Rowing WA would like to congratulate the following WA Athletes who have been selected to attend the U23 and Senior World Championships later this year. 

Lachlan Chapman SRRC - U23 Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four
Cameron Fowler SRRC - U23 Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four
Tom Gatti SRRC – U23 Men’s Eight and Senior Eight Squad
Alex Hagan SRRC – U23 Women’s Four, Senior Four and Senior Eight
Hannah Vermeersch WARC – U23 Women’s Four, Senior Four and Senior Eight
Lilly Tinapple SRRC – U23 Women’s Eight
Emma Jones ANA – U23 Women’s Lightweight Quad Scull
Jess Bowyer FRC - U23 Women’s Lightweight Quad Scull
Rhys Grant ANA – Men’s Single Scull and Sculling Reserve
Brendan Murray SRRC/ Sydney – Men’s Eight squad
Cameron Brewer ANA – Men’s Eight Squad
Maia Simmonds UWABC – Lightweight Women’s Double Scull
Perry Ward SRRC – Lightweight Men’s Quad Scull
Alexandra Hayes Huon RC – Lightweight Women’s Quad Scull
Lincoln Handley WAIS – Coach – Lightweight Women’s Double Scull

Well done to those who attended but werent selected this year. The full team list and event list can be found by clicking the link.
http://www.rowingaustralia.com.au/news_latest-news.shtm

Establisment of Mandurah Rowing Club

Its with excitement that Rowing WA announces that the establishment of the Mandurah Rowing Club is underway with a passionate committee seeking incorporation, negotiations for storage space and access to facilities and a recruitment drive taking place.   

The Club and Rowing WA is inviting the general public of Mandurah, Rockingham and the greater Peel Region to have a go at rowing on Sunday 19 May (0900-1200 hours) on the Mandurah Foreshore, with single sculls and ergos available for use.  Ross Brown, High Performance Development Officer, will be present to run talent identification assessments and talk to participants.  Anyone interested in coming along should visit http://tinyurl.com/cxvmghd to register their interest and ensure that they can have a go at rowing on the water or one of the rowing machines.  Alternatively, the Club President, Cameron Hearne, can be contacted on 0415 268 859 or visit the Club on Facebook (http://facebook.com/mandurahrowingclub)

Of course, it would be great if any current or past rowers in the area could attend the Have a Go Day or contact the Club.

As the sun rose on 9 April, Alan Salisbury celebrated his 80^th birthday by rowing bow seat of an 8+ crewed and coxed by rowers he has coached over the years, including his son Darryl as stroke.  Alan and Darryl will be competing in Turin later this year.  Best way to turn 80!

Alan Salisbury and Hannah Vermeersch honoured at Clubs WA Awards Night

Rowing WA would like to extend its congratulations to Alan Salisbury was honoured last night with the Clubs WA Volunteer Club Legend of the year award, beating out 12 other finalists from around the State.  Alan was presented with his award by the MInister for Sport - Terry Waldron and his acceptance speech was both charming and humbling, Alan always the enthusiast, ended his speech with a recruitment drive, inviting anyone down to try the sport with Westies. 

Hannah was also named Amatuer Sportsperson of the year after her amazing 2012, which culminated in competing at the London Olympics. 

Alan charming host Andrea Burns.

For an informed profile of Alan please follow this link  Alan Salisbury

Schools Pathway 8+

Rowing WA in partnership with Rowing Australia are proud to announce the following schoolboys who have been selected to attend the U19 Australian Selection Trials later this month in Sydney. The pathway 8 is a new concept for Australian rowing and is aimed at promoting a Schoolboy 8 crew to represent Australia at the World Championships, a boat category we have not raced at Junior World Championships for a number of years. A four will also attend selections, with the boys competing in pairs after the big boat selections have been finalised.

Rowing WA would like to congratulate Ross Brown who has coordinated the program as well as coaches Paul Bolton and Jamie Jones who will travel with the group to Sydney. Ross commented on the process "Its great to see a number of boys out in small boats after the PSA head of the River, it shows that with a little motivation school kids are still keen to be involved in the sport following the school season." 

Good luck at selections guys!

Eight:

Max Welborn CCGS

Sam Marsh CCGS

Jex Fatin TC

Luke Hutchenson TC

Jordan Ziliotto TC 

Lachlan Howden TC

Jeremy Grainger WC

Jordan Lee SC

Cox - David Colton TC

Four:

Liam Ward AC

Nic House CCGS

Nico Brits AC

Nicholas Pearson SRRC

Congratulations to the following ladies who have been selected to represent Western Australian in a state crew to attend the Australian Masters Rowing Championships in Canberra.

Women’s D Quad

Jennifer Collins

Sharon Jones

Jennifer Sarich

Alexandra Thornton

Thank you to all of you who nominated and good luck to the selected crew.

Following the success of the 2013 SIRR Colin Smith, John Boultbee and Andrew Dee have published an open letter to share the plaudits and congratulations, and to thank all individuals that contributed to the success of the event.

Please click on the icon for the open letter here  Open Letter - SIRR 20133

A copy of the letter is available on the RA website at http://www.rowingaustralia.com.au/news_latest-news.shtm

Rowing Australia again extends its sincere gratitude to all members of the Organising Committee, volunteers, athletes, coaches, spectators, officials, staff, contractors and others whose hard work, dedication and professionalism made the 2013 SIRR such a successful event.

Thanks in advance and kind regards,

Matt Treglown 

General Manager - Operations 

Rowing Australia

Direct: (02) 6214 7522

Fax:    (02) 6281 3910

Rowing Australia, in conjunction with the State Associations, has developed a new initiative to create a pathway for school aged rowers into the high performance system. The School Pathway Eight will give a male and female eight the opportunity to race off at the National Junior Selection Trials, 22nd to 26th April 2013 at the Sydney Internation Regatta Centre.

To view the selection policy please click on the following link -  Schools Pathway VIII - Selection Policy

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been invited to attend the Senior and U23 Australian Trials which will be held in Sydney in late April. The list shows the strong depth of the Sport in WA at the current time and reflects the strong showing by our athletes at the recent National Championships. Good luck to all our athletes in their quest for selection.

Senior

Rhys Grant - ANA

Ben Williams- Fremantle

Cameron Brewer - ANA

Tom Gatti - SRRC

Brendan Murray - SRRC

Sam Hughes - WARC

Nick Wakeford - WARC

Perry Ward - SRRC

Tim Widdicombe - UWABC

Tom Meares - UWABC

Hannah Vemeersch - WARC

Alexandra Hagan - SRRC

Helen O'Keefe - ANA

Maia Simmonds - UWABC

U23

David Watts - SRRC

Matt Cochran - WARC

Lachlan Chapman - SRRC

Cameron Fowler - SRRC

Mario LoPresti - FRC

Max Armstrong - FRC

Alex Murphy - ANA

Lilly Tinapple - SRRC

Hannah Jansen - ANA

Emma Jones - ANA

Jess Bowyer - FRC

WA Results at the Sydney International Rowing Regatta

Interstate Regatta Results

Congratulations to the entire WA State Team who made it one of WA's most successful Interstate regattas ever:

1st - Rhys Grant in the Mens Single Scull - WA's first win since 1983.

1st - Hannah Jansen, Jess Bowyer, Helen O'Keefe and Maia Simmonds in the InterstateWomens Lightweight Quad.

3rd  Mens Youth Eight - Cleary, Fowler, Moynihan, Pearson, Chapman, Kerr, Hayes, Lyche and Scott.

3rd  Womens Eight - Brown, Smith, Rose, Rukuwai, Miles, Vermeersch, Hagan, Rowe and Maguire

4th in the Womens Single Scull - Alex Hayes

4th in the Lightweight Mens Coxless Four - Armstrong, Meares, Widdicombe and Ward

4th in the Womens Youth Eight - Fitzpatrick, Brenz-Verca, Woodall, Thompson, Thornton, Wheeler, Tinapple, Jones and Fergusson

4th in the Men's Eight - Payne, Gatti, Williams, Grant, Brewer, Murray, Cochran, Watts and Martin

Well done to our coaching panel including Handley, Jones, Hewlett, Collins, Woolfitt, Martin, Kempton, Holliday, Hinsley, Whitaker & Philpot as well as our selectors and Team Manager Ross Brown who has done a great job pulling everyone together in his role as High Performance Coordinator for Rowing Australia. Special thanks to Steph Bale who did a huge job organising everyone before departure too.

World Cup Events

Congratulations to Hannah Vermeersch and Alex Hagan who picked up gold for Australia in the Women's Eight event at the World Cup, as well as Maia Simmonds who picked up a Silver in the Womens Lightweight Double Scull and Matt Cochran who picked up a Bronze as part of Australia's Mens Eight.

Tom Meares and Tim Widdicombe also finished in 4th place in the Australia 2 crew in the the Lightweight Mens Four and who backed up to finish 5th in the Australia 2 crew in the Mens Eight.

David Watts also finished 5th in the Men's Single Scull.

Club Results at SIRR 2013:

Declan Thornton & Patrick Boere (SRRC) - Gold in U17M2x

Thewlis, Dick, Thompson, Rose, Rukuwai, Smith, Miles, Rowe, Maguire (Composite) - Gold in OW8+

Lachlan Chapman and Cameron Fowler - Gold in U23LM 2-

Lilly Tinapple (SRRC/Mosman) - Gold in U23 W2-

Hannah Jansen (ANA/Melbourne Uni Composite) - Gold in U23LW2x

Fowler, Chapman, Armstrong, LoPresti (FRC/SRRC) - Gold in U23LM4-

Jack Cleary (ANA) - Gold in U19 M1x

Georgia Wheeler (SRRC) - Gold in U17 W1x

Lilly Tinapple (SRRC / Composite) - Silver in the U19W2x 

Lucy Jenkins and Georgia Wheeler (SRRC) - Silver in the U17W2x

Jones, Bowyer, Brown & O'Keefe - Silver in the OLW4x 

Schaafsma,Davies, Brenz-Verca, Fitzpatrick, Kelsall,Young,Woodall &Tinapple (Composite Crew) - Silver in the U19W8+

Tinapple and Maguire (Composite Crew) - Silver in the U23W8+

Giles-Beere, Murphy, Ravine, Chapman, Fowler, LoPresti, Armstrong, Ward & Maguire (Composite Crew) Silver in the OLW8-

UWA/Swans Composite - Hayes, Lyche, Hughes, Payne - 2nd in the U23M 4-

Maegan Thompson (SRRC) - Silver in the U21 W1x

Hannah Jansen - Silver in the U23 LW 1x

Willis Armstrong & Jack Cleary (FRC/ANA) - Bronze in the U19M2x

Emma Jones & Jessica Bowyer (FRC/ANA) - Bronze in U23LW2x

UWA/ANA Composite - Dalton, Moynihan, Carter, Kerr and Whitaker Bronze in U23 M4+

Kerr, Hayes, Cleary, Lyche, Campbell, Payne, Hughes, Gatti, Scott (Composite) - Bronze in the U23M 8+

ANA/FRC Composite - Schaafsma, Storey, MacPhail, Huggins - Bronze in U23 W4x

ANA/FRC Composite - Smith, Dick, Rukawai, Miles - Bronze in OW4- 

Rebecca McIntyre (FRC) - Bronze in U17 W1x

Alex Hagan (SRRC/Mercantile) - Bronze in OW 2-

Helen O'Keefe - Bronze in the OLW 1x

Perry Ward - Bronze in the OLM 1x

Thomas Meares and Timothy Widdicombe 3rd in OLM 2-

Alex Murphy - Bronze in the U23 LW 1x

Max Armstrong and Mario LoPresti - Bronze in U23LM 2-

Helen O'Keefe and Sian Flynn - Bronze in OLW 2x

Denika Kelsall - Bronze in the Schoolgirl Single Scull

Honourable Mentions to:

Brewer, Wakeford, Hughes, Murray (Composite) - 5th in the OM4-

Conolon, Morton, Wright, Grant (Composite) - 4th in the OM4x

Matt Cochran and David Watts - 4th in A Final of U23M2

Rhys Grant 4th in the A Final of the OM 1x

Cameron Brewer /Adelaide Uni - 4th in the A Final OM 2-

Maia Simmonds - 4th in the A Final of the OLW 1x

Emma Jones - 4th in the A Final of the U23LW 1x

Ben Williams and Rhys Grant - 4th in the A Final of the OM 2x

Other Results:

Swan River Composite - Jordan, Wilson, Thompson, Rowe - 6th in the A Final of the U23 W4-

Alexander Payne & James Kerr (UWA) - 7th in the U23 M2x

Kate Woodall (SRRC/Composite) - 6th in the U19 W2x A Final

Nicholas Pearson * Matthew Stubberfield (SRRC) - 5th in the U19 M2x

Gabriella Bekir-Fuente & Rebecca McIntyre (FRC) - 5th in the U17 W2x

Sarah Hammond & Sim Healy (SRRC/UWA) - 7th in the U23LW 2x

Kovacs, McKinnon, Wiliams, Curnow (Composite) - 5th in the OM4x

Healy, Warschauer, Williams, Young (Composite) - 5th in the U23LW4x

Holliday, Williamson, Boere, Thornton, King (SRRC/FRC) 6th in the U17M4x

Fitzpatrick, Kelsall, Davies, Brenz-Verca (Composite) 7th in the U19W4x

Armstrong,Pearson,Cleary,Stubberfield (Composite) 4th in the U19M4x

Peter Holliday & Mario LoPresti (FRC) 4th in the Club M2x

Jaxon Carter * Charles Ravine (UWA) 7th in the Club M2x

Zoe Thornton 3rd in B Final of U21W1x

Caitlin McPhail 8th in B Final of U21W1x

James Kerr 8th in A final of U21 M1x

Alex Lyche and Christopher Hayes 2nd in B Final of U23M2-

Cassidi Young 7th in B Final U19 W1x

Kate Woodall 8th in A Final of U19 W1x

Nicholas Pearson 1st in B Final of U19 M1x

Matthew Stubberfield 4th in B Final of U19 M1x

Declan Thornton 2nd in B Final of U17 M1x

Patrick Boere 7th in A Final of U17 M1x

Kate Mannolini and Amaani Alikan 3rd in B Final of U19W2-

Laurina Fitzpatrick and Denika Kelsall 6th in A final of U19 W2-

Ben WIlliams 1st in the B Final of the OM 1x

Ashlee Rowe and Ashleigh Miles 2nd in the B Final of the OW 2-

Amanda Rukuwai & Rebecca Smith 3rd in the B Final of the OW 2-

Katherine Thewlis & Julia Dick 4th in the B Final of the OW 2-

Hannah Vermeersch / Mrelbourne Uni 6th in the A Final of the OW2-

Nick Wakeford and Sam Hughes 1st in the B Final of the OM 2-

Tom Gatti and Brendan Murray 7th in the A Final of the OM 2-

Demi Williams - 7th in the B Final of the U23 LW 1x

Lauren Warschauer - 8th in the B Final of the U23 LW1x

Jess Bowyer - 6th in the A Final of the U23LW 1x

Sarah Hammond - 7th in the A Final of the U23LW 1x

Cassidi Young - 6th in the A Final of the U21LW 1x

Amy Weston - 7th in the B Final of the Schoolgirl Scull

PLC Perth - 1st in the B final of the Schoolgirl Coxed Four

PLC Perth - 8th in the B Final of the Schoolgirl coxed Quad Scull

Willis Armstrong - 8th in the A final of the Schoolboys Single Scull

Apologies to anyone we may have missed.

