The following span closures and traffic flows will be in effect for Phase 3 of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project as work is commenced on Pier 3. Traffic flows will be in place from Thursday 21st May 2026.
Rowing ACT has requested buoys be placed between Spans 1 and 2 to support the differentiation of the traffic flows.
Dear Rowing ACT Community;
As another regatta season comes to a close, we look back on some of the successes of the past few months, whilst reflecting and refining our processes for seasons to come. Our regattas are the lifeblood of our community and to see so many people continuing to cherish them is truly pleasing.
Regattas are run off the back of dedicated volunteers – from umpires, to commentators, to boat drivers, to regatta support – those who give their time are not unseen and very greatly appreciated. As we commence our planning for the 2026/27 regatta season, we are looking at our volunteer roles and best practise to ensure our regattas are well managed without overloading our member clubs and schools.
Our regattas do not operate without the drive of many. Lead by our Executive Officer (and Regatta Secretary) and Chief BRO, we have a team of umpires who continue to distinguish themselves as a class above. I would like to take this time to acknowledge several umpires in particular who have over several decades done an enormous amount to work to better ACT Regattas.
The things that are often unseen by competitors but are so crucial to our regattas for many years have been the result of significant hard work by volunteers and we thoroughly appreciate their dedication. They have built our practises from the beginning, with very limited resources and we know that we would not be in the same position we are today without them.
While the end of a season is a time for reflection, it is also a time to look forward. Rowing ACT has been the fortunate recipient of grant funding which will enable us to commence a near complete optimisation and replacement of some of our aging regatta systems. This has already commenced, and in the lead into the start of the 2026/27 season, Rowing ACT is preparing to:
In future years under the Industry Partnership Program, we hope to replace our audio systems across both racing and commentary as part of the final stage of ensuring all our regatta systems are future proofed and capable of hosting every regatta in the ACT – local, championship and beyond. We know there will be teething problems as we integrate new systems into our current process, and ask for your patience as we strive to achieve our best. We are confident that we are building towards something truly great.
We are excited to bring the Rowing ACT community along with us in this development journey. This opportunity marks a time where Rowing ACT has the chance to engage leaders in their field and to incorporate new opportunities, many of which we have not previously had capacity for. We are eternally grateful for the work of our umpires who built the current systems, and we look forward to taking the next step towards something truly special.
Kind regards
Kent Peters
Rowing ACT President
Rowing ACT is selling one of our Quintrex Umpire Boats. With low hours on the engine, and only ever used for umpiring rowing regattas, this is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a boat and trailer at great price.
For more information or enquiries, email chiefbro@rowingact.org.au or call 0406 376 666
Boat: 2001 Quintrex 420 Explorer, with side console
Engine: 2012 Yamaha 40HP 4 Stroke
Engine Hours: Roughly 1000 hours. Only used for ACT Regattas since purchase.
Trailer: 2003 Boeing Trailer, ACT Registration until December 2026
Price: $8,500 including GST
Hull: V-Hull
Length: 4.2m
Inclusions: Side console, 2 seats, bimini, anchor, navigation lights
Usage: Only used for Rowing ACT Regattas on Lake Burley Griffin since purchase. Stored with cover outside of use.
Rowing ACT is said to announce our Executive Officer, Sarah Davoren has made the decision to resign from her role to pursue a position with the ACT Brumbies as Events and Operations Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for Sarah, and one we are confident she will do well in, after nearly 5 years with Rowing ACT and 3 years since she stepped into the Acting Executive Officer role. Sarah will finish up with Rowing ACT on May 15th 2026.
During her time with Rowing ACT, Sarah has led our operations and strategic goals for the organisation and will leave behind a strong legacy for our community. As Executive Officer, she has successfully petitioned for the upgrades to the regatta course lanes, lead the delivery of the Australian University Championships, lead the delivery of one of the biggest Head of the Lake and Junior Championships regattas since pre-Covid, successfully applied for multiple grants for upgrades to our regatta equipment, managed the procurement and replacement of two umpire boats, supported the delivery of the inaugural Golden Oar regatta, and much more.
