Honouring a Legacy: 2025 Bromley Fund Grant recipients announced

Six of Australia’s most promising young pair rowers have received the prestigious Bromley Fund grant, with each athlete awarded $6000 toward their seat fees for international representation in 2025.

The late Ted Bromley established the E.R. Bromley Fund in 1990 to support Australian pair oared crews selected to represent the nation at international competitions.

While the fund originally supported senior crews, the trustees later shifted its focus to underage representation, continuing Bromley’s enduring legacy of championing the coxless pair.

His impact lives on through this fund and through the Australian Men’s Pair Championship trophy, a bronze statue of Olympic legend James Tomkins OAM OLY.

This year’s grant recipients are:

Under 23 Women’s Pair

• Isabella Scammell (NSW / NSWIS / Sydney Rowing Club)

• Sophie Barr (SA / SASI / Sydney Rowing Club)

Under 23 Men’s Pair

• Alec Hoskin (NSW / NSWIS / Sydney Rowing Club)

• Montgomery Martin (QLD / QAS / University of Queensland Boat Club)

Under 19 Men’s Pair

• Lachlan Brown (WA / WAIS / West Australian Rowing Club)

• Jack Hansen-Knarhoi (WA / WAIS / Fremantle Rowing Club)

“Receiving the Bromley Fund grant is an incredible honour,” U23 Women’s Pair representative Sophie Barr said.

“It represents not only financial support but also a connection to the rich history and legacy of Australian rowing.

“I’m deeply grateful and inspired to carry forward the values of hard work, excellence and legacy that the Bromley Fund embodies.”

U23 Men’s Pair athlete Montgomery Martin shared a similar reflection.

“This grant alleviates a lot of financial pressure and stress and allows me to focus on my rowing and studies,” Martin said.

“I feel extremely proud to represent my country and appreciate the support.”

Lachlan Brown, who rows in the Under 19 Men’s Pair with long-time crewmate Jack Hansen-Knarhoi, spoke about the broader significance of the support.

“Being part of a long legacy of Australians inspires me,” Brown said.

“Receiving the fund reminds me that I carry the support of many people, the latest in a long line of athletes. It’s incredibly humbling.”

The Coxless Pair stands as one of rowing’s most technically demanding and emotionally rewarding boat classes.

For these athletes, training in the pair has shaped both their performance and perspective.

“The Pair demands a deeper level of connection, trust and communication than I’ve experienced before,” Barr said.

“It’s not just about the physical challenge, it’s about the human connection and teamwork it requires.”

Martin added: “The most important thing I’ve learned from rowing the Pair is the importance of partnership and respecting your teammate.

“Since each rower accounts for 50% of the result, we have to communicate effectively and work together to succeed.”

With the 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Poznan, Poland (July 23-27), and the World Rowing Under 19 Championships in Trakai, Lithuania (August 6-10) fast approaching, these athletes will carry the legacy of Ted Bromley.

Rowing Australia thanks trustees John Coates AC, Peter Antonie OAM and Andrew Guerin OAM for their continued stewardship of this vital fund and their enduring support of Australia’s next generation of elite pair rowers.