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have information on any results not included above.

The Regatta began on the last 2 days of competition and our female athletes raced their way into three A finals and five B final events. The male athletes were in three A finals, four B finals and one C final event.  All racing was close with New Zealand and Great Britain dominating majority of events. Both of our eights came 4^th in the A final with Great Britain just getting over the line for the Bronze medal. The men’s eight was 2.24 seconds off third and the women’s eight with a very close race with 0.27 seconds from third place.

Overall our athletes had raced well but it was our lightweights who brought home our medals. Nicolo Maurogiovanni and Thomas Meares raced the men’s lightweight double scull (ML2X) and won bronze. Georgia Wheeler and Emma Jones raced in the lightweight double scull (WL2X) and won a silver medal and were only 1.72 seconds behind New Zealand in first place. This was an amazing result considering Georgia who is 15 years old raced her first 2km race in the heat. These young athletes have a great future of racing in front of them.

A big thanks to our State Team Manager Steph Bale who coordinated all aspects of the travelling team with assistance from Ross Brown and coaches Jamie Jones, Jamie Hewlett, Neville Kempton and Nick Collins.

2013 Rowing WA Annual General Meeting

The 2013 Rowing WA Annual General Meeting was held on the 22 February 2013.  Two new members were elected to the Board.  Glen Loftus to the Director of High Performance and Michael Jones Director of Regattas.  They replace two retiring Directors, Stephen Mann and Lynne Bayliss.

The Association would like to extend its gratitude to Stephen Mann and Lynne Bayliss who decided not to stand for re-election this year to the positions they have held since 2006.   Both Stephen and Lynne have provided significant contributions to rowing in Western Australia over many years, and we still look forward to them being involved in the sport in the years to come.

After Rowing WA's board meeting held on 6 March 2013 two new Directors were appointed, Konrad Floan and Lynne Bayliss. We welcome them and look forward to their contributions over the next 2 years.

President: Craig James

Finance Director: Glyn Heath

Regattas Director: Michael Jones

Director High Performance: Glen Loftus

Director Club Development: Catriona Walker

Director Marketing & Media: Catriona Gregg

Director Facilities: Richard Lipscombe

Appointed Directors: Peter Beekink, Lynne Bayliss and Konrad Floan.

The next Schoolboys Regatta is to be held at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre on Saturday, 9th March 2013 with the host School Aquinas College.

Please click on the link for the Draw -  9th March 2013 - Draw - Aquinas College

2013 AUSTRALIAN MASTERS ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS incl ANZAC CHALLENGE CUP
 

ENTRIES OPEN  - over 900 competitors from AUS & NZL expected
Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, 25-28 April 2013

Rowing ACT has been successful in attracting the 2013 Australian Masters Rowing Championships to Canberra as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations. In a break from tradition, the event will be held to coincide with ANZAC Day.

CEO of Rowing Australia, Andrew Dee, said that linking the regatta to ANZAC Day was a promoter’s dream. “Holding our Australian Masters Rowing Championships in Canberra in its centenary year to coincide with one of the most significant days on the Australian calendar is a concept Rowing Australia is happy to support in full,” Dee said.

Entries are now open and are expected to exceed 900 competitors from Australia and New Zealand ranging in age from 27 to over 85. In recent years a significant number of Australia’s rowing Olympians have contested Masters events, and many are expected to compete in Canberra.

Lake Burley Griffin has long been regarded as the best rowing training venue in Australia, and one of the best in the world. It provides elite competitors and locals alike with minimal commercial traffic and long stretches of calm water. The 2013 Masters Championships will be held on a 1000-metre Yarramuni Reach course finishing at Weston Park, with crews close to spectators in a great setting. A special feature of this year’s Masters event will be the inclusion of the inaugural Anzac Challenge Cup, which will see current and former military personnel and defence civilians from both Australia and overseas competing against one another.

Australian rowing has strong military links dating back to 1919 when an Australian Imperial Force crew stroked by Captain H.C. “Clive” Disher won the major eights event at the Henley Peace Regatta in England, held to celebrate the end of the First World War. The crew thereby won a special trophy, presented for the occasion by King George V. That trophy later became the King’s Cup, which is still contested annually for the Australian men’s interstate eights championship. To this day, too, the crew’s achievement is recognised each year in Canberra when crews from the Royal Military College Duntroon, the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Australian National University contest the Disher Cup.

The ACT has been a major contributor to masters rowing in Australia since 1981. The former ACT Rowing Association held unofficial national masters events on the lake every year from 1981 to 1988, then in 1997 hosted the multi-sport Australian Masters Games Regatta. Canberra also hosted the first official Australian Masters Rowing Regatta in 1999 before again holding the Australian Masters Games Regatta in 2003.

The first regatta ever held on the lake, however, was the 1964 Australian Rowing Championships, which began on 30 April that year. The event proved lucky for the then Australian Amateur Rowing Council. Storms filled the new lake to capacity the day before racing, where a month previously rabbits had been frolicking on pasture!

Rowing ACT President David Bagnall is confident that clubs and crews contesting the 2013 Australian Masters Rowing Championships will experience a great competition venue in attractive surroundings at a beautiful time of the year.

“We have high expectations for 2013, especially with the ‘once in a lifetime’ link to ANZAC Day and the Canberra 100 years events”, he said.

The event will run from 25-28 April 2013 and is proudly supported by the ACT Government Community Centenary Initiatives Fund.

The Department of Sport and Recreation together with the West Australian Sports Federation are conducting a seminar for Member Proection Information Officers Course to be held on 26 March 2013.

For all the information regarding this course please click on the link  MPIO Flyer 26 March 2013

2013 Western Australian Masters State Team Selections

Rowing WA are calling for nominations to the Australian Masters 2013 Rowing Championships to be held at Lake Burley Griffin, Australian Capital Territory on 25th April 2013 to 28th April 2013.

For the selection policy and nomination forms please click on the links below

  2013 Masters State Team Selection                                                 Nomination Form 2013 State Masters Team

Official Kings and Queens Cup lane draws

At the official lane draw held last night in Sydney, WA has drawn well with Lane 5 in the Kings Cup and Lane 3 in the Kings Cup. Ross Brown who has been assisting with State Team preparations said that in the Kings Cup WA will benefit from lining up alongside Victoria in lane 4 with NSW alongside them in Lane 3, with the Women also lining up to reigning champions Victoria who drew lane 2.

Kings Cup

Lane 1: ACT

Lane 2: SA

Lane 3: NSW

Lane 4: VIC

Lane 5: WA

Lane 6: QLD

Lane 7: TAS

Queens Cup

Lane 1: ACT

Lane 2: VIC

Lane 3: WA

Lane 4: TAS

Lane 5: SA

Lane 6: NSW

Lane 7: QLD

FISA Extraordinary Congress

Recently on the 15th & 16th of February 87 delegates from 51 member federations of the World Rowing Association FISA gathered in Copenhagen to consider 49 proposed changes to the Statutes and 89 proposed changes to the Rules of Racing as well as 10 appendices to the Statutes and Rules.

Click [here] for more details.

Please contact Catriona Gregg for more information at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Four of us from Fremantle rowing club are planning to go to Canberra for the masters. We are looking to join with others to fill up on our competition schedule and wondering about the following races

Jane 47yo 75Kg 

looking to row 

event 73     WMB8+ 

event 107  WMC8+ 

event 144  WMD8+        bow or stroke side OK 

Michaela    50yo  77Kg 

looking to row 

event 144  WMD8+        bow  side OK 

Phil        59yo  74kg 

looking to row 

event 87    MMC4X 

or 

event       89    MMF-J 8+ 

John - 63Y - 95kg

Looking to row:

Event 109 MMF 4X, with Phil.

If you might be looking for crew for any of these events we would be delighted to hear from you

See you on Lake B-G!

Phil, Jane and Michaela and John

SIRR - EVENT INFORMATION - NEWS ARTICLES

The web link for this is here: http://eepurl.com/vS9cz 

Also, don’t miss all the SIRR web stories. SIRR website here: http://www.rowingdownunder.org/index.php/en/news/news-articles

including

-          USA team

-          South African school intro St Stithianns

-         And small article, incl pics on King’s Cup plaque unveiling & reference to RNSW King’s Cup luncheon incl Interstate lane draw will be up tomorrow.

Also, 1 month to go article on World Rowing last week: http://www.worldrowing.com/news/one-month-to-sydneys-samsung-world-rowing-cup  

Feel free to share all of the above wherever possible.

Thank you very much for your support,

Cheers, Cora.

Cora Zillich

Communications Manager

Rowing Australia – Sydney International Rowing Regatta

T +61 2 6214 7506 |  M +61 448 007 443 | E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .au |  

W www.rowingaustralia.com.au | www.rowingdownunder.org 

News Flash - 21 February 2013

2013 AMRC Website  

Just under 10 weeks to go and the 2013 event is shaping up to be one of the highlights of Canberra’s Centenary year. Bulletin 2 for the event is being finalised and will be published to coincide with entries opening, however there are a few things we thought it best to let you know now, given enquiries are starting to roll in.

New Entry System for 2013 Masters

Rowing Australia (RA) has confirmed that Regatta Central (RC) will be used for the 2013 Masters event. More Information on submitting entries is available here.

Seat Fees

As previously advised the Seat Fee for each event entered is $45, no charge for coxswains. This seat fee is inclusive of a Regatta Central administration charge of 8% on each seat entry. The decision to include the charge as part of the seat fee is a decision that has been made for the 2013 Masters only. Rowing Australia acknowledges that given competitors had already been advised the seat fee prior to the finalisation of the Regatta Central administration charge, then it would not be appropriate to increase the fee further. The Organising Committee is greatly appreciative of this outcome.

Entry dates and deadlines

Entries for the regatta will be open from 9:00am on Wednesday 27 February and will close at 1:59pm AEST on Monday 1^st April.  

Premium Club Tent Sites Available  

A limited number of premium club tents located on the lakes edge with excellent viewing of the race course will be available for hire at a rate of $500 each.  These 6m x 3m tents will be allocated on a first come first served basis with payment required in full to secure a tent booking. Please contact: Deb Styman:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Volunteers Needed!

We are still looking for a number of volunteers to assist us during the championships. For more details, please contact Lyndell Wilson:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Canberra on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Special prize for the 100^th entrant, as part of Canberra’s Centenary Celebrations, so make sure you enter early!

Here is the link to Regatta Central -  Regatta Central

Regards

James

James Hammond

Executive Officer | Rowing ACT
ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett ACT 2602 | PO Box 8366, ANU ACT 6200
P: +61 406 376 666 |  E:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |  W:  www.rowingact.org.au

Please be aware that the Level I Coaching Course scheduled for Sunday 12th May 2013 has now be changed.

The Level I Coaching Course is now being run on Saturday, 11th May 2013 at the Canning Bridge Rowing Centre.

All those interested in attending please use the on Coaching Course Signup under the Coaching Drop Down menu.

Australian Youth Olympic Festival

For the results of the Western Australian rowers who competed in the 2013 Australian Youth Festival please click on the link set out below:-

 Results - 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival

Dear All 

Please be advised that entries for the Sydney International Rowing Regatta have opened.

Entries for the Australian Open Rowing Championships, Australian Open School Rowing Championships and the King's and Queen's Cup Interstate Regatta must be made through RegattaCentral.

As the 2013 SIRR will be the first time many users have experienced the RegattaCentral system a number of steps have been taken to assist with the familiarisation of all users with the system. These, along with information on how to submit an entry via RegattaCentral are outlined on the SIRR website at http://www.rowingdownunder.org/index.php/en/competitors/entries/australian-championships-entries-local  

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Matt

Matt Treglown

Corporate Operations Manager

Rowing Australia

Direct: (02) 6214 7522 

Fax:    (02) 6281 3910

WA's Lightweight women have shone during the recent Australian Open 5000m time trials held on Sydneys Nepean River.

Maia Simmonds, Helen O'Keefe and Jess Bowyer were all in the top 10 of the prognostics on day 1 and followed these up with strong performances over the following 2 days.

The WA lightweight men's pairs came back strong on day 2, with the Chris Hayes and Perry Ward combination registering the 9th quickest prognostic of the day and Tim Widdicombe and Tom Gatti in 15th place.

WA's Olympic Due of Alex Hagan and Hannah Vermeersch were also in the top 2 women's pairs over the weekend.

WA was also well represented at the trials by Hannah Jansen, Rhys Grant, Sian Brown, Ben WIlliams, Sam Hughes/Nick Wakeford, Dave Watts/Matt Cochrane and Cam Brewer.

