Robert (Bob) C Hemery ASM
WA
Bob Hemery was an energetic, innovative and entrepreneurial rowing administrator.
He did his best work in his home State of WA where he was able to fund raise, introduce innovations such a regatta control board and boat race official training. His term as an administrator was not without controversy as he unafraid to express his views.
The following extracts from Bill Coopers history of rowing in Western Australia, Home and Dry, published by Rowing WA in 2008 provides some hints of this innovative work.
His fund raising for the 1964 team was impressive organising a Miss Rowing Quest, a lavish King’s Cup Ball and a Ring and Give appeal on Radio Station 6TZ.
The 1971 annual report of ARAWA reported: The long-range plan evolved by Messrs Hemery and Saunders is progressing towards its ultimate aim. [Furthermore, crew-member] Peter Shakespear is the first Western Australia to row in an Olympic Games four-oared crew.
Bob was also heavily involved in the sport of weightlifting, including Board membership of that federation.
1972 Olympic Rowing Team with Bob Hemery front row, third from the left
Some rowing highlights
1957 - Co-organiser of the Traders and Business Houses Regatta – 13 businesses participated
1961-63 – Secretary ARAWA
1964 – Co-editor WA Rowing Yearbook
1964 – Co-founder of ARAWA Regatta Control Panel
1964 – Team manager WA rowing team
1965-67 – President ARAWA
1965 – Australian rowing umpire and later a FISA umpire
1965-73 – WA Councillor to Rowing Australia
1967 – Team manager Trans Tasman Series
1968 – Olympic Games, Rowing Section Manager
1972 – Olympic Games, Rowing Section Manager
1992-94 – CEO Rowing Australia
2000 - Australian Sports Medal for outstanding service as an official
2001 - Centenary Medal for long service to the community through sports administration and participation
Andrew Guerin
December 2021
Sources:
1.Home and Dry by Bill Cooper published by Rowing WA in 2008
2.Author’s recollections and notes