial Eight in 1891 and was part of the successful 1892 crew. He later contributed as a selector and coach for numerous interstate crews.
The Buchan Trophy Originally donated by John I. Buchan, three Buchan Cups were to be awarded for competition among Maiden Eights at the Melbourne Regatta - a prominent and historic event on Victoria’s racing calendar at the time. Under the original conditions, any club that won the trophy three times would retain it outright. The second trophy (pictured) was introduced in 1903 and claimed by Albert Park Rowing Club following victories in 1905, 1908, and 1913. This trophy now serves as a perpetual award at the Rowing Victoria State Championships.
H. E. Butler Trophy This trophy was first presented in 1953, on behalf of the Melbourne Rowing Club and the Victorian Rowing Association, for competition by Junior Eights at the V.R.A. Melbourne Regatta. It was established in memory of Henry (Harry) Edmund Butler. Butler’s service to rowing played a significant role in shaping the strength and success of the sport in both Victoria and Australia. He served on the Committee of the Association for 30 years — beginning as a delegate for Melbourne Rowing Club, then as an Elected Member, Assistant Honorary Secretary, and for 20 years as Honorary Secretary. Supporting 14 Victorian King's Cup crews, he was also fondly remembered for the manner in which he looked after athletes welfare.
Eric Waller Perpetual Trophy First presented in 2022, this trophy honours the late Eric Waller, a Rowing Victoria Life Member and one of the great servants of our sport. Eric served the sport at all levels - rower, coach, club and state administrator, boat race official, Field of Play, and finally as Victorian regatta manager. Eric also served as an elected Rowing Victoria board member for 18 years, including time as Vice-President.
D. S. Stirling Trophy This trophy was first presented in 1977, in memory of successful lightweight oarsman, David S. Stirling. Stirling was a dedicated member of Mercantile Rowing Club for 50 years, and served the Victorian Rowing Association for 30 years as a delegate for the Yarrawonga Rowing Club. Stirling also made a significant contribution as Chief Clerk of Scales, overseeing the weighing of lightweight oarsmen and coxswains at regattas across Victoria — including the 1956 Olympic Games in Ballarat.
Noel F. Wilkinson Trophy First presented in 1980, this trophy is named in honour of passionate volunteer, Noel F. Wilkinson. Wilkinson embodied the true spirit of volunteerism, never holding a paid position in rowing or in any other area of sport throughout his life. A Life Member of Rowing Victoria, he served as Treasurer for 18 years and spent 33 years on the Executive. He is particularly remembered for his exceptional fundraising efforts, which led to the establishment of interstate and international funds — providing ongoing annual support for Victorian representative athletes.
Harry Yoffa Trophy First presented in 1968, this trophy is named after highly respected Melbourne Rowing Club oarsman, Harry Yoffa.
Unnamed Trophy This trophy was first presented to the V.R.L.A Championship Pairs in 1923.
Unnamed Trophy Donated by Littlewood Young & Co in 1891, this trophy was awarded to the winner of the Senior Pair at the V.R.A Annual Regatta. The trophy was first won by an Albert Park Rowing Club crew, stroked by S. Wilson. Over the years this trophy has also been presented to Coxed Four crews, with the trophy awarded to the Male Open Pair in recent times.

Historical information sourced via Australian Rowing History.