Paddlers Waterways Guide

07/08/2026

The second award is 2025/26 PNSW Instructor/ Guide of the Year to Bronwyn Powell of Western Paddlers NSW.

Bron runs Macquarie Marshes Kayak Tours in the stunning Macquarie Marshes - an internationally significant RAMSAR wetland in western NSW, renowned for its habitat, birds, native mammals, frogs, reptiles and native fish species. Bron built a relationship with NSW NPWS and private landowners who manage access to the mashes, to run the tours in the restricted-access Nature Reserve.

Bron combines knowledge of the wildlife and habitat as a Project Officer with NSW Fisheries – specializing in Murray Darling Aquatic Environment, with paddling qualification to give clients, who might be first time paddlers, a unique experience and insight into the marshes and their inhabitants and with history of and current status of issues impacting the mashes. Bron runs around 60 kayak tours a year, during the time when there is water to explore the maze of channels that feed mashes by kayak. When there is no water to paddle, Bron is a Discovery Guide for NSW NPWS, leading wetland walking/wading tours in the Macquarie Marshes. Bron is also a local paddle instructor and accessor for western NSW for PaddleNSW.

Bron is passionate about building the skills and confidence of women to go paddling on inland rivers. Bron ran a kayak skills courses and subsequent paddling activities for women on the Wambuul Macquarie River. The group are now developing a brochure for paddling around Dubbo and Wellington, which is aimed at enabling women to get out paddling in the local environment.

Another of Bron’s paddle passions is working with First Nations communities. Taking Wayilwan Culture Camp participants paddling in the Marshes and helping them source funding for their first annual camp in the Marshes. In the coming spring Bron will be running some joint tours with some Wayilwan people in the Marshes this spring. Bron also takes other First Nations organizations paddling in Dubbo.

A very deserving award for multi-talented Bron. Well done.

Paddlers Waterways Guide Paddle NSW Education Paddle Australia

07/08/2026

It's that time of year when we start announcing our winners in the 2025/26 PNSW Annual Awards. Sincere thanks for all 37 submissions from 11 different clubs and five different paddlesports.

Our first announcement is the 2025/26 PNSW Administrator of the Year - congratulations TORSTEN LACHMANN from Big River Canoe Club.

“Let’s ask Torsten” has become something of a catchcry at BRCC this year. More than just a familiar phrase, it captures the essence of why Torsten is such a deserving recipient of this award.

Known for his meticulous planning, a quality we affectionately attribute to his German heritage, Torsten combines precision and organisation with warmth and humour. Regardless of how busy or challenging the situation may be, he maintains a positive attitude, a friendly smile, and an unwavering commitment to the club and its members.

Torsten plays a pivotal role in the success of the club’s events. From the early planning stages through to event itself, his energy, enthusiasm, and attention to detail are second to none. He willingly steps into whatever roles are needed and contributes countless hours to ensuring participants have an exceptional experience. If there is a question about logistics, timing, or the event schedule, Torsten knows – and he’s keeping track!

As Club Treasurer, Torsten also provides outstanding financial stewardship. He maintains rigorous oversight of the club's finances, ensuring transparency and accountability. His efforts over the past year have secured significant grant funding, delivering fantastic outcomes for members and the club's long-term sustainability.

Torsten is the organisational backbone of BRCC. His ability to coordinate the Executive, navigate complex challenges, and find practical solutions are invaluable. Through his leadership, reliability, and tireless service, Torsten exemplifies the very best of volunteering and administration, and is a truly deserving recipient of the PNSW Administrator of the Year Award.

26/05/2026

Macquarie Marshes Kayak Tours

Guided kayak tours through the protected wetlands of the Macquarie Marshes, witnessing diverse birdlife and pristine scenery with an environmental scientist, Bron.