Stephen Handley OAM Elected to Rowing Australia Board

Rowing NSW advises that Stephen Handley OAM has stepped down from his role as Deputy President and Director of Rowing NSW following his election to the Rowing Australia Board.

Stephen’s election to the national board is a significant recognition of his extension knowledge of the sport, his long-standing service to rowing, and the respect he holds across the rowing community in New South Wales and nationally.

Stephen has made an outstanding contribution to Rowing NSW, serving as a Director since 2007 and Deputy President since 2017. During this time, he has played a significant role in the governance, competition structure, coaching and the strategic direction of rowing in NSW.

A former Australian representative and Olympian, Stephen’s rowing career spans more than five decades as an athlete, coach, administrator and leader. He represented Australia in the men’s eight at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, competed at the 1977 and 1978 World Rowing Championships, and was a member of winning NSW Kings Cup crews in 1977 and 1978. Across his competitive career, Stephen won numerous Australian and NSW Championships, including national titles in the coxed pair, coxed four, club eight and Kings Cup.

Stephen’s contribution to rowing has extended well beyond his achievements as an athlete. He has coached on an honorary basis for more than 40 years across school, club and masters rowing, supporting athletes at all levels from learn-to-row through to senior crews.

At Sydney Rowing Club, Stephen has been a central figure in the development and success of the club’s rowing program. He joined SRC in 1972, competed for the club throughout the 1970s, and has served in senior leadership roles including Club Captain and Vice President. He was awarded Life Membership of Sydney Rowing Club in 2005 and the club’s Honour Blazer in 2010.

Within Rowing NSW, Stephen has been instrumental in shaping competition, selection and athlete development pathways. He served as Chair of Selectors from 2008 to 2014 and has chaired the Competition Commission since 2014. Through these roles, Stephen has contributed significantly to NSW’s sustained success in interstate competition and strengthened opportunities for athletes across the state.

Rowing NSW President Sinclair Taylor, thanked Stephen for his exceptional service: “Stephen has given extraordinary service to Rowing NSW over many years. He has brought to the Board the perspective of an Olympian, coach, club leader, selector, administrator and lifelong contributor to the sport. While we will miss his leadership and experience on the Rowing NSW Board, we are delighted that Australian rowing will continue to benefit from his knowledge and commitment through his new role on the Rowing Australia Board.”

Rowing NSW will now commence the process to fill the casual vacancy in accordance with the Rowing NSW Constitution.

On behalf of the NSW rowing community, Rowing NSW congratulates Stephen on his election to the Rowing Australia Board and sincerely thanks him for his outstanding and sustained contribution to Rowing NSW.