From the trials a number of Athletes have been invited back to further selection trials in January - Good luck to the following:

Maia Simmonds

Helen O'Keefe

Jess Bowyer

Christopher Hayes

Perry Ward                                                                                              

Alex Hagan

Hannah Vermeersch

Rhys Grant

Lincoln Handley

Hayes/WardChris/PerryWAWAIS- SRRCALM2-73.6/735.1791:42.5607:22.219:39.4718:44.244.4585.8823Widdicombe/GattiTim/Tom

YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL - 16th TO 20th JANUARY, 2013

Congratulations to the following rowers who have been selected to represent Western Australia at the Youth Olympic Festival to be held 16th to 20th January 2013 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Men - Christopher Hayes, Nicolo Maurogiovanni, Alex Lyche, Lachlan Chapman, Jack Cleary, James Kerr, Tom Meares, Cameron Fowler, William Moore (reserve), Nick Ferguson (cox)

Coaches - Jamie Jones (Head Coach), Nick Collins, Neville Kempton, Jamie Hewlett

2012 Olympians Alex Hagan and Hannah Vermeersch have been inspiring the next generation of rowers at Southern River College.

Southern River College only recently started their rowing program and together with Champion Lakes Boating Club was selected to receive funding through Rowing Australia’s Adopt-A-School program, which aims to develop school rowing programs in conjunction local clubs.

Head of Physical Education – Brad Francis, was ecstatic that the girls made the time to present at their recent assembly. “It was great to see two young role models speaking to our students about the opportunities that a sport like Rowing has provided to them. They were both obviously very passionate about their sport and hopefully their story will inspire some of our students to follow in their footsteps.”

Alex and Hannah spoke about their recent Olympic Games experience and how rowing had changed their lives for the better. The pair then presented a certificate to Danika Alexander (Yr 8) who won her first ever single scull races at the John XXIII Regatta held recently at the Canning Bridge Rowing Centre.

Hannah and Alex are both now back into heavy training with a focus on preparing for the first ever World Cup event to be held in Australia next year and Danika hopes that may be one day she might join them wearing the green and gold zoot suit for Australia.

Danika Alexander with Alex Hagan and Hannah Vermeersch - photo courtesy of Southern River College 

Rowing WA has four nominees for the 2012 ANZ Sports Star Awards, WA’s premier sports awards. There are six Award categories and the following people have been nominated by Rowing WA:

The West Australian ANZ Sports Star

Ben Cureton

Todd Skipworth

Railtrain Junior Sports Star

Lilly Tinapple

Channel Seven Perth Team of the Year

Women's Light Weight Coxless Quad Scull (Maia Simmonds, Hannah Jansen, Thea Adamson & Jess Bowyer)

Rowing WA would like to congratulate all nominees for their success during 2012 and wish them luck for the Awards. The full list of nominees can be viewed on the WA Sports Federation website. The finalists and winners will be announced at the 2012 ANZ Sports Star Awards evening, held at Crown Perth on Thursday 13 December 2012.

To support Rowing WA’s nominees, you can purchase tickets to attend the 2012 ANZ Sports Star Awards or alternatively, watch the telecast on Channel Seven Perth or GWN. For further information including how to purchase tickets click here

The Department of Transport advised at the recent Aquatic Council meeting that the new river use rules will commence on 1 December 2012 and that a new brochure is available that sets out the new rules. The brochure is also available on the Departments website and through the Rowing WA links tab above.

The Department of Transport has re-affirmed that the Dept will continue to apply the “understanding” under which coach boats are exempt from 5 & 8 Knot speeds limitswhen moving in proximity of crews or in emergency rescue/safety situations.

The Department is moving toward formalising the exemption but is currently concentrating on re-marking the river and river user education so the timing of formalisation of the coach boat exemption is not yet known. Club and coaches are responsible for familiarising themselves with the new aquatic use plan, changes of use in their rowing areas and any changes of speed limits.

Further to previous input from State Associations regarding the Under 21 events included in the National Championships program next year, please be advised that the RA Board resolved last night that composite crews will not be permitted to enter the Under 21 events at the 2013 Sydney International Rowing Regatta.

Dear Australian Rowing Community,

The Hebfotos Adelaide City premises has been sold.

The collection of Australian Rowing display photographs that has adorned the walls of the studio are for sale. The sale ends Sunday 18^th November – the new prices are listed on the attached catalogue – make an offer.

HEBFOTOS thanks you for all your support over the years, and wish to advise that Andrew Guerin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it has procured Hebfotos National and International images and plans to include them in his wonderful History of Rowing and Hebfotos thanks him for this project.

This email has been sent on behalf of Guy Hebblewhite, who is now in care, and Cynthia Judd, phone 0419 864 935

Government House Open Day

His Excellency the Governor, Malcolm McCusker AC CVO AQ and Mrs Tonya McCusker will host an Open Day in support of Heritage Perth's Heritage Days on Sunday 18 November 2012 and invite members of the public to explore and experience Government House and Grounds.

Themed "now and Then: (Re)Discover Government House", visitors are invited to (re)discover the old, and experience the new, at Perth's premier heritage site.

For more information please follow the link -  Government House Open Day 2012

As one of the Governor’s patronage organisations, your support for Government House Open Day is greatly appreciated. Immediately following the Open Day on 18 November 2012, the Government House Foundation is hosting a free concert in the Government House Gardens to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. The flyer has relevant booking details. Patrons may purchase light meals from the international food stalls at the venue, provided by members of the Consular Corps of WA, or are welcome to bring a picnic. It is BYO seating.

For more information please follow the link for the flyer -  Diamond Jubilee Concert

All-Schools Regattas and Racing to commence in 2013

Rowing WA is excited to announce a change in format for School Rowing outside of the PSA and IGSSA Schools. 2013 will see a trial of replacing subjunior club events at selected regatta's with School Age events. 

The dates for the regattas are as follows:

• Regatta 1 - 22^nd June  (Wk 7 Term 2)
• Regatta 2 – 6^th July (Wk 9 Term 2)
• Regatta 3 – 20^th July (Last weekend of School Holidays)
• Regatta 4 – 3^rd August (wk 2 Term 3)
• All Schools Head of the River – 17^th August Wk 4 (Term 3)

Event programmes will be as follows:

Regatta 1 & 3:

Regatta 2 & 4:

Regatta 5 – Head of the River (provisional):

Full details of racing rules for these events will be made by January 31st 2013.

ROWING IN THE CANNING BRIDGE PRECINCT– WORKSHOP

On 19 September 2012, Rowing WA was represented by Peter Beekink and Luke Callier at a workshop undertaken by SGL Consultants. SGL were commissioned by the City of Melville to undertake a feasibility study of Rowing on the Canning River.

The evening was also attended by members of Swan River, Perth, Murdoch, JTC, Curtin and Penrhos Rowing Clubs.

The background given to the meeting was that there was significant support from both the City of Melville and the Department of Sport and Recreation for Rowing to continue at Canning Bridge. With this in mind, the purpose of the meeting was explained to be two fold:

• Looking forward into the next 25 years and to suit Rowing’s best needs, how and where would Rowing Clubs be best located on the Canning River, regardless of where they currently are situated.
• To determine current issues with Rowing in the Canning Precinct and how these might be addressed in the future.

Discussions centred around:

• To allow for future growth of the sport that additional shed space was required in the precinct.
• It was proposed that approximately 20-25 bays would be required.
• Support was for Rowing sheds/base to stay in the vicinity of where it currently is. No other viable options were considered appropriate.
• A building footprint reaching from Swans down and beyond Rowing WA be used for clubhouse developments with shed access facing directly on to water. (Similar to Melbourne’s Yarra River)
• A similar footprint or number of clubhouses could be located on the directly opposite bank to current RWA location.
• Curtin would remain in its current location.
• Mixed use facility of coffee shops/bars/function centres would provide sustainable incomes for clubs.
• Cyclist path to remain behind clubhouses.
• Car park free parking increased to 9am in the short term and being removed in the long term, parking to be provided on the other side of Canning Highway, underground if a new development occurs or a few streets back from waterfront.

Some interesting questions to come out of the night, that I’m not sure if we have answers to are:

• What is total current membership of current clubs and schools that use the precinct and what was it 10/20 years ago and what are our predictions for 10/20 years into the future.
• What are the maximum number of rowers that could use the Canning Precinct on any one morning.
• How many ‘bums on seats’ do we have using the precinct on a weekly/monthly basis and what was it 10/20 years ago and what are our predictions for 10/20 years into the future.

This data would be important in assisting determine what our future needs for space might be in the Canning Bridge Precinct.

Natasha Gay to Join Husky's Rowing Program

Siberian Husky courtesy of Rogue Husky Breeders                                                                                                    

High School Oarswoman Natasha Gay, has announced her intention to join the University of Washington Husky’s Rowing program on a full Student Athlete Scholarship from 2013. Gay who only took up the sport as a 13 year old whilst in year 9 at Presbyterian Ladies College, quickly began realising her natural talent and was stroking their 1^st Eight whilst still in year 10.

The following year Gay went on to win the National Schoolgirl Single Scull titles and was selected along with fellow PLC rower Hannah Vermeersch in the 2010 U19 Australian Womens Four, which won the Bronze Medal at the Junior World Championships that year. Natasha followed up her selection by representing Australia in the same boat the following year before dominating the National Championships held in Perth Earlier this year, where she won the Schoolgirl Single Scull, U19 Single Scull, U19 Double Scull and placed a credible 4^th in the U23 Single Scull whilst still only 17.

The University of Washington Rowing Program is one of the most successful in the U.S. with 12 current or former Alumni representing their Countries at the recent London Olympics. On announcing her scholarship recently, Natasha indicated that she was pleased to have made a choice about her rowing future, “Rowing for the University of Washington will be a great challenge for me, and it goes to show the young girls following me, that sport can take you places you never dreamed possible.”

Natasha won’t have it all her own way on arrival in Washington with the school actively having recruited fellow Australian U23 representative Amy Fowler, as well as International representatives from New Zealand, US, Canadian and Great British U23 teams. However as anyone who has crossed oars with her knows,  she will be doing her best to see to that the Husky’s Womens Crew returns to NCAA National Championship glory.

Blonde superwoman Kim Crow dominated the Nine Network's Olympic coverage for a week as she powered towards Olympic medals in the single and double sculls.

Rowing Australia's national education and development officer, Ron Batt, could only smile.

"With the Olympics running on TV in the early evening every night, it was a nice timeslot," Batt says. "There's no question it has helped get people interested in the sport."

As a nation, we've long loved rowers and their ability to grab Olympic gold medals. We've been less enamoured with giving the sport a go ourselves.

But with all those chiselled physiques - and a plethora of expert claims that it has an unrivalled ability to burn fat - rowing is gaining a reputation, particularly among women, as the route to the perfect body.

Last year there were already 58,411 competitive and social rowers in Australia. A British study revealed that since 2009 the number of British teenagers taking to the sport has risen by a third. It's among women aged 45 and above that the most dramatic swell in participation is occurring: numbers have soared by almost 40 per cent in the past two years.

Almost 11,000 British women are members of rowing clubs, with many more participating in "learn to row" schemes such as Explore Rowing, a program launched in 2010 by British Rowing, the sport's governing body, which has many courses booked out months in advance.

It's no great secret why. Rowing is probably the most effective activity in improving cardiovascular fitness, in toning the legs, upper body and core muscles, and in burning calories.

"It's an all-over body sport; you don't end up having huge biceps or completely distorted legs," Batt says. "For that reason it's particularly appealing to women. At the national titles last year there were more women competitors than men."

With a concerted push from British Rowing, there has also been a change in the perception of dry-land rowing - with the "ergo", or indoor rowing machine, usurping the stationary bike as the cardio gym equipment of choice.

Rowing's ability to sculpt the perfect body means celebrities are taking to it in numbers. Action star Jason Statham is a fan, as is US golden boy Zac Efron. And Pippa Middleton can thank rowing for her famous rear.

A one-hour rowing session can burn 1000 calories, more than a spinning class, because your arms and upper body are used as well. That's more than eight beers.

Most make the mistake of thinking it's all about the arms. In fact, if your arms are hurting you are doing something wrong.

"The legs are the key for the drive part of the stroke, but you have to be strong through the trunk and then you have the connection to the handles with your arms and shoulders," says Batt. "If you don't have that connection all the way through your body the stroke doesn't work."

Gyms are focusing attention on this neglected item of equipment through group rowing classes that are set to take on spinning (stationary bike classes) in terms of popularity. In New York and LA, indoor rowing classes are this year's fitness craze, with waiting lists for group sessions.

Scott Riddell runs the ERGfit indoor rowing studio in the Melbourne suburb of Ascot Vale. And in the wake of the London Olympics he is busier than ever with clients ranging in age from 12 to 80.

"Every four years we see the same thing," Riddell says. " I think people are really interested in the history of it. People know the Oarsome Foursome, and Kim Crow came out and did really well, and there were a lot who followed her. We get an influx for our indoor program and we can get big numbers queuing up for the outdoor program (with the Essendon Rowing Club) in these Olympic years.

"Because it's low impact it's a really safe way to exercise and it's got great cardio benefits and really good for your strength. Generally speaking rowers are up there with cross-country skiers in terms of all-round fitness."

As well as being particularly good at toning and strengthening the legs, there are other benefits.

Rowing is easier on the knees, hips and ankles than running or military-style circuits. Those who are injured doing other sports often turn to rowing.

The most prominent of those is Crow, who was forced to quit athletics - where she trailed only Jana Pittman as Australia's leading 400m hurdler - because of a foot injury. Now she owns two Olympic medals.

Click on the link for more details:

http://www.rowingdownunder.org/index.php/en/news/news-articles/198-indicative-program-released

Swannies are hosting their Women's Row with a Champion on Sunday 18th November - See the flyer to register and get involved!

SRRC_Womens_Row.pdf

Education & Safety OfficerRowing Queensland Inc is seeking a dedicated person for the role of Education & Safety Officer.