Rowing ACT President Kent Peters said “Whilst we are incredibly sad to lose Sarah from our organisation, she leaves the Rowing ACT Community in a far stronger place than when she started. Sarah will leave a large set of shoes to fill and has grown the sport of rowing in the ACT immensely.”
Sarah said of her departure; “Whilst I am incredibly sad to be leaving the wonderful Rowing ACT community, I am very grateful for the support I have received over the past 3 years as Executive Officer. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved in my time with Rowing ACT in conjunction with the board and the community. I know that the ACT community will continue to grow and flourish beyond me and I look forward to seeing what is achieved after I finish.”
Rowing ACT is reviewing the Executive Officer position, however our immediate priority is ensuring the delivery of our Winter Time Trial series and supporting the community through this transition period. In the interim we are seeking expressions of interest from the community to support in the immediate delivery of the Winter Time Trials and other operational work. Interested individuals should email Sarah Davoren at eo@rowingact.org.au
Another Australian Rowing Championships has wrapped up and once again ACT athletes have proven that a small but mighty territory can deliver big results. Across the week, our crews showcased depth, determination and class, returning home with multiple national titles and podium finishes.
ACT rowers stood on the top step across a range of categories.
Tahlia Turnbull claimed gold in the Under 19 Women’s Single Scull, while Luca Storgato dominated the Under 17 Men’s Single.
In the lightweight ranks, Alexandra Moylan delivered a standout performance to win the Open Lightweight Women’s Single, while Cormac Hayes took gold in the PR3 Men’s Single Scull. Isobel Egan also secured victory in the PR3 Mixed Double Scull.
In the school ranks, Marist College produced a dominant showing, taking out both the Under 17 and Schoolboy Coxed Quadruple Sculls. An impressive display of depth and crew cohesion!
SMALL BOATS: ACT’s strength in sculling was evident, with Cormac Kennedy-Leverett in the Open Men’s Single and Garvan Hayes in the U21 Lightweight Men’s Single both claiming bronze, alongside Hannah Tippett in the Open Lightweight Women’s Single.
MIDDLE BOATS: In the doubles, James Robson & Darcy James secured bronze in the Under 23 Men’s, while Emily Shappard & Catherine Khan matched the result in the Open Women’s. Tippett & Moylan also combined effectively for silver in the Open Lightweight Women’s Double.
QUAD STRENGTH: ACT crews continued to shine in the quad sculls, with bronze medals in both the Open Women’s by Anneka Reardon, Tippett, Khan & Moylan and Open Men’s by Hamish Harding, Robson & James.
ACT schools once again featured strongly across the championships.
Marist College led the charge with two national titles, while Canberra Girls Grammar School added to the medal tally with a bronze in the Schoolgirl Coxed Quadruple Scull and a silver in the Under 17s Schoolgirl’s Coxed Quadruple Scull. Crews from Radford College, Canberra Grammar School and Daramalan College consistently featured in A-finals, highlighting the depth of school rowing in the Territory.
A proud group of ACT athletes donned the blue and gold in the Interstate Regatta to close out the week.
The highlight came from Hayes, who delivered an outstanding performance to secure a silver medal in the Interstate PR3 Men’s Single Scull.
While the broader results did not fully reflect the effort and commitment of the squad, every athlete who represented the ACT did so with pride, determination and a strong sense of team identity.
From national champions to emerging school talent, the 2026 Australian Rowing Championships once again demonstrated the strength of rowing in the ACT.
Across clubs, schools and high-performance pathways, ACT athletes continue to punch above their weight on the national stage. These results are a testament not only to the athletes but to the coaches, volunteers, families and supporters who make it all possible.
Rowing ACT congratulates all athletes and thanks everyone involved in making the journey to Nationals another success.
