Champion Lakes came alive this morning as the Australian Masters Rowing Championships delivered a thrilling showcase of interstate racing, with crews from across the country battling for state pride in the heart of Western Australia.
From dominant victories to emotional returns and hard-fought finishes, the racing highlighted the very best of Masters rowing — resilience, camaraderie and elite competition at every age and stage.
South Australia Goes Back-to-Back in Men’s Quad
South Australia once again proved the crew to beat in the Men’s IS Masters 4x, successfully defending their title in impressive fashion.
Rob Ellis, Kevin Tankard, Christopher Morgan and Damien Derlique combined superbly to stop the clock at 3:07.88, holding off fast-finishing crews from Victoria (3:09.85) and New South Wales (3:10.84).
Victoria Claims Women’s Quad Crown
Victoria delivered a composed and powerful performance to win the Women’s IS Masters 4x.
Lee-Anne Martin, Ebony Ebenwaldner, Sarah Sekfy and Tanja Nishibata crossed the line in 3:34.49, finishing ahead of New South Wales by more than three seconds.
Western Australia Breaks South Australia’s Streak in Men’s 8+
One of the loudest cheers of the regatta came in the Men’s IS Masters 8+, where the home-state Western Australian crew denied South Australia a sixth consecutive title in the traditional “blue ribbon” event.
Damien Kelly, Mike Evelegh, Ron Snook, David Porzig, Greg Kerr, Jono Fievez, Stuart Reside and Glen Loftus, coxed by Bourby Webster, powered down the course in a stunning 2:56.57 to secure gold.
South Australia followed in 3:00.98 after a spirited challenge.
South Australia Dominates Women’s Eight
South Australia continued its remarkable run in the Women’s IS Masters 8+, securing a fourth consecutive title with another commanding display.
Mieka Webb, Kate Tebneff, Natasha Vassos, Belinda Jankowiak, Symonne Ellis, Christina Bursill, Susi Ross, Angie Francou, coxed by Jessica Lobban, crossed in 3:22.77 ahead of Victoria and hosts Western Australia.
New South Wales takes home Men’s PR3 1X
The Para events closed the morning with impressive performances in the PR3 Single Sculls.
New South Wales’ Kevin Wall produced a commanding row to take out the Men’s PR3 Single Scull in 4:11.46 ahead of Victoria.
Queensland’s Delight with Women’s PR3 1x
Queensland’s Katrina Reynolds stormed home in the Women’s PR3 Single Scull to claim victory in 4:54.05.
Reynolds overcame Australian Capital Territory sculler Sue Donoghue, who led through the opening 500 metres before Queensland surged ahead in the second half of the race.
The performances were another powerful reminder of the inclusive spirit and strength of Para rowing in Australia.
More Than Medals at #AMRC65
From record-breaking performances to long-awaited state team returns, the interstate racing at #AMRC65 was about far more than podium finishes.
It was a celebration of dedication, teamwork and the enduring love of rowing.
Whether athletes were chasing a fourth straight victory, earning their first state representative seat in decades, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of national competition, the spirit of Masters rowing was on full display.
And when the dust settled, South Australia once again stood tallest in 2026.
Thank You to Our Partners
Rowing Australia extends its sincere thanks to the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA, as a Major Partner, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport as an Event Partner, and the City of Armadale as a Major Partner for their outstanding support of the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships. Their investment and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this premier event to Western Australia and ensuring a world-class experience for competitors, supporters and officials from across the country. Through their partnership, the Championships not only celebrate the lifelong participation and passion of the masters rowing community but also deliver significant economic, tourism and community benefits to the region.
Rowing Australia thanks Rowing Western Australia for hosting the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships, including its incredible volunteer community and staff for delivering an exciting and engaging event.
Rowing Australia acknowledges the support of our Principal Sponsor Hancock Prospecting and partners Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Australian Sports Commissions (ASC) and Australian Government.
A special thank you also goes to the valued sponsors and partners of the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships:
To catch up on all results from #AMRC26, click here.
To view and purchase event photography from Australian Rowing Images, click here.