Reporting to the CEO, the Education & Safety Officer is primarily responsible for the coordination and conduct of the sport's water safety and education programs to schools and clubs for both on and off the water activities. The position will also oversee and manage the sport’s coach and official’s education programs.The position is financially supported by both the Greater Public Schools Association of Qld (GPS) and the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association (BSRA).

Selection Criteria:

 Previous experience in implementing, conducting and monitoring educational and safety programs for schools, clubs, athletes and coaches at all levels; Implement, monitor and assist with risk management policies and procedures;

 Sports administration skills and experience including program development, managing and coordinating volunteers and working in small teams; and

 Previous presentation, communication experiences is essential.

Please refer to the draft Position Description for other criteria.Applicants are requested to forward a covering letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria/ position description and their CV.

Applications must be submitted electronically to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 4.00pm, Friday 26 October 2012.

Congratulations to the Pennant Winners in 2012.

FINAL PENNANT SCORES SEASON 2012

THE SUNSMART PREMIERSHIP PENNANT

SRRC 176.5; WARC 125.8; FRC 102.9; UWABC 9.6; ANARC 52.8; CUBC 40.0;

BRC 29.65; CLBC 17.4; MURC 7.9; PRC 7.6

THE A GRADE PENNANT

SRRC 581; FRC 274; WARC 242; UWABC 196; ANARC 180

THE B GRADE PENNANT

WARC 551; SRRC 523; UWABC 278; FRC 200; ANARC 124; CUBC 25;

BRC 21

THE C  GRADE PENNANT

UWABC 508; SRRC 370; FRC 326; WARC 232; CUBC 229; BRC 117; CLBC 78;

ANARC 36

THE D GRADE PENNANT

SRRC 721; FRC 718; UWABC 514; CUBC 356; WARC 261; ANARC 198;

CLBC 168; BRC 133; MURC 16; PRC 16

THE NOVICE PENNANT

SRRC 842; FRC 619; WARC 345; UWABC 295; ANARC 244; CUBC 236;

BRC 102; MURC 93; PRC 81; CLBC 72

THE MASTERS PENNANT

WARC 1062; SRRC 648; BRC 396; ANARC 344; CLBC 129; MURC 118; PRC 106;

FRC 96; CUBC 91; UWABC 58

Dear Rowing Friends and Supporters,

The now annual clash on the water between the rowing teams of Sydney and Melbourne Universities is coming up soon.

The Australian Boat Race will be held on Sunday morning 4^th November on a new 4.4 km course from Woolwich to Darling Harbour.

The event includes Women’s Eights (8.20 am) and Men’s Eights 9.20 am.

This year supporters can follow the race with one of THREE supporter packages:

BOOK NOW at http://www.australianboatrace.com/content/get-involved 

1. 1. LAND Package – Watch from Darling Harbour followed by presentations then brunch with the crews at L’Aqua
2. 2. WATER package – Watch from a fast ferry following each race then presentations and brunch at L’Aqua
3. 3. FERRY package – Watch the races from a fast First Fleet Ferry

This is a unique opportunity to follow the only rowing match race of its type in Australia. Soak up the beauty of the harbour, enjoy the rivalry of two of Australia’s original universities and see some great rowing action. Last year on the Yarra the Men’s Eights was won by less than a foot after the lead changed several times during the race.

See you on the harbour – Sunday 4^th November. Book now support your city and state in rowing origin series.

This article is taken from the Rowing NSW website, and although NSW based - it is still relevent for Perth river waters - If you see rowers training without lights - send in a photo or two to spread the message that Safetly lights are extremely important!

Where's the Wally? Can you see the Scull?

Sep 3, 2012

An interesting Article on board diversity in Olympic Sports.

2012 Rowing Australia Coaches Conference

There are just over 6 weeks until the 2012 Rowing Australia Coaches Conference!

We are excited to announce a new discount for multiple registrations – any school or club registering 6 or more accredited coaches, will pay only $600 per person!

A draft schedule (pdf, 143kb) is now available with more presenters and sessions having been confirmed. For information and for the purpose of planning flights, the final session concludes at 5pm on the evening of Sunday 7 October.

Seats are limited and are filling fast so please register as soon as you can.

Please contact Naomi Wagstaff ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (02) 6214 7525)) with any questions you may have.

Click [here ] for all the information regarding this Wednesdays Information night.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

​​

Leading Australian rowing coach Chris O’Brien has today been confirmed as the new National Performance Director of Rowing Australia.

O’Brien, who has established himself as Australia’s most successful Olympic rowing coach with two gold and one silver medal across the last three Olympiads, will assume the role vacated by the outgoing Director Andrew Matheson.

Matheson is returning to New Zealand to take up a new role with their high performance sport program.

O’Brien, who during the current London Games guided the men’s four crew to a silver medal, also has a rich world championship history, with his crews achieving a total of three gold and one bronze medal. O’Brien said he was looking forward to building on the platform left by Matheson.

“Our successful London campaign was built on Australia’s most successful world championships in history last year,” O’Brien said. “While we are pleased with our five medals here in London, our longer term goal remains the same and that is to implement a program that will consistently deliver gold medals over time. I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead that charge ahead of Rio.
​

“I am looking forward to continuing the work done over the last four years and believe the National Rowing Centre of Excellence will give me the environment to undertake this.”
​

Australia qualified 11 of its 13 boats for finals at the recent Olympic rowing regatta, providing a strong platform for continued improvement in the lead up to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
​

CEO of Rowing Australia Andrew Dee said O’Brien’s appointment was another important step forward.

“Australia is blessed with a talented group of coaches and Chris has demonstrated his value to the system across three consecutive Olympiads,” Dee said.
​

“This is such an important role and when seeking a replacement for Andrew we canvassed a wide range of options from Australia and overseas. It quickly became apparent that Chris was the standout candidate and it is a great credit to Australian rowing that we are able to appoint a local to lead the way forward.”
​

President of Rowing Australia Colin Smith said O’Brien would have an outstanding crop of athletes to work with across the next four years and beyond.

“As was shown by our performances in London and recent world championships Australia has a very fine group of rowers, including 17 who made their debut Olympic appearance this year,” Smith said.

“Our 2012 under 23 team won an impressive five world championship medals from the eight crews we entered and we can welcome this group of talented athletes into the selection mix for coming seasons.

“We are delighted that Chris has accepted the challenge of developing this group into the Australia’s next Olympic champions”.

Acting AIS Director Phil Borgeaud said O’Brien’s appointment will continue the National Rowing Centre of Excellence’s tradition of pursuing excellence.
​

“Chris brings exceptional knowledge of Australian high performance rowing together with broad experience of the international competitive environment,” Borgeaud said.
​

“He is perfectly placed to assist Australia’s talented rowing athletes achieve further success on the world sporting stage.”

O’Brien, will leave his position as Victorian Institute of Sport head rowing coach to move to the National Rowing Centre of Excellence in Canberra.

​

The Centre of Excellence is a partnership program between the Australian Institute of Sport and Rowing Australia. The Australian Government invested $5.4 million in Rowing Australia’s high performance program in 2011–12.

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For more information please call David Polglase on +44 773 076 8304

Rowing to ‘Hamma’ home its new performance team

Friday 10 August 2012

Off the back of the announcement to appoint Chris O’Brien as its National Performance Director, Rowing Australia (RA) has today installed three time Olympian and Sydney 2000 silver medallist Jaime “Hamma” Fernandez as O’Brien’s deputy.

As RA’s Deputy National Performance Director, Fernandez will take responsibility for all athlete and coach development together with key functions within the delivery of rowing Australia’s national team programs.

“It is a huge challenge but one that I am honoured to accept,” Fernandez said. “I am passionate about maintaining Australia’s reputation as a formidable rowing nation and am totally confident we have the resources and the expertise to achieve it.”

Australia qualified 11 of its 13 boats for finals at the recent Olympic rowing regatta, providing a strong platform for continued improvement in the lead up to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

“Australian rowing is blessed with exceptional young raw talent and our challenge in the coming years is to ensure it is ready to deliver a consistent return on investment in future Olympic cycles, not just in Rio,” RA CEO Andrew Dee said.

“While our London results were sound, our inability to win gold is a clear signal that more needs to be done. It is essential that we establish the right coaching and management team going forward to get the most out of our rich athlete resources.”

Fernandez competed in the men's eight at the Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney Olympic Games, winning the silver medal at Sydney.

He also competed in five World Rowing Championships ('93, '94, '95, '98, '99) and the 1994 Commonwealth Games, where he won the gold medal in the Men's four. He retired from rowing following the Sydney Olympics.

He is currently the National Coaching Development Manager at Rowing Australia and Chair of the RA Athletes’ Commission.

“I am absolutely delighted to have secured the services of a person with such exemplary character and relevant experience as an athlete and coach,” Chris O’Brien said.

“If our aim is to have consistent international success over time it is essential we look critically at ourselves and attract the best people to work within our program. Our athletes deserve nothing less than the best, and that’s what we have in Hamma.

“He will be my 2IC in every sense and fundamentally involved in the key decisions we must make going forward.

Hamma’s first duty will be to attend the FISA World Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from 11-15 August with the Junior National and non-Olympic Senior Team.

There is a L1 Boat Race Officials Course being held at Canning Bridge on 15th August at 6.00pm.

Please contact Lynne Bayliss for all the details - 0439 090 658 

Course Content

Professional Issues

Basic Judging Skills

Basic Marshalling Skills

Basic Control Commission Skills

Basic Umpiring Skills

Preparation

Read the Rules of Rowing as pertains to these areas as preparation – see Rowing WA webpage

You are not expected to memorise or be completely conversant with the rules it is more to familiarise yourself with the content

Read the Code of Ethics and fill out the form as attached.

Progression

After the successful completion of the above the participant will be required to spend approximately 5 hours in each area with a mentor to achieve accreditation as a Level I Official. The amount of time actually spent will vary according to the function, ie Control Commission will probably be less than Umpiring.

Rowing Australias first Coaching Matters Newletter.

July_Coaching_Matters.pdf

Australia’s next generation of rowers have shown their strength and promise for the future with a five medal haul at the Under 23 World Rowing Championships in Trakai, Lithuania over the weekend.

With much of the focus currently on the start of the Olympic regatta at Eton Dorney on July 28, Australia’s under age armada showed they could play a large part at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games with a regatta that netted one gold, two silver the two bronze medals.

The Australia’s women’s quad scull led the way for the eight-boat Australian contingent with a breathtaking performance to win gold ahead of reigning world champions Germany. Earlier in the regatta, the crew consisting of Rebekah Hooper (VIC), Madeleine Edmunds (QLD), Olympia Aldersey (SA) and Jessica Hall (QLD) had also set the world best time, and the final shaped up as a race between two crews.

Both the Australian men’s four and women’s four produced excellent A Finals to win silver medals, while the men’s eight and men’s quad scull took home bronze in their respective finals. The men’s four of Timothy Masters (VIC), Louis Snelson (NSW), Joshua Hicks (WA) and Owen Symington (VIC), selected from Australian athletes completing their studies at American universities, held second position for the whole 2000m to win silver in a time of 6:28.67, under three seconds behind Germany and half a length ahead of Great Britain.

The women’s four produced a stirring 500m to pass New Zealand and win the silver medal behind a strong Canadian crew. Lucy Stephan (VIC), Katrina Bateman (VIC), Fiona Albert (QLD) and Charlotte Travers (QLD) were in third place at the 1500m mark, some three seconds adrift of New Zealand, but surged past their Tasman rivals to cross the line in 7:15.38.

On the final day of competition the men’s quad scull crew of Jay Ditmarsch (NSW), Ben Morley (QLD), Sasha Belonogoff (NSW) and Ryan Edwards (NSW) continued the momentum for Australia with a bronze medal behind the Ukraine and Italy.

The men’s eight capped off the excellent regatta for Australia with a bronze medal behind USA and Germany. Australia recorded a time of 5:50.71 to finish just over a length down on the USA and one second clear of Great Britain in fourth.Congratulations to WA Athletes who were in the Eight - Brendan Murray, Dave Watts and Matt Cochrane

Across the regatta Australia’s eight crews qualified for seven A Finals, with the regatta paving the way for many athletes to push for selection in the senior team in 2013.Congratulations to the following WA athletes at the U23 World Championships.

Special mention to Tim Widdicombe and Thomas Meares who were in the Lightweight Four and coached by our own Lincoln Handley who also finished 6th in the A Final and to Hannah Jansen and Thea Adamson who finished 4th in the LW 2x B final, both crews coached by WA's Lincoln Handley

Overall Results:

Women's Quad -GOLD
Women's Four - SILVER
Men's Coxless Four - SILVER
Men's Eight - BRONZE
Men's Quad - BRONZE
Men's Coxed Four - 5th in A Final
Men's Lightweight Four - 6th in A Final 
Women's Lightweight Double - 4th B Final

2012 Pan Pacific Masters Games

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

3 to 11 November 2012

Rowing will be one of a record 41 sports on the program at the 8th Pan Pacific Masters Games to be held on the beautiful Gold Coast from 3 to 11 November 2012.

The Pan Pacs, as the Games are affectionately known, are a celebration of master’s sport with both fierce and friendly competition on the sporting field and a fun-filled entertainment program at the Games Village each night.

The sport is conducted in age groups with no qualifying standards to enter. The only criteria for entry is that participants must meet the minimum age for their sport, and for most sports that is 30 years of age.

All sports are located in close proximity to the Games Village situated at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach. The Games Village will feature the registration centre, live nightly entertainment, fully catered hospitality and merchandise, but most-of-all, an exclusive venue for participants to meet up and enjoy the spirit of the Pan Pacs.

The Pan Pacific Masters Games is organised by Events Queensland Gold Coast with great support from the Gold Coast City Council and the host organisations for all 40 sports.

Download the Rowing Event guide pdf [2012_Pan_Pacific_Masters_Rowing.pdf ]

For event information visit www.mastersgames.com.au

For travel and accommodation information visit www.visitgoldcoast.com

Like us at www.facebook.com/panpacmasters

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PanPacMasters

Three Australian crews were victorious at the Henley Royal Regatta over the weekend, continuing Australia’s recent good results at the historic and prestigious regatta.

