#AMRC25 Interstate Wrap: South Australia dominates while Para rowers power the movement

By Nick Jones at the Sydney International Regatta Centre

The 2025 Australian Masters Rowing Interstate Regatta delivered an unforgettable morning of Interstate action in Penrith on Saturday, where pride, grit and state spirit stole the show.

South Australia emerged as the standout state, claiming three of the six events, including a clean sweep of the Eights. While Victoria, ACT and NSW added Golds of their own.

Interstate Men’s Masters D Eight: SA go five straight

South Australia were unstoppable in the Eight, securing their fifth consecutive win and stamping their authority on the blue-riband event.

The crew, coxed by Bonnie White and stroked by Alister Walsh, crossed in 2:59.70, holding off Victoria and Tasmania with a well-executed, inch-perfect race plan.

“It’s been the journey that’s made this so worthwhile,” Walsh said.

“I’ve been out of the game for over a decade and to be part of something this special, it’s social, it’s tough, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Interstate Women’s Masters D Eight: Three in a row for SA's sisterhood

Not to be outdone, the SA Women’s Eight made it three straight titles, holding their line from start to finish in 3:23.18.

“We definitely felt like we had a target on our back,” said Susie Ross, who sat in the seven seat.

“There’s not many of us back home, but that tight-knit spirit? You can’t beat it.”

The crew, coached by Daren Potts, celebrated with high-fives and hugs as they stepped off the podium with smiles that said it all.

Interstate Men’s D Quad: SA break new ground

It was a first-ever win for South Australia in the Men’s Quad, and the emotion was clear.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know it was the first time until someone told me,” said Matt Russell, who returned to rowing after a 21-year break.

“This crew just clicked. We visualised the race, trusted the plan and it played out perfectly.”

The crew held off Tasmania and Victoria to take the title in 3:08.19.

PR3 Women’s Single: ACT takes gold in style

The PR3 Women’s Single Scull saw a strong showing from the Australian Capital Territory, with Sue Donoghoe delivering a composed and commanding performance to secure victory in 5:03.17.

Donoghoe, racing off a 9-second handicap, led through every marker and didn’t look back, holding off New South Wales' Micah Kelly and Victoria’s Kate Hampton to claim the title.

It was ACT’s only win of the Interstate program but a standout one, highlighting the growing strength and support behind PR3 athletes in the capital.

Interstate PR3 Men’s Single: Wall powers home for NSW

Kevin Wall gave NSW its first gold of the Interstate program with a clinical win in the PR3 Men’s Single, stopping the clock at 4:19.93.

“To represent the blue is a privilege,” Wall said.

“The support we’ve had from Rowing NSW and the adaptive community has been unbelievable.”

ACT’s Stuart John took second and delivered one of the quotes of the regatta:

“Just give us [Para rowers] a go. It’s not just about elite rowing, it’s about participating, being part of something.”

Interstate Women’s D Quad: Victoria edge a thriller

The tightest race of the day came in the Women’s Quad Scull, where Victoria’s crew, stroked by Christine Camiller, held off NSW and Queensland by less than two seconds.

Camiller, who last raced at Interstate level back in 2002 in the Victoria Cup, was overwhelmed.

“Twenty-three years later and I’m back representing Victoria. It’s surreal,” Camiller said.

“We knew it would be tight, but we had a great call from the back and held on to the end.”

Final Word: More than medals

From record-breaking wins to long-awaited returns, #AMRC25’s Interstate racing was a celebration of more than just results.

It was a tribute to resilience, teamwork and the love of the sport at every age and stage.

Whether you were chasing your sixth straight win, your first state seat in decades, or a hard-earned medal in the PR3 category, this was Masters rowing at its most powerful.

And in 2025, South Australia stood tallest.

To catch up on all the results from #AMRC25, click here. To see and purchase photos from Australian Rowing Images, click here.