Our Team

Our little team cares.

We care about our members. Striving to keep them informed and supported.

We care about our clubs. Dedicated to supporting them with compliance, governance, and club development.

We care about our stakeholders and sponsors. Valuing and nurturing excellent professional partnerships.

Rosalie Evans

Executive Officer

Rosalie is a well-known paddler in the WA community, having started paddling in 1997 and competed in her first Avon Descent that year. Since then, Rosalie has competed in thirteen Avon Descents, two of which were in power-boats. Rosalie served as the Secretary of Ascot Kayak Club for 9 years and was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her contributions. A member of the Canoeing WA Board for 5 years eventually saw her move into the role of Executive Officer for Paddle WA. Rosalie has been leading the Paddle WA team since 2012, and has overseen the development of many new paddling initiatives in WA. Rosalie was proudly named a Life Member of Paddle Australia in 2023.

Leonie Cockman

Assistant Executive Officer

Leonie has been a highly involved member of the paddling community for many decades. She was the president of Ascot Kayak Club for 8 years. Upon her resignation, she was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her role in the club’s development. She continues to volunteer and instruct around the club. Leonie is Paddle WA’s most qualified instructor, regularly running PAQS Education courses all across WA, and has overseen the growth of the LiveLighter Paddle Academy. Leonie is a valued member of the Paddle WA Board.

Leanne Hampson

Marketing and Communications Manager

Leanne’s journey is a rich tapestry of experience in community and business development, marketing, communications and events. Her insights and knowledge have been stitched and gathered across diverse sectors, including corporate, not-for-profit and local government, bringing a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical hands-on expertise. She volunteers on a number of Boards and various community and sustainability initiatives. Beyond the office doors, Leanne loves pets, pens, paints and plants. She is keen to take to the water soon to discover paddling’s many benefits for herself!

Fiona McGrath

Administration Manager

Fiona comes from an Administration and Event Management background. Worked in administration at Hollywood Private Hospital for 12 years and then moved into the not-for-profit space in Event Management and Sponsorship at Breast Cancer Care WA and Auspire – Australia Day Council WA. These events included creating and implementing fundraising initiatives and working closely with the Australian of the Year Awards alumni. Highlight of her career thus far was working closely with the Perth Aboriginal Elders on the Shining the Light – The Story of Us which was the headline event for the City of Perth Australia Day Festival in 2021 which showcased to over 25 000 people. Fiona loves the outdoors and being physically active so who knows she might get out on the water and start paddling soon!