All three successful crews were part of the Australian Under 23 team and competed at Henley as part of their international tour which will culminate in the Under 23 World Championships in Trakai, Lithuania.

The Men’s Four were victorious in the Stewards’ Challenge Cup, the Men’s Quadruple Scull secured the Queen Mother Challenge Cup and the Women’s Quadruple Scull took home the Princess Grace Challenge Cup, each turning in sensational performances to win Open events in their category against more experienced crews, including some crews that will compete at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Rowing WA congratulates our own Josh Hicks who was a member of the Men's Four.

Congratulations to the young men and women who represented WA at the Recent Youth Cup regatta held at the Sydney INternational Regatta Center in Penrith. The team had some exceptional performances and to their credit finished equal 6th with Victoria.

A full report on the action and results can be found on the following link:

http://roms.rowingaustralia.com.au/Rowing/Regattas/RegattaView.aspx?id=39c2902e-d28d-47a7-b231-c0a4aa1ee6c2

Check out this great video on life at the AIS training facility in Varese.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vTtMFzUEVrY

THE TRUE POWER OF COACHING

Registration opens at 4pm on Friday 5 October, prior to the networking function and drinks. The trade exhibition willopen at 8am on Saturday morning, followed by a full day of sessions. The final session concludes at 5pm on Sunday 7th. Highlights of the indicative program include:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS – The Win is WithinJason Dorland (www.jasondorland.com) JASON_DORLAND_12.pdf

Friday evening cocktail function - Oarsome Foursome to Chef de Mission by Nick Green

What makes a big boat go fast? Presenter: Curtis Jordan

Maximising Performance: The Coach/Athlete Connection Presenter: Steve Stanley

True core stability for rowing & Load training for rowing using movement forces Presenter: Mark McGrath

Smooth Transitions: Assisting athletes and coaches along the rowing pathway Presenter: Alex Henshilwood

Athlete wellbeing in school and club programs Presenter: Dr Larissa Trease

Developing your own coaching career Presenter: Patrick Hunt

Olympic Review - Panel of Olympic coaches and athletes

An integrated approach to preparing your athletes Presenters: Conny Draper, Jamie Youngson & Adam Gorman

The use of commercially available technology to analyse performance Presenter: Dr Mitchell Mooney

Video as an effective feedback tool Presenter: Nick Garratt

Developing effective coxes: A virtual tourPresenter: Toby Lister

A look inside successful school rowing programs Presenters from: Walford & TSS

Developing pathways for women in rowing - Panel discussion

Additional details and registration forms can be found on the following pdf links:

2012_Delegate_Registration_Form_12.pdf

INDICATIVE_PROGRAM_12.pdf

VENUE__ACCOMMODATION_12.pdf

VACANT RWA BOARD POSITIONS

Rowing WA is seeking expressions of interest from persons with suitable experience, interest and enthusiasm to fill a number of vacancies that exist on the RWA Board, Committees of the RWA Board and in RWA Offices as follows:-

• Secretary (minutes)
• Public Relations Officer
• Safety Officer
• Finance Committee Members (2)
• Marketing Committee Members (2)
• Facility Committee Member (1)

Please contact Executive Officer Pierre Pougnault if you are interested or can suggest someone who should be approached.

Details of the role and responsibilities of the positions and Committees follow. 

1.2 Finance Committee:

i)            The Finance Committee shall comprise the Director Finance as chairman, CEO and at least two (2) other persons appointed by the Board at its first meeting following the AGM. Appointment of other persons shall be for one year only and can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

ii)           The Finance Committee is responsible for:-

• overseeing management and maintenance of RWA finances and assets;
• development of a financial business plan in accordance with the strategic plan;
• development of the annual budget in accordance with the annual operational
• plan;
  • considering ways and means for the generation of income by and/or for RWA;
  • assisting the Director Finance in the pursuance of his duties;
  • providing advice on all matters referred by the Board; and,
    • during 2012, the development of a charter for the committee to be signed off by the Board.

1.5 Marketing Committee:

i)            The Marketing Committee shall comprise the Director Marketing as chairman, CEO, Public Relations Officer and at least two (2) other persons appointed by the Board at its first meeting following the AGM. Appointment of other persons shall be for one year only and can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

ii)           The Marketing Committee is responsible for:-

• development and implementation of a Marketing and Communications Plan designed to promote Rowing WA and its activities in WA;
• overseeing the ongoing updating and maintenance of communication systems with Clubs and stakeholders, including the web site as the key front line communication tool, in line with that plan;
• ensuring that results of regattas are conveyed to The West Australian and/or other relevant media in a timely fashion;
• exercising control, through appropriate policies and/or resolutions of the Board, over the announcement of RWA appointments, representative crews and/or teams and matters of RWA policy;
• consideration of sponsorship options for the benefit of RWA;
• input to the Finance Committee on budget matters related to marketing;
• providing advice on all matters referred by the Board; and
• during 2012, the development of a charter for the committee to be signed off by the Board.

1.6 Facilities Committee:

i)            The Facilities Committee shall comprise the Director Facilities as chairman, Director Finance, Operations Officer and at least two (2) other persons appointed by the Board at its first meeting following the AGM. Appointment of other persons shall be for one year only and can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

ii)           The Facilities Committee is responsible for:-

• overseeing the proper and effective management and maintenance of all facilities held under the authority of Rowing WA;
• development and implementation of plans to maximize the use and income potential of the RWA HQ at Canning Bridge and other facilities;
• input to the Finance Committee on budget matters related to facilities;
• providing advice on all matters referred by the Board; and
• during 2012, the development of a charter for the committee to be signed off by the Board.

3.7 Secretary:

The duties of the Secretary shall be:

i)            To convene and attend and keep a record of all General and Board meetings, and of the attendance of members thereat.

ii)           Within 10 days of a General or Board meeting, to forward minutes of such meeting to the secretaries of all Clubs, the members of the Board and such other persons as the Board may from time to time determine.

iii)          To maintain an up-to-date copy of RWA’s constitution.

iv)          To keep such other records as the Board may from time to time determine.

v)           To conduct correspondence and to take charge of all documents and papers.

vi)          To perform all secretarial work (excluding the preparation and copying of regatta programs if required) necessary to carry out the Objects of RWA.

vii)         To do such other things as instructed to do by the Board.

3.5 Public Relations Officer:

The duties of the Public Relations Officer shall be:

i)            To be responsible to the Director Marketing for publicising to the best of his ability the sport of rowing through all the mass media of communication.

ii)           To appoint, supervise and dismiss deputies to assist in contacting one or more of the State’s media outlets including newspapers and radio and television stations.

3.11 Safety Officer:

The duties of the Safety Officer shall be:

i)            To convene and chair meetings of Club Safety Officers to discuss and determine matters relating to the safety of members participating in regattas and training for regattas.

ii)           To ensure that at least four (4) such meetings are held annually such that there is one prior to the start of the regatta season, one midway through the season, one just prior to the State Championships and one within six (6) weeks of the State Championships.

iii)          To ensure that the RWA Safety Policy is followed at all regattas and by clubs during all training sessions and report as soon as is practical any violations to the Director Regattas.

iv)          To attend and report to meetings of the Regatta Committee on safety matters.

The men’s four has led Australia’s charge on the final day of World Cup 3 with an excellent gold medal as Australian crews won five medals today in Munich, Germany.

In cool, light head wind conditions Australia’s medal haul for the regatta rose to eight following the three medals won on Saturday (June 16) by the lightweight men’s pair, arms and shoulders men’s single scull and trunk and arms mixed double scull.

Adding to the gold medal won by the men’s four were silver medals to the women’s double scull, lightweight men’s four, men’s pair and men’s eight as Australia’s build-up to the 2012 London Olympic Games continued to gather pace.

The Australian men’s four of Joshua Dunkley-Smith (VIC), Drew Ginn (VIC), James Chapman (NSW) and Will Lockwood (VIC) won silver behind Great Britain at World Cup 2 but reversed that result in the semi-final to row from a middle lane in today’s final.

The Australian quartet chased another quick start and by the 1000m mark had edged into a 0.16 second lead over the equally fast starting British crew.

The margin had pushed out to over a second through 1500m as Australia prepared for the customary British sprint to the line, but responded to the challenge and held their form to win the gold medal in a time of 6:10.28.

Kim Crow (VIC) and Brooke Pratley (NSW) showed their class in the women’s double scull to win the silver medal behind Great Britain.

Pratley only returned to full training after World Cup 2 three weeks ago, with her absence at that regatta allowing Crow to win silver in the women’s single scull.

Great Britain jumped to almost a boat length lead by the 500m mark today, but Crow and Pratley responded well to reduce the margin to under half a length heading into the final quarter of the race.

Australia’s stroke rate was under that of Great Britain for the majority of the 2000m, and despite Great Britain pulling away over the closing stages, Australia comfortably won silver in a time of 7:11.92.

Brodie Buckland (NSW) and James Marburg (VIC) showed their growing confidence as a men’s pair by also winning silver behind current world champions New Zealand.

Buckland and Marburg were in fourth place behind New Zealand, France and Italy at the 1500m mark but produced a superb finish to surge past the two European crews.

The Australian pair crossed the line in a time of 6:47.72, just under five seconds shy of New Zealand and a second clear of France in third place.

The lightweight men’s four crew of Todd Skipworth (WA), Ben Cureton (WA), Sam Beltz (TAS) and Anthony Edwards (TAS) were the third Australian crew on Sunday to win silver as they came steaming home in the last 1000m.

Australia was fifth through 1000m but passed Denmark, France and Switzerland in the third quarter of the race.

The Skipworth stroked crew was unable to catch Great Britain in the race to the line and recorded a time of 6:18.81 to seal the silver medal.

In the final race of the regatta Australia’s men’s eight produced their best row of the international season to date to win silver behind Poland.

Coxed by Toby Lister (NSW), the crew also featuring Bryn Coudraye (SA), Matt Ryan (NSW), Nicholas Purnell (NSW), Tom Swann (VIC), Josh Booth (VIC), Cameron McKenzie-McHarg (VIC), Francis Hegerty (NSW) and Sam Loch (NSW) held the lead after 500m before Poland took command of the race.

Despite being challenged by Great Britain, Australia was too strong in the closing strokes to win the silver medal in a time of 5:41.40, half a length behind Poland.

In other racing on the final competition day before the 2012 London Olympic Games, the women’s quad scull finished fourth, while the men’s quad and women’s eight were both fifth.

The Australian Rowing Team will now return to the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre and complete a five-week training block.

Rowing Australia will nominate athletes to the Australian Olympic Committee later this week ahead of the naming of the rowing section of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.

Rowing WA wishes to congratulate Josh Hicks, from the Curtain University Boat Club and who is currently studying on a Rowing Scholarship at Harvard in the United States, who has been selected in the U.S. based U23 Mens 4-. 

We commend RA on this relatively new initiative and wish Josh all the best for Racing later this year.

As a part of the Syndey International Regatta next year, a new championship status event has been developed – the inaugural Australian Schools Championships. The Australian Schools Championships makes up one of the four major events of the regatta.

Incorporated within the Australian Schools Championships is an initiative supported by Destination NSW, the International Schools Challenge.

International schools have been invited to compete in the International Schools Challenge (Boys & Girls 1st eights). A School ‘A’ finals held in conjunction with Samsung World Rowing Cup finals, and televised to the world through FISA’s European broadcasters. Some of the international schools that have expressed interest include:

 Eton College (UK)

 Lady Eleanor Holles School (UK)

 Kent (USA)

 Brentwood College School (Canada)

Others will be announced soon. This will prove to be a fantastic opportunity for your students to complete against not only Australia’s best, but some of the worlds finest rowing schools. For further information please see the website for further details.

http://www.rowingdownunder.org/index.php/en/

Friday 8 June 2012

Australian rower Pippa Savage has been re-selected to the 2012 Australian Rowing Team as a non-travelling reserve.

This selection was decided following lengthy discussions, and at Savage’s request did not require the original appeal against her removal from the women's quadruple scull to be heard.

"I’m pleased with the outcome,” said Savage. "My goal to get to a second Olympic Games is still a possibility.

“I’ll continue to train hard in Melbourne and do everything I can to make sure that if and when I’m needed I can represent Australia to the best of my ability.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the rowing community, my family, friends, the VIS and RA for the support I have received.”

Rowing Australia CEO Andrew Dee says the agreement was acceptable to both parties.

“The matter of Pippa's selection is now settled,” Dee said. “She has accepted a position as a non- travelling reserve and remains in contention for a place in a crew. We think it is a good outcome for everyone involved.

“Our focus is now on World Cup 3 next weekend (June 15-17) in Munich which serves as the last regatta before the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“We had promising results at World Cup 2 in Lucerne two weeks ago and we’re looking to see further improvements in Munich, with the Olympic regatta commencing in just seven weeks.”

The role of a non-travelling reserve is a common selection outcome in rowing whereby an athlete continues to train in their home environment to maintain a level of performance that will enable them to be called upon at a moment’s notice, if and when it is necessary to do so.

Rowing Australia will nominate athletes to the Australian Olympic Committee on 22^nd June following the conclusion of World Cup 3 in Munich.

Rowing Memorabilia Project 

Rowing Australia, with the support of the Bobby Pearce Foundation and Sport Australia Hall of Fame, has launched a project to secure and display very significant rowing memorabilia which is being auctioned shortly. These memorabilia items include the Olympic Gold Medals won by Bobby Pearce Jr in 1928 and 1932.

Rowing Australia is seeking generous donations to ensure that these valuable and significant pieces of Australian rowing history are not lost to the Australian sporting community. If successful at auction, it is anticipated that the memorabilia will be displayed at the National Sports Museum. A letter (pdf, 82kb) and flyer(pdf, 942kb) providing further details of this project are available, along with a donation form (doc, 127kb).

All contributions for this project will be recognised by Rowing Australia.

We are hoping to reach as many potential donors as possible and would appreciate if members of the rowing community could promote this project to all interested parties.

Please encourage all parties to give generously to this worthwhile cause. All contributions are greatly appreciated and will make a real and significant difference.

