History of Rowing in the ACT

Celebrating 60 years

9. Canberra Gils Grammar School

The CGGS Rowing program was established in 1972, initially operating out of the Canberra Grammar School (CGS) boathouse. In their inaugural year, this pioneering school won the Schoolgirl Four event at the Australian National Championships, held locally on Lake Burley Griffin.

Also in 1972, the same Schoolgirl Four crew also represented the ACT in the Australian Fours Championship. Notably, they were the only all-schoolgirl crew in the event. Although they were outclassed by more experienced competitors, their participation was a significant achievement (please see newspaper article below).

By 1992, rowing was officially offered as a full sport at CGGS, transitioning from a co-curricular activity. At this stage, the program operated out of the Canberra Rowing Club (CRC), hiring boats as needed. In 1993, CGGS purchased its first quad scull, named the Gabriel, which now hangs proudly in the Gabriel Centre on the Senior school campus.

The Elizabeth McKay Aquatic Centre itself was completed in March 1996, originally housing eight boats. A major milestone came in January 2018 with the completion of the school’s dedicated lake facility, Yhuuramulum, located adjacent to the Elizabeth McKay Aquatic Centre. This purpose-built facility has enabled the rowing program to grow significantly—from a single quad in 1996 to a fleet over 50 boats by 2025.

The Canberra Girls Grammar School Boat Club continues to thrive, thanks to the dedicated support of the school community, including students, staff, parents, alumni, and volunteers.

Canberra Girls Grammar School 2019

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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.