Dr Bob Porra
On 20th May 2019, Rowing Australia reported of the death of Dr Bob Porra as follows:
It is with great sadness that Rowing ACT advise of the passing of Life Member Dr Bob Porra last week.
Bob was a member of the Executive Committee of the ACT Rowing Association from 1976 to 1984 as Honorary Secretary, Senior Vice President and President (1980-81).
He was a major contributor to administration of rowing in the ACT across the full range of its activities. These contributions included a major review of the governance of ACTRA leading to adoption of a new constitution and incorporation in 1977. He took the lead in advancing well considered proposals for an international standard 2000 metre rowing course on Jerrabomberra Creek and negotiated improvements to rowing spectator areas associated with construction of the Molonglo Parkway. Bob was elected as a Life Member of Rowing ACT in 1984.
In addition to his service to ACTRA, Bob gave long service as a coach to Canberra Grammar School achieving great success with coxed IV boats. Bob’s name lives on in the Porra Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the Men’s under-19 double scull at the ACT Championships.