History of Rowing Victoria Inc

The growth of school and women's rowing continued apace. It was during this period that the number of women competitors exceeded men for the first time. It prompted much discussion on the reasons for this pleasing growth. More importantly it also prompted more searching for women coaches, umpires and administrators to provide good role models.

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2009-10

The season started with the 2009 annual general meeting where perhaps the sport's greatest volunteer Eric Waller was elected to Life Membership of the Association. His work in improving course design, structure and facilities to provide the best arrangements and safety for rowers was exemplary. The number of kilometres driven annually in achieving this was extraordinary. He was always firm in ensuring key matters were put in place, but always polite and respectful. A true gentleman who was respected by all. A great volunteer.

Eric in a typical volunteer pose boat driving - this time at the 2000 Olympic Games

The 2009 World Championships saw two Victorian junior rowers, Daniel Brighthope and Michael Poulter, securing medals. At the senior World Championships the same year, James Marburg and Cam McKenzie-McHarg earned a silver medal in the coxless four, and David Crawshay claimed a silver in the quad.

At the Interstate Championships, Victoria once again emerged as the most successful state. Although falling short in the King's Cup to the powerful crew from New South Wales, congratulations were extended to them. Special mention was made for the Victorian team's overall excellent performance, with notable victories by the women's eight, men's youth eight, and men's sculler David Crawshay. The achievements were also attributed to Head Coach Chris O'Brien, garnering congratulations for his leadership.

2010-11

At the 2010 annual general meeting, the highly respected David Deeble was elected to Life Membership. His counsel and sage advice was always sought and respected by all involved in the administration of Victorian rowing. Sadly David died a year later.

The member recognition agenda of President Andrew Guerin continued in 2010 with the honouring of those members past and present who brought great fame to the sport of rowing in Victoria. This was achieved through the introduction of the Victorian Rowing Hall of Fame. Each year going forward, past and present members would inducted at a dinner. The dinner regaled the achievements of these members to the great pleasure of the many people present. Given that the volume of people needing to be acknowledged was reached after about five years, stand alone dinners ceased. The Hall of Fame inductions continue today in conjunction with annual awards at the Rowing Victoria Awards Night. The Hall of Fame committee comprised Andrew Guerin, Peter Fraser and Roger Wilson.

Induction of Susie Palfreyman into the Victorian Rowing Hall of Fame by Peter Fraser

The 2010 World Championships brought notable achievements for Victorian rowers. In the men’s eight, Victorians Will Lockwood, Cameron McKenzie-McHarg, James Marburg, and Joshua Dunkley-Smith secured a bronze medal. The men’s lightweight eight, featuring Victorians Angus Tyers, Nick Baker, Tom Bertrand, and cox David Webster, won a silver medal. David Webster also coxed the victorious men’s coxed pair. Karsten Forsterling and David Crawshay, both from Victoria, claimed bronze in the quad scull. In the women’s events, Victorians excelled with Kim Crow winning silver in the pair, and Sarah Heard and Pauline Frasca securing silver in the four.

At the 2010 Under 23 Championships, Victorians Joshua Dunkley-Smith and Will Lockwood earned bronze in the four. In subsequent events, Victorian Stuart Sim coxed the winning junior four at the 2011 World Junior Championships, and Katrina Bateman won bronze at the 2011 Under 23 World Championships in the quad.

At the Interstate Championships on West Lakes, Victoria emerged as the most successful state but fell short in the King’s Cup to a determined NSW crew. Special mention was reserved for the winning women’s eight and men’s youth eight. The Masters representatives showcased their prowess by winning Men’s and Women’s Eights and securing close second places in the Quad Sculls, underscoring the depth of talent across genders and age groups. 

2011-12

At the 2011 annual general meeting, the Association elected to Life Membership three of the great champions of our sport, namely James Tomkins, Michael McKay and Peter Antonie. All three of these champions had also been awarded the Thomi Keller award, the highest honour in world rowing.

