Mercantile Rowing Club has been a hive of activity throughout April leading into May. While some athletes take a well-earned break following a long season, others are in full swing preparing for the international racing calendar.
We are proud to congratulate Paige Barr, Hailey Verbunt, Emmie Frederico, Austin Reinehr, Fergus Hamilton, and Jack Robertson on their selection to the 2025 Australian Rowing Team. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the strength of our programs.
This month, we also announced the appointment of Scott Rowe as Mercantile’s new Head Coach, officially commencing on 16 June 2025. Scott joins us from KAND Rowing Club and Walford School, where he has led transformational growth, coaching multiple Australian underage representatives and building sustainable club structures.
Before beginning his role at Mercantile, Scott will travel as part of the Australia A Team coaching staff for World Cups II and III. He will be at the Club on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 June for a brief handover before departing with the national team. We congratulate Scott on his continued representation of Australia and look forward to welcoming him officially next month.
To learn more about Scott’s background and coaching career, click here.
Our club continues its strong international focus, with crews preparing for the Shanghai International Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and Henley Women’s Regatta. These crews have been led by dedicated volunteer coaches Peter Somerville, Dean Klufetos, and Jordan Roberts—thank you for your time, commitment, and expertise.
Fundraising efforts are well underway to support these Henley squads and reduce financial burdens on athletes and their families. If you would like to contribute, please follow the links below:
- Junior Prince Philip Challenge Cup Fundraising Link
- Senior Women – Wargrave Challenge | Australian Sports Foundation
A strategic focus over the past 12 months has been the growth of our Junior Programs, as part of our long-term commitment to Project Brisbane 2032. We are proud to report that we now have 105 Junior and School Leaver members, representing 25% of Mercantile’s total membership.
Our Winter Training Program is now underway, with 82 student athletes from Years 10 and 11 participating in an 8-week intensive block. Many of these young rowers will transition into our Junior Performance Pathways, with aspirations for Australian Junior Team selection and international racing in the years ahead.
We also extend our best wishes to Zara Bongiorno, Anna Morrison, and Summer Balla-Kellet, who are in contention for selection in the US-based U23 Australian Team, to be announced soon.
Finally, we look forward to announcing our new Men’s Youth and Women’s Youth coaches Ed Ryan & Tom Creber.
On behalf of the Committee, thank you for your ongoing support of Mercantile Rowing Club. We are proud of our people and programs and excited for what lies ahead.
Gina Peele – President
