At Mercantile, we know that no boat moves forward because of one rower alone and equally, no Captain leads this club in isolation. Behind every program, every regatta, every equipment purchase, and every member experience stands a committed group of volunteers who give their expertise, time, and passion to ensure Mercantile continues to thrive.
Our Committee is the backbone of the club. Together, we steward a proud legacy while driving the innovation, professionalism, and progress needed for Mercantile’s future. We thank our outgoing committee members and our incoming members.
Drew Ginn, Gina Peele, David Douglas, Rob Douglas (pictured above)
MEET YOUR 2025/26 COMMITTEE
President – Gina Peele
In a role similar to a Chair of the Board, I oversee governance, collaboration, and strategic direction. I’m passionate about innovation, elevating our brand, and building on past achievements, particularly through merchandise, member experience, and long-term planning.
Vice President – Sam Patton (2025)
Sam provides strategic support to the President and contributes valuable insights that strengthen operations, member engagement, and forward planning.
Vice President – James Tomkins (2026)
We welcome James Tomkins OAM as the new Vice President and look forward to his contribution.
Captain – Alex Clarke
For many, “Captain” may sound like a school leadership badge, but at Mercantile, it is closer to a Chief Executive Officer. Alex leads a complex organisation: managing full and part-time staff, negotiating tenancies with two schools, overseeing a fleet valued between $500k – $1 million, and ensuring our facilities and operations run efficiently.
Under Alex’s leadership, we now have:
- A Winter Training Program with 80+ athletes
- A Junior Development Program
- A Junior Performance Program
These achievements represent an extraordinary two years of growth and vision.
Vice Captain – Paige Barr OLY
Based at the National Training Centre, Paige provides vital high-performance insight and acts as a strong voice for women athletes, ensuring their needs and ambitions stay front and centre.
Vice Captain – Jordan King
Jordan brings his presence, energy, and mentorship to the club daily. He has been instrumental in growing the Guerin Club and plays a hands-on role supporting the Junior Program alongside Suzie Franklin, Alex Clarke, and Anthony Bergelin.
Treasurer – Duncan MacKinnon
Duncan oversees the club’s financial health, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and responsible management of our resources.
Assistant Treasurer & Membership – Andrew Phillips
Andrew supports financial planning while focusing on membership engagement and growth. He also contributes to website and digital operations alongside Captain Alex Clarke.
Secretary – Graeme Barns
Graeme is the operational anchor of the Committee, connecting with Rowing Victoria, Rowing Australia, and the Masters community. He ensures meetings run smoothly and accurately captures committee decisions.
Assistant Secretary – Simon Morrison
Simon assists with communication, record management, and employee contract administration quiet work that makes the club run seamlessly.
Performance Director – Tom Courtney
Tom oversees athlete development and performance pathways, leveraging global connections to support recruitment and coaching. His strategic insight is key to Mercantile’s competitive future.
Boathouse & Equipment Manager – Geoff Barden
Often working behind the scenes, Geoff leads volunteers in maintaining our facilities and fleet, ensuring the club is ready for training and racing, rain or shine.
Social Manager – Louise Carr (2025)
Louise has brought energy and connection to our social calendar, creating opportunities for members to build friendships off the water. She will step down at the AGM, and we thank her for her outstanding contribution.
Social Manager – Zara Dobson Harper (2026)
We welcome Zara Dobson-Harper into this role.
OUTGOING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Nick Kronenberg
Represented the Guerin Club on the committee and contributed during his time in the program. Now transitioning into the Performance Program, Nick will step down from this role.
Nick Reynish
Nick has driven Communications, produced the Mercantilian, contributed to Mercantile Radio alongside Drew Ginn and others, and overseen social media with Angus Boden. He will step down due to work demands and may return in the future.
Jordan Roberts
Worked closely with the President on uniforms and designed the upcoming Mercantile Training zooty with athlete input.
Ben Whitmee
A committed and steady contributor to committee operations.
Anna Morrison
Provided insight and support aligned with the high-performance program, strengthening pathways and athlete connection.
INCOMING GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Brigit Somerville
Sam Patton
Angus Boden
COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP AT ITS BEST
This Committee manages everything from finances, facilities, and equipment to athlete performance, events, membership, and communication. Like a perfectly balanced crew, each member plays a unique role in propelling Mercantile forward.
Their collective leadership ensures that Mercantile is not just a rowing club but a thriving, connected, and future-focused community.
We thank them for their dedication, professionalism, and unity of purpose.
MERCANTILE SHOP – WE WANT YOUR INPUT
We’re exploring new products and merchandise for 2026 and would love your ideas.
Please complete the survey below:
2026 Mercantile Shop Survey
MERCANTILE RADIO
Tune into our very own podcast hosted by Drew Ginn OAM.
Recent episodes feature:
- James Tomkins OAM – Australia’s most awarded oarsman
- Rosie Popa OAM – Olympic Gold Medalist
- Jessica Morrison OAM – Triple Olympian, Gold & Bronze Medalist
- Andrew Fooks – Rowing Australia Physiotherapist
- Mark Fangen-Hall – Head Coach of Oxford Univesity Mens Program
Listen here and stay connected to the voices shaping our sport.
Gina Peele – President