The Olympic Games showcased numerous Victorian athletes earning medals, with standout performer Kim Crow securing silver in the women’s double and bronze in the single, the only athlete to double up in two events. 

Kim on the podium as Olympic bronze medallist in the single

The silver-winning women’s pair comprised entirely of Victorians - Kate Hornsey, Sarah Tait, and coach Bill Tait. The silver medal-winning men’s four included three Victorians - Drew Ginn, Josh Dunkley-Smith, and coach Chris O’Brien. Karsten Forsterling, another Victorian, contributed to the bronze medal in the quad scull. Unfortunately, injuries affected the men’s double scull, featuring Victorian David Crawshay. 

The men’s eight, including Victorians Tom Swann, Josh Booth, and Cameron McKenzie McHarg, narrowly missed a bronze medal. Victorian members of the women’s eight, Phoebe Stanley, Robyn Selby Smith, and Lizzie Patrick, reached the final as a late addition to the team. 

Pauline Frasca, a Victorian, was part of the women’s quad finishing fourth, and James Marburg competed in the men’s pair, both showcasing commendable performances. 

The Interstate Championships saw Victoria as the most successful state, although the King’s Cup eluded them, instead going to NSW. Special mention goes to the winning women’s eight, led by Phoebe Stanley. Victoria dominated their race, along with victories by Kim Crow and David Crawshay in their respective sculling races. 

Well known national team lightweight rower Robert Stewart was awarded Membership of the Order of Australia in the 2012 Australia Day Honours List for service to the community through fostering collaboration between business and the tertiary education sector, to health and technology organisations, and to the sport of rowing.

2012-13

At 2012 annual general meeting, the Association elected Past President Peter Fraser to Life Membership. Peter's significant contribution to the sport at all levels and his inspired Presidency eminently qualified him for this high award.

At the 2012 Olympic Games in London, a total of 27 athletes and coaches from Victoria represented Australia. Additionally, Victoria secured a significant victory in the Queen’s Cup at the 2013 Australian Interstate Regatta in Sydney.

A notable highlight of the year was the 10% increase in Competitive memberships, totalling just over 6,000 competitive members. This growth coincided with Rowing Victoria's facilities strategy, providing enhanced access to water in locations like Ballarat and improved landing facilities on the Yarra and Carrum, with plans to maintain this focus in the coming year. 

Furthermore, five Victorian clubs obtained "Adopt A School" funding to develop dedicated school-to-club rowing programs, initiated by Rowing Australia (RA) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) on a participation pilot program. The progress has been well-received by all clubs and schools, with hopes for continued ASC funding for the program.

Rowing Victoria through it’s President Andrew Guerin, aided by a grant from the Victorian Government, restored the Oarsmen’s Cenotaph to honour oarsmen who died in WWI. The rededication took place for the Henley Regatta in February 2013, with clubs laying wreaths to remember their members who died during the conflict.

President Andrew Guerin reads the names of the fallen oarsmen whilst clubs lay their wreaths

Hon. Paul Guest QC was honoured in the 2013 Australia Day Honours List with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community and the sport of rowing. In addition to his well known contribution to rowing as a rower, coach, RA appeals chairman and President of Banks Rowing Club, he was also a great supporter of local artists. He generously donated a superb collection of art to the Bendigo Art Gallery.

2103-14

At the 2013 annual general meeting, David Pincus, another great administrator of the sport was elected to Life Membership. His contribution to events management and to his insightful financial analysis of the Association is legendary and the sport has significantly benefitted from his superb work.

The Victorian Rowing community, boasting legends of the sport, witnessed another distinguished honour this year. In June, Drew Ginn received the FISA (World Rowing) Thomas Keller Medal, the sport's highest honour. This accolade serves as a fitting tribute to Ginn's dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to the sport of rowing.