Donations to the project can be made by:
Post to PO Box 7147, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Fax to 02 6281 3910
Email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rowing Australia Media Statement

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Rowing Australia has confirmed that Pippa Savage has been de-selected from the women’s quad scull crew that is currently touring Europe as part of the 2012 Australian Rowing Team.

Savage was withdrawn from the crew shortly before the start of World Cup 2 in Lucerne, Switzerland and replaced for that regatta by Amy Clay.

“The decision follows concerns around the performance of the crew due to incompatibility issues among the crew,” Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson said.

“The incompatibility was affecting the preparation and performance of the crew and came to a head shortly before World Cup 2 in Lucerne.

“A number of remediation measures were taken to improve crew harmony and crew performance but ultimately we felt that in the best interests of the boat, Pippa’s place in the crew was unsustainable.

“This step was taken after careful and lengthy consideration of all the issues. It is an extremely difficult decision, but one that is taken in the best interests of the women’s quadruple scull and their eventual performance at the 2012 London Olympic Games.”

Savage, as entitled within the Rowing Australia selection policy, has appealed the decision.

Rowing Australia will not be making any further comment in relation to this issue.

2012 Youth Cup team Announced

Congratulations to the following rowers who have been selected to represent WA at the Youth Cup Regatta to held in Sydney from June 29 - 1 July:

Men

Mario Lo Presti, Cameron Fowler, Alex Murphy, Max Armstrong, Nicolo Maurogiavanni, Chris Hayes, James Kerr, Alex Lyche, Lachlan Chapman and Cox Nick Ferguson

Women:

Cassidy Young, Fiona Lea, Yasmin George, Maegan Thompson, Ash Rowe, Courtney Aylett, Zoe Thronton, Darci Miller, Anai Coffey, Cox TBC.

Coaches:  Neville Kempton, Nick Collins, Michael Hinsley.

Manager: Steph Bale and Ross Brown

WA's U23 Australian Rowers Quiz Night

Congratulations to Matt Cochran, Brendan Murray, David Watts, (U23M8+), Tim Widdicombe, Tom Meares, (U23LW4-) Hannah Jansen and Thea Adamson (U23LW2x) for Selection in the U23 Australian Crews.

 The Australian Under 23 Team will compete at the Royal Henley Regatta and the Under 23 World Championships in Trakai, Lithuania.

 Under 23 Athletes have to fund their own trips to compete for Australia, so lets get behind them and help them out.

 Join us for a fun night of trivia and hopefully pick up something you like from the silent auction:

Details:

Date/Time: 6:00pm Friday 6^th of July, 2012

Location: Rowing WA Function Room

Tickets: $15.00

Tables of 10

Please RSVP Tables and numbers to Teresa - 0401070795

Exciting Australian rowing coaching opportunities

Rowing Australia Ltd is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for key positions in its national high performance system.

The national high performance system incorporates the National Rowing Centre of Excellence (NRCE) and the network of State Institute and Academy of Sport Rowing Programs.

The NRCE is a joint venture between Rowing Australia (RA) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). It incorporates RA’s High Performance Program and the AIS Scholarship and National Camps Programs. The primary objective of the NRCE is to achieve sustainable medal winning performances by Australia at Olympic and Paralympic Games consistent with the Rowing Australia High Performance Plan. The NRCE is managed by a Joint Management Committee (JMC) of RA and AIS personnel and is located at the AIS Rowing Facility in Canberra.

The seeking of EOI’s is part of new quadrennial process whereby key positions in the Australian high performance rowing network are declared open to expressions of interest prior to each summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The EOI process is a means of determining market interest in positions. It will be used as part of a process of making informed retention and recruitment decisions for key positions immediately after the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. It may also be relied upon as the sole means of advertising for the recruitment of those positions.

If you wish to be considered for a key role within this exciting and dynamic high performance rowing environment, your expression of interest should provide specific reference to the position or range of positions that you wish to be considered for. You may express interest in one or several position/s in the same letter.

Positions for consideration include:

National Rowing Centre of Excellence

1. Head National/AIS Coach – Men; position description (pdf, 111kb)
2. Head National/AIS Coach – Women; position description (pdf, 115kb)
3. Senior AIS Coach – Men; position description (pdf, 111kb)
4. Senior AIS Coach – Women; position description (pdf, 111kb)
5. Senior AIS/National Coach – Paralympic; position description (pdf, 479kb)
6. Assistant AIS/National Coach – Paralympic; position description(pdf, 479kb)

High Performance Network Rowing Programs

1. Rowing Coach – Tasmanian Institute of Sport; position description(pdf, 279kb)
2. Rowing Head Coach – New South Wales Institute of Sport 
3. Other positions in State Institute and Academy of Sport rowing programs may become available during the EOI process

Expressions of interest in the form of a resume and a one page cover letter must be lodged with  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 5.00pm Australian EST on Monday 3 September, 2012. Your EOI will be assessed against the selection criteria stated in each job description. If you wish to provide additional information that you believe will assist in that assessment you are welcome to do so. All expressions of interest that are received will be acknowledged.

All enquiries about the positions and the EOI process should be directed to:

Andrew Dee – RA Chief Executive Officer, by email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ph: +61 417 687 418
Colin Smith – RA President, by email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ph: +61 411 850 133

Please note that both Colin and Andrew will be attending the Samsung World Cup Regatta in Lucerne if prospective candidates wish to discuss any of these opportunities in person.

Silver linings for Australia at World Cup

Sunday 27 May 2012

The Australian Rowing Team has won three silver medals on an enthralling final day of racing at World Cup 2 in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Following the silver medal won by the men’s coxless four earlier in the day, further silver medals were won by Kim Crow (VIC) in the women’s single scull and the men’s double scull of David Crawshay (VIC) and Scott Brennan (TAS).

After the first two days of the regatta provided fast tail wind conditions, the water was flatter on the concluding day but Crow once again adapted.

The dual world championship silver medallist from 2010 and 2011 in the women’s double scull once again enjoyed a fast start and by the 1000m mark held close to a two boat length lead over the chasing pack.

The Victorian, who is still scheduled to row the women’s double scull with Brooke Pratley (NSW) later this year in London, fought desperately to hold onto her lead in the race to the line but was unable to prevent China’s Xiuyun Zhang from winning the gold medal.

The silver medal, in a time of 7:26.42, was still an excellent feat for Crow, who was able to add to the World Cup bronze medal she won in the women’s single scull in 2010.

Crow said it was a satisfying end to a busy week that had seen her race six times in eight days.

“I am absolutely stuffed but it was a great week and I am really happy with my performances,” Crow said. “It’s been an incredible week and to win the silver medal today was a nice way to cap it off.”

Olympic champions Crawshay and Brennan stormed home in the men’s double scull to win an excellent silver medal.

Sitting in third place through the 1500m mark, Crawshay and Brennan’s surge to the line saw them overhaul France in the last stroke to record a time of 6:15.66 and finish less than a second behind Germany.

In other finals results on Sunday the women’s eight crew, who qualified the boat for the London Games earlier in the week, finished fourth, a result that was matched by the women’s pair of Sarah Tait (VIC) and Kate Hornsey (TAS).

The women’s quad scull of Kerry Hore (TAS), Dana Faletic (TAS), Pauline Frasca (VIC) and Amy Clay (NSW) finished sixth, while the men’s eight also recorded a sixth place result in their final.

The Australian Rowing Team will now travel to the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre in Varese, Italy where it will complete a two-week training camp ahead of World Cup 3.

World Cup 3 will be staged in Munich, Germany between June 15-17 and serves as the last regatta ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Lucky number 13 for London bound rowers

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Australia has qualified 13 boats for the 2012 London Olympic Games after a final two crews were successful in the last session of the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Just 24 hours after the women’s eight secured their place in London, Kim Crow (VIC) swept to victory in the women’s single scull before Tom Gibson (TAS) and Rod Chisholm (NSW) secured the final qualification spot for the London Games.

In the last race of the sudden death regatta, Gibson and Chisholm required either gold or silver to progress to London and in a superb sprint to the line they overpowered USA to claim a vital second place.

2005 world champions Hungary won the race, but all eyes were on Gibson and Chisholm as they rowed through USA in the last 500m to finish second in a time of 6:28.21.

Chisholm and Gibson are now both set to compete at their second Olympic Games after making their debuts four years ago in Beijing.

Gibson reflected on the result that gained the crew qualification for London.

“The reality is if we had not got the result we needed today then we would have been on a plane home tomorrow,” Gibson said. “We knew what we needed coming into this regatta and we are both so happy to have qualified for London.

“Both our wives are over here with us, but mine was too nervous to come down to the course today.

“We can now look forward to some training in Italy at the AIS training centre ahead of World Cup 3 in Munich.”

Crow, who had already qualified the women’s double scull through her silver medal at the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Slovenia, entered the women’s single scull at this regatta to gain valuable race practice while women’s double scull partner Brooke Pratley recovered from a rib injury.

Crow qualified for the final through victories in both her heat and semi-final and at the halfway point of the pivotal race it was clear Crow would feature strongly once more.

The Victorian was just 0.09 of a second behind Denmark sculler Fie Udby Erichsen through 1000m before making her move and stamping her authority on the final.

Crow rowed away from the field to win by close to three seconds in a time of 7:38.79.

The Australian Rowing Team will compete at World Cup 2 starting this Friday (May 25) at the same venue in Switzerland.

It will provide the bulk of the squad their first chance to compete on the international circuit in 2012, while at the conclusion of the regatta the team will make their way to the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre to continue their preparations.

Australian Rowing Crews Qualified for 2012 London Olympic Games

Men’s Coxless Pair
Men’s Coxless Four
Men’s Coxed Eight
Men’s Double Scull
Men’s Quad Scull
Lightweight Men’s Coxless Four
Lightweight Men’s Double Scull
Women’s Single Scull
Women’s Double Scull
Women’s Quad Scull
Women’s Coxless Pair
Women’s Coxed Eight
Lightweight Women’s Double Scull

Media Contact: David Polglase 0401 453 041

Media Release

Women’s Eight qualifies for London Olympics

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Click here for race vision - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTW3TXdO7C4

The women’s eight has become the 11^th Australian crew to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games following a superb victory at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The Phoebe Stanley (VIC) stroked crew rowed from Lane 3 and started well to sit fractionally behind Belarus through 500m before powering away from the field to secure their place for London in a time of 6:12.36.

The Australian crew also featuring Sally Kehoe (QLD), Alexandra Hagan (WA), Tess Gerrand (NSW), Sarah Cook (NSW), Hannah Vermeersch (WA), Renee Chatterton (SA), Robyn Selby Smith (VIC) and coxen Lizzy Patrick (VIC) finished a length clear of Germany, who came home strongly to secure the last qualification place for London.

Shortly after the race Kehoe said the victory was just the next step for the crew on a journey that would now last another two months.

“It is a very different feeling to four years ago,” Kehoe said. “This time round we have really earned our position and fought to be here.

“We were not a priority boat but being the under dogs is working for us so far.”

The youngest member of the crew, 19-year-old Hannah Vermeersch, described the emotions after crossing the line.

“It means so much to me,” Vermeersch said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be going to London.

“Rio was always my goal but Alex (Hagan) and I had something special in the pair earlier this year and look where we ended up.

“When we crossed the line there were so many different emotions but it was an awesome effort from everyone and we were all ecstatic.”

Coach of the women’s eight crew, Nick Garratt, said he was proud of the way the crew had approached both races at the regatta.

“I couldn’t be happier with how the girls have performed across the last three days but this is just the start for them,” Garratt said. “They have an Olympics to prepare for now.

“They always knew the other crews would throw down the challenge early in the race today, but they stuck to their plan and then finished the job superbly.”

Earlier in the day Australia qualified another two boats for finals with both the women’s single scull and lightweight men’s double scull to race for Olympic berths on Wednesday evening.

Kim Crow (VIC) achieved a start-to-finish victory in the women’s single scull, while Tom Gibson (TAS) and Rod Chisholm overhauled Spain in the third 500m to power away to a comfortable victory.

Crow requires third or better in her final to secure Australia the women’s single scull position in London, while Gibson and Chisholm must finish first or second.

Rowing Australia is conducting a review of the current National Coaching Accreditation Process in June. In order to have your voice heard, please fill in the details below.

Australian crews enjoy positive start to regatta

Monday 21 May 2012

Three Australian crews have tasted victory in their respective heats at the 2012 Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The women’s eight, lightweight men’s double scull and Kim Crow (VIC) in the women’s single scull all crossed the line first in their respective heats in light tail wind conditions.

Crow asserted her dominance on the race from the opening strokes as she reached the 500m mark just a fraction ahead of French rower Sophie Balmary.

The dual world championship silver medallist in the women’s double scull continued to build on her lead through the middle 1000m before recording a time of 7:29.48, finishing almost three seconds clear of USA’s Genevra Stone.

Crow and Stone both progressed to the semi-finals, which will be held on Tuesday evening Australian time.

Joining Crow at the semi-final stage are the lightweight men’s double scull combination of Tom Gibson (TAS) and Roderick Chisholm (NSW), whose surge in the middle portion of their race took them to a comfortable victory.

Gibson and Chisholm were almost two lengths clear of the field by the halfway buoy of the 2000m race and it is an advantage the 2008 Beijing Olympians continued to work on.

They stopped the clock in 6:26.56 to book their place in the semi-finals ahead of Poland and Ireland.

All five crews entered in the women’s eight event were guaranteed a position in the final but the Australian crew did not hold back as they recorded a start-to-finish victory.

Stroked by Phoebe Stanley (VIC), the crew also featuring Hannah Vermeersch (WA), Alexandra Hagan (WA), Sally Kehoe (QLD), Tess Gerrand (NSW), Sarah Cook (NSW), Renee Chatterton (SA), Robyn Selby Smith (VIC) and coxen Lizzy Patrick (VIC) established a lead in the opening part of the race.

They were a second clear of Belarus through 500m and had rowed two seconds clear of the rest of the field through the halfway mark.