Rowing ACT would like to congratulate the following crews on their selection into the ACT Interstate Team to compete in the Interstate Regatta at Lake Barrington on Sunday 29th March 2026.
Rowing ACT President Kent Peters commented “It is pleasing to see so many crews selected and that there is many individuals who want to compete for the ACT. Our athletes will do us proud and I look forward to seeing them compete in Tasmania”.
President’s Cup – Men’s Interstate Single
Hamish Harding, coached by Tom Westgarth and Nigel Harding
Nell Slater Trophy – Women’s Interstate Single
Catherine Khan, coached by Tom Westgarth and Nigel Harding
PR3 Men’s Interstate Single
Cormac Hayes, coached by Tom Westgarth
PR3 Women’s Interstate Single
Isobel Egan, coached by Gordon Marcks, Claudia Kendall and Oscar Willink
Noel F Wilkinson Trophy – Youth Men’s Interstate Eight
Harrison Braithwaite
William Fraser
Garvan Hayes
Benjamin Haywood
Campbell Milne
Dylan Outram
Cameron Schmidt
Angus Scott
Cox: Theodore Campton
Coached by Mark Kwiatkowski and Chris Polychinnan
Reserves: Josh Miller and Joshua McGuiness
King’s Cup – Men’s Interstate Eight
Hamish Harding
Cormac Hayes
Darcy James
Max McAlpine
Matthew Rickard
James Robson
Jesse Rosin
Cameron Schmidt
Cox: Jackson Thew
Coached by Mark Kwiatkowski and Chris Polychinnan
Queen’s Cup – Women’s Interstate Eight
Jacinta Essam
Sophie Jerapetritis
Ellora Kelly
Catherine Khan
Brooklyn Leslie
Alexandra Moylan
Tahlia Turnbull
Zara Turner
Cox: Amelia Mukherjee
Coached by Nigel Harding and Dearne Grant
Rowing ACT would like to acknowledge the passing of Evelyn Sommer, a Life Member of Black Mountain Rowing Club, and a cherished member of the Rowing ACT Community alongside her husband David Bagnall OAM.
Evelyn was a former Australian and NSW Representative over many years, and is a pioneer of women’s rowing in Australia. Black Mountain Rowing Club posted the following tribute on their website
“Evelyn (Ev) Sommer, Black Mountain Rowing Club (BMRC) life member, passed away peacefully on Saturday 28 February surrounded by family.
Ev’s, pioneering womens rowing achievements were significant and unique. Apart from her determination as a competitor she was colourful, loud and extroverted.
Ev took up rowing aged 15 at Sydney Womens Rowing Club (now Abbotsford RC).
In 1967, aged 17, in year 11 at Burwood Girls High School, Ev won the first of her eight Interstate Rowing Championships in the bow seat of the NSW four. Ev was frequently the stroke in subsequent Interstate successes. Indeed, in 1971, aged 21, Evelyn stroked the women’s interstate lightweight (Victoria Cup) and open (ULVA trophy) races to victory on the same day – an unusual achievement shared with fellow crew member Judy Perry who was in the same boats.
Ev’s rowing prowess was such that she had the distinction of winning all of the then Interstate events over her career: lightweight and open sweep crews and the Nell Slatter Trophy for Interstate single sculls Championship. This was an analogous achievement to that of Peter Antonie in men’s events.
Ev represented Australia at World Rowing Championships in 1974 and 1978 as well as several Trans Tasman events. In 1974, the pair of Ev and Lydia Miladinovic raced in the first World Rowing Championships that included women’s races.
Ev moved to Canberra in 1985 and joined BMRC. She won many local events and several Masters Regatta Championships in BMRC colours, with her last being the Australian Masters Rowing Championships in 2013 on Lake Burley Griffin.
Ev rowed in multiple crews at the Head of the Yarra (HoY), and despite her gloried past achievements was still announcing that she wanted to win the HoY. When the club named its lighter weight 8 the “Evelyn Sommer” she was still dreaming of being a part of a winning BMRC crew notwithstanding her declining health.
