History of Rowing in the ACT

Celebrating 60 years

3. National Capital Authority

Designed by Marion and Walter Burley Griffin, Lake Burley Griffin is the centrepiece of Canberra and a defining feature of the National Capital. Before the National Capital Authority was established in 1989, the National Capital Development Commission was responsible for carrying out Griffin’s vision. Its first task was to implement the lake scheme, giving the capital an ornamental and recreational waterway with lakeshore parklands. Since filling in 1964, the Lake has become a hub for recreation. With its scenic backdrop and glassy waters, rowing has flourished, welcoming recreational rowers, elite athletes, and major events. In the same year, the Lake was host to the Australian National Rowing Championships, which served as a selection trial for the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, the Lake has played host to significant events, attracting participants from all over the world.

Throughout the years, rowing on the Lake has seen its fair share of challenges. Flood, drought, and construction works have seen rowing courses disappear over the gates of Scrivener Dam and lake levels lowered exposing rocky outcrops. Despite the challenges, the National Capital Authority and majors stakeholders, including Rowing ACT, work together to champion safety, recreation and activation of the Lake. The NCA provide infrastructure such as jetties, pontoons, rowing courses and boat ramps, and manage water quality, lake maintenance and aquatic vegetation, whilst key stakeholders promote and facilitate sports and leisure. Through our commitment to upholding the Griffin’s vision for the Canberra and ongoing community engagement, the NCA has helped shape the lake as a place for recreation, ensuring that rowing remains a part of Canberra’s sporting culture.

1964 National Championships Course from the regatta program - Image from Andrew Guerin

Lake Burley Griffin from behind Scrivener Dam from the 1964 National Championships program - Image from Andrew Guerin

< Back to Chapter 2 - Rowing ACT History Timeline

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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.