There was no letting back from Australia in the second 1000m as they crossed the line almost three seconds clear of Germany to earn the middle lane for the final on Tuesday evening.

Jared Bidwell (QLD) will row in the repechages of the men’s single scull after finishing fourth in his heat.

The Queenslander was in second place through 1000m but will use the repechage to gain additional racing ahead of the semi-finals later in the week.

Media Contact: David Polglase 0401 453 041

Ron Batt appointed as RA’s Education and Development Officer

Rowing Australia is pleased to announce that Ron Batt has commenced his role as RA’s National Coach Education and Development Manager.

Ron brings enormous knowledge, passion and experience to the role having worked in various capacities within the Australian rowing community.

As an athlete Ron competed in Europe, the USA, New Zealand and Australia before turning his hand to coaching.

Ron has coaching experience both in the UK and Australia, including a period as Head Coach at St George RC. In addition, Ron has coached Junior, Under 23 and Senior Australian crews at World Championships and has spent the last five years in Tasmania as a coach at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, including one year as the Tasmanian High Performance Development Coordinator.

Ron is currently completing the final unit of a Graduate Certificate in Sports Coaching at the University of Queensland, and is an experienced presenter and facilitator of Level 1 and 2 courses for the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme.

Rowing Australia is excited that Ron has joined its coaching and development team, and looks forward to his contribution to this vital area of our sport.

Australian team ready to perform in Lucerne

Friday May 18 2012

Australia’s remaining four crews that are chasing qualification for the 2012 London Olympic Games will finalise their preparations over the coming 24 hours ahead of the start of the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The cut-throat regatta which commences on Sunday (May 20) offers a limited number of qualifying places for the London Games and the Australian women’s eight, lightweight men’s double scull and women’s and men’s single sculls will all vie for these places.

Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson said the mood in the camp was positive head of the four day regatta.

“The team has settled in really well in Lucerne after arriving here last Sunday and everyone is looking forward to the chance to race,” Matheson said.

“Lucerne is renowned for always staging excellent regattas but conditions are definitely cooler than normal with snow having fallen down to reasonably low levels.

“Our four crews have produced some excellent training pieces across the week and the mood in the camp is high, which bodes well for the start of racing.”

The women’s eight crew, stroked by Phoebe Stanley (VIC), face a race for lanes on Sunday with the five crews contesting the two Olympic positions on offer to then be seeded for the final on Tuesday.

A young German crew presents an unknown challenge to Australia, while Ukraine, Belarus and Russia complete the field.

A top two finish for the lightweight men’s double scull crew of Tom Gibson (TAS) and Rod Chisholm (NSW) would see the pair qualify for their second Olympic Games.

Gibson rowed in the same boat four years ago in Beijing, while Chisholm was a member of the lightweight men’s four, and the pair have come together well since their selection at the start of April.

In the single scull events Kim Crow (VIC) and Jared Bidwell (QLD) will be targeting appearances in the final on Wednesday (May 23).

Crow and Bidwell both require a place on the podium if they are to qualify the single scull boats for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Australia has so far qualified 10 boats for London, with all of these boat classes scheduled to race at World Cup 2 in Lucerne, Switzerland from May 25-27.

Media Contact: David Polglase 0401 453 041

Rowing WA Newsletter and Information

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July 2012 Newletter [July 2012.pdf ]

August 2012 Newsletter [August 2012.pdf]

Rowing WA have now added a blog section to our webpage (under the news tab above), which will feature Blog's of Athlete's, Coaches and interesting  thoughts on Rowing from the Rowing WA community. 

If you are interested in contributing to the Rowing Blog, please contact the Club Development Officer on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Click the link here to Alex and Hannah's first Blog article [here]

Coaching Jobs Board

Rowing WA is happy to announce its new Coaching Jobs Board on the Rowing WA website. [click here for the link]

Any Clubs, Schools or Individuals interested in posting positions - please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your ad.

This service has no fees associated with it and will also be promoted through the Rowing WA Facebook page.

If you are an individual looking for a coaching job, we can also post an ad for you - just send us your details and coaching experience.

Rowing WA is hapy to announce its new classified page on the Rowing WA website. [click here for the link]

Any Clubs, Schools or Individuals interested in selling Rowing related equipment or gear - please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your ad.

The service has no fees associated with it.

Rowing Australia is hosting a ‘London 2012 Australian Rowing Team Farewell’ dinner on Thursday 10 May in Sydney.  All national team athletes will be in attendance, prior to their departure to Europe.

The event will be a 2 course dinner and will include a guest speaker and announcement of the 2012 Team Captains.

See below for more details:

Invitation

Ticket Order Form

Congratulations to Matt Cochran, Brendan Murray, David Watts, Tim Widdicombe, Tom Meares, Hannah Jansen, Thea Adamson, Perry Ward, Maia Simmons and Coach Lincoln Handley for selections in the U23 and Senior A Australian crews and Tom Gatti who was named as a reserve.

2012 Australian Senior A Non-Olympic and Under 23 Teams

Rowing Australia is pleased to announce the 2012 Australian Senior A Non-Olympic crews and the 2012 Australian Under 23 Teams.

2012 Australian Under 23 Team

The Australian Under 23 Team will compete at the Royal Henley Regatta and the Under 23 World Championships in Trakai, Lithuania.

Team Manager: Robert Cook (ACT)

Under 23 Men’s Eight
• Samuel Hookway (Melbourne Uni BC)
• Angus Moore (Canberra RC/ACTAS)
• Alexander Hill (Adelaide RC/SASI)
• Spencer Turrin (Sydney RC/NSWIS)
• Matthew Cochran (WARC/WAIS)
• David Watts (Swan RRC)
• Alexander Lloyd (Sydney RC)
• Brendan Murray (Swan RRC)
• Timothy Webster (cox) (Melbourne Uni BC)
Coach: Tom Morris (Sydney RC)

Under 23 Men’s Coxed Four
• Scott Laidler (Dutton Park RC/QAS)
• Scott Woodward (Sydney RC/NSWIS)
• Aaron Wright (Mosman RC/NSWIS)
• George Ellis (Melbourne Uni BC)
• William Raven (cox) (Sydney Uni BC/NSWIS)
Coach: Alex Henshilwood (Melbourne Uni BC)

Under 23 Men’s Quad Scull
• Ryan Edwards (Sydney Uni BC/NSWIS)
• Alexander Belonogoff (Sydney Uni BC/NSWIS)
• Benjamin Morley (Grammarians RC/QAS)
• Jay Ditmarsch (Mosman RC/NSWIS)
Coach: Mark Prater (Sydney Uni RC)

Under 23 Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four
• David de Lang (Mercantile RC)
• Sean Lake (Mercantile RC)
• Timothy Widdicombe (Uni of WA BC)
• Thomas Meares (Uni of WA BC)
Coach: Lincoln Handley (WAIS)

Under 23 Women’s Quad Scull
• Rebekah Hooper (Mercantile RC)
• Madeleine Edmunds (Commercial RC)
• Olympia Aldersey (Adelaide RC/SASI)
• Jessica Hall (Brisbane & GPS/QAS)
Coach: Tom Westgarth (QAS)

Under 23 Women’s Coxless Four
• Katrina Bateman (Mercantile RC/VIS)
• Charlotte Travers (Commercial RC)
• Fiona Albert (Commercial RC)
• Lucy Stephan (Melbourne Uni RC)
Coach: Mark Fengen-Hall (Mercantile RC)

Under 23 Women’s Lightweight Double Scull
• Hannah Jansen (ANA/WAIS)
• Thea Adamson (Uni of WA BC)
Coach: Lincoln Handley (WAIS)

2012 Australian Senior A Team Non-Olympic Crews

The Senior A Non-Olympic Team will compete at the Senior A World Championships, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Team Manager: Andrew Service (QLD)

Senior A Men’s Lightweight Eight - SQUAD
• Ali Foot (Tarmar RC/TIS)
• Blair Tunevitsch ((Tarmar RC/TIS)
• Perry Ward (Swans RC/WAIS)
• Tom Bertrand (Mercantile RC/VIS)
• Adam Kachyckyj (Commercial RC/QAS)
• Nick Silcox (Toowong RC)
• Oli Zuk (UTS/NSWIS)
• Tim McDonnell (Toowong RC)
• Michael Egan (Tasmanian Uni)
• David Webster (cox) (Melbourne Uni BC/VIS)
Coach: TBC

Senior A Women’s Lightweight Single Scull
• Alice McNamara (Melbourne Uni/VIS/AIS)
Coach: Ellen Randell (UTS RC)

Senior A Women’s Lightweight Quad SQUAD
• Maia Simmonds (Uni of WA BC/WAIS)
• Hannah Jansen (ANA/WAIS)
• Thea Adamson (Uni of WA BC)
• Ella Flecker (Huon RC/TIS)

MEDIA RELEASE

Saturday 5 May 2012

NEW FACILITY PAVES ROAD TO RIO AND BEYOND 

The road to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and beyond looks a whole lot brighter for Western Australia’s most talented athletes with the news today that the State Government has committed $33.7 million for the construction of the new Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) High Performance Service Centre.

WAIS led the way in the mid 1990s, becoming the first of the State Institutes to have their own facility when the current WAIS building was completed in 1996, but has since fallen behind the rest of Australia with all other major States having more modern facilities for their athletes. The commitment from the State Government today will see WAIS once again take the lead nationally, with the purpose built centre to be the best State Institute facility in the country when it is completed in late 2014.

WAIS Chairman Grant Boyce said the biggest investment in the Institute’s history was a great boost to the Institute just 83 days out from London Olympics.

“The new WAIS facility is absolutely vital for us to continue to provide the best opportunity for West Australian athletes to wear the green and gold at Olympic and Paralympic level,” he said.

“WAIS has always been a leader in the national sporting landscape and the people of WA can be proud of the fact that today’s announcement will enable us to take back our place at the forefront of Australian sport in the lead up to Rio 2016.”

WAIS Olympic champion pole vaulter Steve Hooker was in attendance at the announcement and was enthusiastic in his praise for the planned facility, in particular the setup for the national pole vault program which WAIS houses.

“This facility will deliver on a lot of the innovations around training and sports science that we’ve been working on over the past four years in the pole vault program,” the Gold Medallist said.

“It’ll ensure the best possible training environment for current and future generations of West Australian athletes.”

Key features of the new WAIS High Performance Service Centre include:-

• A 715 m2 strength and conditioning gym suitable for two sporting squads to train simultaneously
• An 80m, four lane indoor athletics track including a complete pole vault setup, ability for indoor javelin and a long jump pit
• A 625 m2 multi purpose indoor sport science testing area
• A 260 m2 hydrotherapy based recovery centre
• A 280 m2 laboratory for the WA High Performance Sport Research centre, including a 70 m2 heat/humidity/altitude laboratory
• Athlete amenities including study zone, kitchen and recreation area
• Complete universal access for Paralympic athletes to all areas of the facility

A new WAIS facility was first identified as a priority for the Institute following the Athens Olympics and since then detailed work has been undertaken with the State Government, the Department of Sport and Recreation, the Department of Building Management and Works, VenuesWest and the University of Western Australia.

“We’ve been working with the State Government over a number of years to bring our new home to fruition and today’s confirmation marks an important milestone in WAIS’ history,” Grant Boyce offered.

“The work of our Minister Terry Waldron in making today possible can’t be underestimated and to him and his staff we say a sincere thank you on behalf of our athletes.”

Detailed design work will commence within the next month to be followed by construction commencing in the second half of 2013. Athletes are expected to be fully utilising the facility by December 2014.

Matheson opts for high performance role in New Zealand

Friday 4 May 2012

Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson has today announced he will return to his native New Zealand following the conclusion of the London Olympic Games.

Matheson, who has led Rowing Australia’s high performance program for the current Olympic cycle, will take up a position as General Manager Performance and Strategic Investment for High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Matheson said that despite opting to return home to New Zealand he was focused on Australia’s success in London.

“Despite not extending my contract with Rowing Australia I remain fully committed to completing the project I began in 2008,” Matheson said. “I feel as though the high performance program has progressed substantially over the last four years and the next three months will be a key indicator of that.

“Our crews are positioned well ahead of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games but there remains a lot of hard work over the next three months to ensure full success is realised.”

Rowing Australia CEO Andrew Dee commended the work of Matheson over the past four years.

“Andrew has made a significant contribution to the immediate and future success of Australian rowing in a relatively short space of time,” Dee said. 

“His contribution to rowing and the broader sports system in Australia is highly regarded and he will be difficult to replace.       

“It has been a pleasure to work with him and I'm sure the entire rowing community wishes him and is family the very best.”

MLC have honoured the contribution of Mike Higgins, with their refurbished old eight done being hung in the school’s dining hall at easter.

Mike was quoted as saying "the boat represents all the girls who rowed for MLC and all parents and all coaches".

Congratulations Mike and MLC. 

Rowing Australia has today announced the women’s eight crew that will attempt to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games next month at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland (May 20-23).

A squad of eleven athletes had been originally named after the 2012 Rowing Australia National Selection Trials in March, but following two more weeks of training and trialling, the final crew was selected.

Coxed by 2008 Beijing Olympian Lizzy Patrick (VIC), the crew will feature Phoebe Stanley (VIC), Hannah Vermeersch (WA), Alexandra Hagan (WA), Sally Kehoe (QLD), Renee Chatterton (SA), Tess Gerrand (NSW), Sarah Cook (NSW) and Robyn Selby Smith (VIC).

The crew boasts a good mix of youth and experience with Kehoe and Cook both having Olympic experience from Beijing.

Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson said he was happy with the final make-up of the crew.

“Over the last two months the whole squad of girls who were chasing selection in this boat have performed extremely well,” Matheson said. “They realise that the job to qualify the boat will be difficult but they are all extremely motivated.

“It is important that they execute their training plan to perfection over the coming four weeks.

“They, along with the lightweight men’s double scull and men’s single scull, will have all of Australia supporting them at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta.”

The three crews that are still attempting to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games will depart Australia on May 12 ahead of the regatta that commences on May 20 in Switzerland.