We will all miss Evelyn and her significant contribution to BMRC club and crews”
Rowing Australia have also acknowledged Evelyn’s significant contribution over many years, with a post highlighting her contributions to rowing in Australia.
Rowing ACT offers our condolences to Evelyn’s family, and particularly her husband David Bagnall in their time of grief.
Details for Evelyn’s Memorial can be found here
With the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project commencing, there will be changes to the Lake Traffic Flows to enable the completion of works. During the period of the bridge works, spans either side of the piers undergoing works will be closed to lake users.
The first phase of the closures will commence from Thursday 29th January and is expected to conclude on the 7th April. During this time, the two most southern spans of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will be closed to Lake Users. The map below shows the closures as advertised by the National Capital Authority.
Rowing ACT has developed the following map to assist rowers in navigating through Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
We thank the community for their support during this period, and will continue to advise the community on changes as they occur. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Rowing ACT Executive Officer Sarah Davoren at eo@rowingact.org.au
For more information about the Bridge Renewal Project, please click on the link below
National Capital Authority – Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project
Rowing ACT is excited to announce through funding from the ACT Government’s Women’s Coaching and Officiating Support Program, we are launching a Coaching Scholarship for Female Rowing Coaches in the ACT.
With 9 scholarships available for all level of coaches, Rowing ACT is excited to see development of our local female coaches over the next 12 months. This scholarships give opportunities for new, developing and performance focused coaches to expand their capabilities and skillsets through an exciting new program. Applications will close Friday 6th February 2026, with the program expected to commence Late February and will run through 2026.
Rowing ACT President Kent Peters said “We are excited to provide a new opportunity for female coaches in the ACT and look forward to seeing the development of coaches within the program”.
Rowing ACT Executive Officer, Sarah Davoren said “The program provides a great opportunity for local female coaches; from developing to performance; to upskill and showcase their abilities. We are incredibly grateful to the ACT Government for their support through the Women’s Coaching and Officiating Support Program Grant”.
To learn more about the program, head to the Women’s Coach Development Scholarship Page or read more here. For a flyer to share with coaches at your club, click here
The ACT Rowing Community was saddened to hear of the death on 12 December 2025 of former Rowing ACT member, competitor and Board Member Robin Poke AM.
Robin’s association with rowing in the ACT commenced in the 1980s when he came to Canberra to pursue opportunities in television journalism. He quickly immersed himself in a variety of roles in rowing at the State and National level.
In Canberra Robin is best remembered for leverage of his journalism skills to promote key events in the growth of ACT Rowing. These included selection of the first World Championship crew from the ACT – the junior pair of Galloway and Thompson coached by Peter Shakespear. Robin’s media strategy created a sustained lift in the profile of rowing across the board in the ACT and that of representative rowing.
The ACT crew’s victory in the 1997 Kings Cup provided him with an opportunity he had only dreamt of. He was able to call the editor of the Canberra Times and say “hold the front page, ACT has won the Kings Cup”. The publicity and events associated with this success provided a strong stimulus in ACT clubs and schools for increased participation in the National Rowing Championships and Interstate regatta.
Robin generously lent his expertise to Clubs and the Association for diverse promotional projects including business sponsorships and facility openings.
In the mid-nineties Robin took on leadership roles as Chairman and then President of the ACT Rowing Association at a time when statehood was the first item on the agenda. Working with proponents David Butt (Chairman) and Leon Bower, Robin contributed to the careful assessment of financial and administrative implications that lead to separation of the administration of ACT and NSW Rowing.
In 1992 Robin joined Canberra Rowing Club continuing his association with rowing competition that began on the Thames and later the Mosman Rowing Club. He successfully competed in regattas at the Club, National and International level.
ACT Rowing will miss Robin’s contribution to so many aspects of the local rowing scene. We thank Robin for his lasting contribution and legacy he leaves behind in the ACT Rowing community.
Article prepared by Patrick Davoren and David Bagnall