History of Rowing in the ACT

Celebrating 60 years

14. Lake Tuggeranong Rowing Club

ORIGINS AND FOUNDING

The Lake Tuggeranong Rowing Club (LTRC) was officially opened by the ACT Minister for Education and Community Services, Mr Bill Stefaniak, on the 1st July 1998, at its new premises beneath the Tuggeranong Town Centre Library in Greenway on the foreshores of Lake Tuggeranong.

The idea for and open community rowing club in Canberra’s south was largely the idea of former New Zealand rower Rex Jones in 1996. After two years of dedication from club members and ACT government support, the Lake Tuggeranong Rowing Club (LTRC) was born from a partnership with Lake Tuggeranong College, with support from the local community and Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Club, enabling opportunities for community and schools in Canberra’s South to learn and participate in the sport of rowing.

The club has now been operating for over 25 years.

A COMMUNITY-CENTRIC CLUB

LTRC is renowned for being a welcoming, community-based rowing club. Catering to beginners through to competitive rowers, it operates one of the most affordable membership models in the ACT. Located uniquely as the only club on Lake Tuggeranong, it benefits from minimal boat traffic whilst providing a scenic yet safe rowing environment.

INFRASTRUCTURE BOOSTS AND DEVELOPMENT

In 1997, the ACT Government installed a floating concrete pontoon and disability access ramp for the 6th Australian Masters Games.

In October 2019, significant facility upgrades commenced under a joint effort by the ACT Government, Sport and Recreation, Lake Tuggeranong College, and Libraries ACT. A $450,000 investment funded improvements including better showers, storage, and compliance with building regulations—enhancing both club and school infrastructure.

RECOGNITION OF FOUNDATIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

A poignant chapter in LTRC’s story honours the late Michelle Simpson, who tragically passed in April 2007. A passionate rower and volunteer, Michelle was instrumental in LTRC’s formation and early growth. Her efforts spanned committee work, fundraising, grant applications, learn to row initiatives, and boat race officiating. The ACT Rowing Association acknowledged her pivotal role, emphasising her lasting impact on both the club and the region’s rowing community.

CURRENT ROLE AND COMMUNITY PRESENCE

Today, LTRC remains a vibrant fixture in the Tuggeranong Valley. It offers accessible rowing opportunities, maintains strong ties to schools and local initiatives, and continues to uphold a culture where both competitive and recreational rowers feel welcome .

FINAL REFLECTION

The Lake Tuggeranong Rowing Club exemplifies how a modest, community-minded sporting organisation can grow into a cherished local institution. From its establishment in the mid-1990s through humble origins to infrastructure enhancements and community leadership, LTRC’s evolution is marked by volunteer dedication, school partnerships, and inclusive sporting opportunities. Its enduring legacy is shaped by visionary contributors like Michelle Simpson and continued by community engagement across the Tuggeranong Valley.

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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
These contents of this history are copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. However given that the purpose of the history is to assist rowers and rowing clubs, written permission is not required for non-commercial usage by rowers and rowing clubs provided acknowledgement is made.

Disclaimer: Whilst extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the editors take no responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from inaccuracies contained in this work.