Those crews that successfully qualify for London from this regatta will remain on in Europe and compete at World Cup 3 in Munich, Germany (June 15-17), before completing their final preparations for the Games at the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre in Varese, Italy.

Australia currently has qualified 10 crews for the 2012 London Olympic Games, with these crews scheduled to depart Australia on May 15.

Youth Cup State Team

Athletes that may be interested in this opportunity a reminder that nominations close on Friday 20th April.

Please also remember all athletes must compete in the Mettams regatta in the 1x or 2-.

YOUTH CUP

Sydney International Rowing Centre, Penrith, New South Wales

28^thJune to 1 ^stJuly 2012

Ten (10) male and ten (10) female athletes are to be selected to represent Western Australia in the Youth Cup.  Each group will consist of a maximum of six (6) heavyweight and a minimum of three (3) lightweight athletes and one (1) coxswain.

The 2012 Australian Youth Cup is open to rowers and coxswains under the age of 21 years as at 31st December 2012.

Each athlete will compete in one boat from each of the three categories below:

Category 1: 1X, 2-, lightweight 2X, lightweight 1X (reserve)

Category 2: 4X-, 4-, mixed 2X (reserves)

Category 3: 8+, mixed 4X- (reserves)

Athletes and coaches must nominate for selection by 20^th April 2012. Nomination forms will be distributed via email to Club and School coaches. Further forms can be obtained from Ross Brown, High Performance Development Coordinator WA.

Athletes nominating as lightweights will be permitted to compete at a maximum weight of 74.2kg for men and 60.4kg for women. These athletes will be required to be no more than these weights at the weigh in for the May 27^th on-water trials.

Athletes are required to have completed the Rowing Australia NTID testing in the past 12 months or be willing to do so prior to final selection.

The following is the testing schedule for the 2012 Youth Cup.

April 20^th Final date for receipt of nomination forms (athletes, coaches)

April 29^th Mettams (Canning Bridge) – must race in 1x or 2-

May 14^th – 16^th All nominated athletes to complete ergometer trials in accordance with RA power profile protocol:

May 14^th (am) – 100m, 500m

(pm) – 6km

May 16^th (am) – 2km

(NB 30min test not required)

May 27^th Trials on water in 1x and/or 2-

All athletes should endeavor to compete in as many of the club regattas as possible prior to selection (and should try to row in 1x or 2- where possible).

Guildford to Garratt Bridge Head Race                15^th April

Perth – Fremantle                                                    6^th May

Bunbury                                                                    19^th May

June 2^nd Possible further water trials, Final Selection and team announcement

It is important to note the following:

 Any schoolgirl athlete who has nominated for the Youth Cup but is involved in Head of the River crews with their school must compete in the water trials on May 27^th. 2000m ergometer trials completed for the school can be submitted instead of/ as well as, the ergometer trials as outlined, provided there is prior approval of a selector.

Clubs and nominated athletes and coaches will be made aware of any changes to the testing schedule listed above by email, well prior to the current allocated date.

Coaches for the Youth Cup will be selected by early June, and selection of crews will be made by the available State Selectors in consultation with coaches.

To ensure that funding from RWA for the Pathway Program continues to individual clubs, it is essential that coaches from those clubs nominate, and are available for State Youth Cup crew coaching.

Please contact Ross Brown for more information and to obtain nomination forms.

Mobile: 0417000260

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Video footage of last weekends ANA Head Race made by Rowing WA. Click for the you tube link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJWqu1SbHf0

Rowing Australia has today launched its new “Women in Sport” website, www.rowingchicks.com.au.

The website is the next phase of Rowing Australia’s initiative to increase the promotion and raise the profile of its elite female rowers, and has been made possible by the support of the Australian Sport Commission’s Women in Sport media grants program.

The website, which focuses around the training, results and daily habits of Australia’s 2012 Australian Rowing Team female members, has been designed to engage school girl rowers by promoting elite female rowers as role models, mentors and heroes that will encourage young rowers to remain in the sport after they leave school.

Rowing Australia CEO Andrew Dee said the website would be a great outlet for all rowing lovers.

“For some time now we have been looking at ways to maximise the transition of our school girl rowers into the club environment after they finish their secondary school education,” Dee said.

“We believe that by building a connection between our senior team athletes and this demographic we can relay to them the benefits of continuing rowing after school.

“Rowing is a sport for life and the experiences that our elite athletes enjoy, whether it be competing at the Olympic Games or keeping fit and healthy, are messages that they would like to relay to the community.”

Sarah Tait, co-captain of the Australian Rowing Team, said it was a great initiative to promote women’s rowing.

“All of the girls involved in this project are really excited at the opportunity it will present to promote our sport,” Tait said. “Like every sport, to be able to succeed at the top level, we need a constant progression of athletes from school to elite level.

“All the crews are excited at the chance to post information about their training habits and I think the site will be a real success.

“This website will be able to track the progress of women’s rowing and hopefully come London, fans of the site and the team can cheer us on to many medals.”

www.rowingchicks.com.au will follow the female members of the 2012 Australian Rowing Team during their final training block in Australia, before embarking with them on their tour of Europe as they prepare for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2012 Australian Masters Rowing Championships

On behalf of the Organising Committee for the 2012 Australian Masters Regatta  Rowing Victoria extends an invitation to compete in this Regatta which signifies the return of Interstate competition to Lake Wendouree Ballarat after several years of unprecedented drought caused the suspension of all water sports on this famous venue.

For all the details in relation to the 2012 Australian Masters Rowing Championships please click on the link below for Bulletin 2

 Bulletin 2 - 2012 Australian Masters Rowing Championships

Media Release

2012 Australian Rowing Team Announced

Sunday 1 April 2012

The Rowing Australia Board has officially announced the Australian Rowing Team following the conclusion of the 2012 National Selection Trials at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith.

A squad of 56 athletes has been announced across 15 (13 Olympic, 2 Paralympic) different boat classes as Australia aims to build on the success it achieved at the 2011 World Rowing Championships.

The decision was taken to send three crews to the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland (May 20-23) in an attempt to add to the 10 boats already set to feature at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

A squad of ten athletes, along with coxswain Lizzy Patrick (VIC), has been selected in the women’s eight after a number of impressive performances across the selection regatta.

The squad, containing Phoebe Stanley (VIC), Hannah Vermeersch (WA), Alexandra Hagan (WA), Sally Kehoe (QLD), Tess Gerrand (NSW), Renee Chatterton (SA), Emma McCarthy (QLD), Sarah Cook (NSW), Amy Clay (NSW) and Robyn Selby Smith (VIC), will continue to train over the next three weeks before a final decision on the make-up of the crew is decided on the weekend of April 21/22.

The women’s eight, along with the men’s lightweight double scull crew of Tom Gibson (TAS) and Rod Chisholm (NSW), require a top two finish at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in order to qualify for London.

Jared Bidwell (QLD), who was selected in the men’s single scull, will also attend the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta, and will chase a top three finish to progress to his first Olympic Games.

A squad of five athletes has been selected in the men’s pair category that includes Brodie Buckland (NSW), James Marburg (VIC), Fergus Pragnell (NSW), Duncan Free (QLD) and Tom Larkins (VIC).

These athletes will continue to train over the coming five weeks before two pairs are selected to race at World Cup 2 in Lucerne (May 25-27).

Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson said the team was already looking forward to the first international racing of the season.

“We are extremely happy with the final make-up of the team and can now really plan ahead for the next stage of our campaign,” Matheson said. “The training block before we leave Australia is extremely important and all athletes and coaches are well prepared to get the most out of each other during this period.

“Everyone is very much looking forward to testing their crews ahead of the international racing that starts in May.

Matheson continued by congratulating the three crews that would have the chance to qualify for London at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta.

“The women’s eight, men’s lightweight double scull and men’s single scull all have an opportunity to qualify for London,” Matheson added. “The nature of the regatta is extremely cut-throat, with only a minimal number of crews able to qualify.

“I am confident our crews will be given the best possible preparation ahead of this regatta and everyone will be cheering them on in Lucerne.”

All Australian crews will now complete a final five-week training block before attending a pre-departure camp in Sydney between May 8-12.

The Australian team departs for Europe on May 15 to compete at World Cup 2 and World Cup 3 in Munich, Germany (June 15-17) before the final team is nominated to the Australian Olympic Committee.

Whilst in Europe, the Australian team will base itself out of the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre in Varese, Italy.


2012 Australian Rowing Team

Men’s Single Scull
Jared Bidwell (QLD)

Men’s Double Scull
Scott Brennan (TAS)
David Crawshay (VIC)

Men’s Quad Scull
Daniel Noonan (NSW)
Karsten Forsterling (VIC)
James McRae (SA)
Chris Morgan (SA)

Women’s Double Scull
Kim Crow (VIC)
Brooke Pratley (NSW)

Women’s Quad Scull
Kerry Hore (TAS)
Pippa Savage (QLD)
Pauline Frasca (VIC)
Dana Faletic (TAS)

Men’s Lightweight Double Scull
Tom Gibson (TAS)
Rod Chisholm (NSW)

Women’s Lightweight Double Scull
Bronwen Watson (NSW)
Hannah Every-Hall (QLD)

Men’s Coxless Pair (Squad)
Brodie Buckland (NSW)
James Marburg (VIC)
Duncan Free (QLD)
Fergus Pragnell (NSW)
Tom Larkins (VIC)

Men’s Coxless Four
Joshua Dunkley-Smith (VIC)
Drew Ginn (VIC)
James Chapman (NSW)
Will Lockwood (VIC)

Men’s Coxed Eight
Bryn Coudraye (SA)
Matt Ryan (NSW)
Nicholas Purnell (NSW)
Tom Swann (VIC)
Joshua Booth (VIC)
Cameron McKenzie-McHarg (VIC)
Francis Hegerty (NSW)
Sam Loch (NSW)
Toby Lister (NSW)

Women’s Coxless Pair
Kate Hornsey (TAS)
Sarah Tait (VIC)

Women’s Coxed Eight (Squad)
Phoebe Stanley (VIC)
Hannah Vermeersch (WA)
Alexandra Hagan (WA)
Sally Kehoe (QLD)
Tess Gerrand (NSW)
Renee Chatterton (SA)
Emma McCarthy (QLD)
Sarah Cook (NSW)
Amy Clay (NSW)
Robyn Selby Smith (VIC)
Lizzy Patrick (VIC)

Men’s Lightweight Coxless Four
Todd Skipworth (WA)
Ben Cureton (WA)
Sam Beltz (TAS)
Anthony Edwards (TAS)

Arms Only Men’s Single Scull
Erik Horrie (QLD)

Trunk and Arms Double Scull (Squad)
Kathryn Ross (VIC)
John Maclean (NSW
Gavin Bellis (VIC)

Media Contact: David Polglase 0401 453 041

A great video memento by Mike Nicholson of the 2012 Australian Rowing Championships - click here. 

WA MEDAL TALLY AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Note:   If a Club or School has one or more rowers in a medal-winning crew, it scores one point in the appropriate medal count.

In the All-Comers list, ANA was equal-third, Swans sixth, Uni equal-ninth, and Wests eleventh.

THE LOCAL MEDAL TALLY

INTERSTATE REGATTA

THE ROWING AUSTRALIA CUP

Note:   Scoring for this trophy is based on the following scores for places:

PLACE           POINTS

First                 8

Second                        6

Third               5

Fourth             4

Fifth                3

Sixth                2

Seventh           1

THE 2012 ROWING AUSTRALIA CUP SCORES

MEDAL WINNERS – 2012 INTERSTATE REGATTA

GOLD

THE WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT  COXLESS QUAD SCULL

SILVER

THE MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT COXLESS FOUR

THE WOMEN’S YOUTH EIGHT

THE MEN’S YOUTH EIGHT

BRONZE

THE WOMEN’S EIGHT

MEDAL WINNERS 2012 AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

GOLD

OPEN MEN’S COXLESS FOUR

OPEN MEN’S COXED FOUR

OPEN WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULL

OPEN WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT QUAD SCULL

OPEN MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULL

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S COXLESS PAIR

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S EIGHT

UNDER 23 MEN’S COXLESS FOUR

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT SINGLE SCULL

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULL

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT QUAD SCULL

UNDER 23 MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT SINGLE SCULL

UNDER 23 MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT COXLESS FOUR

UNDER 19 WOMEN’S SINGLE SCULL

UNDER 19 WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULL

SCHOOLGIRL SINGLE SCULL

SILVER

OPEN WOMEN’S COXLESS PAIR

OPEN WOMEN’S COXLESS FOUR

OPEN WOMEN’S EIGHT

OPEN MEN’S COXLESS FOUR

OPEN MEN’S QUAD SCULL

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULL

UNDER 23 MEN’S COXLESS PAIR

UNDER 23 MEN’S QUAD SCULL

UNDER 23 MEN’S EIGHT

UNDER 23 MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT COXLESS PAIR

ADAPTIVE MEN’S LEGS, TRUNK AND ARMS SINGLE SCULL

ADAPTIVE MEN’S LEGS, TRUNK AND ARMS DOUBLE SCULL

UNDER 17 MEN’S COXED QUAD SCULL

SCHOOLGIRL COXED FOUR

SCHOOLBOY UNDER 17 EIGHT

BRONZE

OPEN WOMEN’S QUAD SCULL

OPEN WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULL

OPEN MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT EIGHT

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S COXLESS FOUR

UNDER 23 WOMEN’S EIGHT

UNDER 23 MEN’S COXLESS PAIR

UNDER 19 WOMEN’S SINGLE SCULL

UNDER 19 WOMEN’S COXLESS QUAD SCULL

UNDER 17 WOMEN’S SINGLE SCULL

OPEN CLUB MEN’S DOUBLE SCULL

SCHOOLGIRL COXED QUAD SCULL

SCHOOLBOY UNDER 17 EIGHT

SCHOOLBOY EIGHT

AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

AND INTERSTATE REGATTA

INDIVIDUAL FEMALE MEDAL-WINNERS

AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

AND INTERSTATE REGATTA

INDIVIDUAL MALE MEDAL-WINNERS