2026 Rowing Australia Coaches Conference

The 2026 Coaches Conference is an event you don't want to miss, taking place at the Sharks Event Centre on the Gold Coast.

The weekend begins with a meet and greet function at 6.30pm on Saturday the 24th October, with the two day conference running from Sunday morning through to a 3.30pm close on Monday the 26th October.

Beyond the Catch: Coaching That Creates Impact

With a special focus on school and youth programs, this year's theme is designed to improve your coaching impact. The conference showcases a blend of international expertise and established domestic knowledge, featuring 14 presentations designed to equip attendees with the critical resources needed to develop the next generation of Australian rowers.

International keynote speaker Liam McCarthy is travelling from Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom to present at the event. His topic covers impactful coaching and sustainable athlete outcomes, focusing on the philosophy of developing the person rather than just the performance.

The pathway to coaching success continues with presentations from highly credentialled figures across the sport:

• Paul Thompson MBE, James Harris, Xavier Dorfman and Nadia Bleaken will explore the benefits of coaching overseas.
• Jason Lane will present on benchmarking and minimum erg standards, ensuring coaches understand the thresholds required for competitive excellence.
• Michelle de Highden from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will facilitate a vital panel discussion on opportunities for women to develop their coaching careers.
• Scott Fairweather will share his learnings from working with younger athletes.
• John Driessen and Nick Mitchell, joined by facilitator Duncan Free, will share their extensive knowledge on coaching the quad scull.
• The RA Para Team will discuss advancements in this growing area of the sport and how Para coaching can support developing your program.
• Attendees will also hear from Hayley Verbunt and Bourby Webster on the critical role of coxing, alongside insights from leading school coaches.

Accommodation and Travel

The Sharks Event Centre is easily accessible by public transport with a range of accommodation options available in the surrounding areas.

Tickets can be secured through the Revolutionise platform, click here for more information.

RA looks forward to welcoming coaches to the Gold Coast in October to help build the skills needed for future success.

For any questions, please contact the team at coaching@rowingaustralia.com.au.