The Australian Sculling Championship (Professional) Title was first recognised in the early 1850s. George Mulhall was the first champion due to his dominance in heavy boats. From 1858 when racing was held on the Parramatta River, Richard Green became the Champion. He was later the first international contestant for the World Sculling Championship and that race was held on the Thames in 1863. Thus began a long association of Australian Champions who were either contestants in, or actual holders of, the World Title.
From 1866 William Hickey was the Champion, a position he held until being disposed by Michael Rush in 1873. In turn the title was held by Edward Trickett and Elias C. Laycock. Trickett won the World Title in 1876, and held it until 1880, and from then on any Australian holders of that title were generally considered to be the Australian Champion as well. These people were:
Date (DMY) Winner Comment 16-8-1884 Bill Beach 11-2-1888 Peter Kemp 27-10-1888 Henry Ernest Searle Died 1889 25-4-1890 Peter Kemp 15-12-1890John McLean 28-04-1891 Jim Stanbury Held until 1896 7-9-1901 George Towns
For the rest of the time the Title was in existence it became a more identifiable entity mostly, but not totally, separated from the World Title. The holders were:
Date Champion Comment 1903 Richard Tresidder 1908 Ben Thououghgood 1909 Harry Pearce 1913Alf Felton Later World Champion 1913 Jim Paddon Later World Champion 1926 Alfred Burns 1937 Evans Paddon Later World Champion 1949 James Saul Later World Champion 1950Robert Kemp 1951 James Saul again 1952Robert Kemp again 1952 Evans Fischer Later World Champion 1953 James Skinner
Only the holders are listed here but there were a much greater number of contests as matches were run on the challenge system. One man would challenge the holder for the title and for money.
As with the world Title there was less interest in the Australian Tile after the Second World War. In general, professional sculling declined in popularity and eventually the Title lapsed as scullers and the public became less interested in such races. Amateur honours such as Olympic selection were much more attractive.
References
"Sculling and Skulduggery" by Stuart Ripley, Australia, 2009. World rowing history - professional racing