 

Presentation of Thomi Keller Award to Drew Ginn in Lucerne - Drew with President Andrew Guerin

There were notable performances from many Victorian Crews at the 2014 Interstate Regatta, including wins in the Queen’s Cup and Wilkinson Trophy.

Much loved champion rower, coach and administrator David Boykett was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the sport of rowing as a coach, competitor and administrator.

2014-15

At this year’s National Championships, Victorian crews achieved remarkable victories, restoring the 'Big V' to its previous glory. Astounding triumphs for Victoria included wins in the Interstate Men’s and Women’s Eight, the Women’s Single Scull, and the Youth Eight.

Recognition is extended to representative crews at the Junior and Masters levels for their successful campaigns, as well as to Victorian athletes, coaches, and officials who represented the state in all Australian teams.

In this past year, collaboration between RV staff and various club and school representatives resulted in submissions advocating for the maintenance and improvement of waterway access for rowing in Victoria.

Andrew Guerin stepped down from the Presidency in favour of Fiona Dickson of Yarra Yarra Rowing Club. Fiona thus became the first female President of the combined men's and women's associations which started in 1981. Her appointment provided a great role model for the many women competing in our great sport and was appreciated by all.

Fiona Dickson at the 2014 annual general meeting

It was pleasing to see Margot Foster honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List with Membership of the Order of Australia following her many leadership roles she has taken on in sport. Her citation read as follows - For significant service to sports administration and governance at the state and national level, as an elite athlete, and through support for women in sport.

2015-16

At the 2015 annual general meeting, Fiona Dickson handed over the Presidency reigns to Hon Patrick McNamara. Also at this meeting, Past President Andrew Guerin was elected to Life Membership of Rowing Victoria. The annual report recorded that his dedicated to the sport included his contribution as President, where he made significant changes to the organization's nature and operations, whilst providing significant recognition to both volunteers and champions of our sport. "With over 20 years of umpiring service, leadership in administration, governance, umpiring, and coaching, Andrew has provided valuable mentorship and support to others in the sport. His advocacy for women and commitment to service mark his time in rowing."

In 2016, the focus at the Interstate Regatta was on consolidation after the previous year's victory of the Rowing Australia Cup, and the Victorian Team indeed delivered with notable successes. Securing victories in the Kings & Queens Cups, the Victoria Cup, and the Nell Slatter Trophy highlighted their strong performance. The efforts of all involved parties, from coaches, volunteers and families working tirelessly beyond their regular roles, were crucial to this achievement. 

Additionally, the profile of rowing received significant attention at the Rio Olympics, where a substantial contingent from Victoria participated. Special mention is owed to Victorian medallists: Kim Brennan, who won a Gold Medal in the Women’s Single, and Karsten Forsterling and the Men’s Four (Will Lockwood, Josh Dunkley-Smith, and Josh Booth), who claimed Silver Medals in the Men’s Quad and Men’s Four, respectively. The special moment was the win by Kim.

2016 Olympic Champion Kim Brennan

Sadly the sport lost several of the grand members of our sport during this year. Of particular note were David Boykett, champion rower, coach and administrator who advocated for and developed youth rowing in Australia. He was a character and loved dearly by all. Also John Whiting whose 'can do' approach and innovation enabled winter sculling and masters rowing to improve and the Melbourne Head to be commenced jointly with Peter Antonie. 1956 Olympic medallist Graeme McCall who also was an Association committee man also passed. If one can say this, the saddest of all was Sarah Tait who left behind rower Bill and two very young children. Her cancer developed after the London Olympic Games and during her pregnancy of her second child. The sport was deeply saddened. A superb National Championship trophy was donated by her parents in her honour and Mercantile always races with a green ribbon at her loved event the Head of the Yarra.

Sarah and her daughter enjoy her silver medal at the London Games

2016-17

The year brought several notable highlights to Victorian Rowing, including the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Heads of the River by the Associated Public Schools. The Head of the Schoolgirls’ regatta achieved record-breaking entries, emphasizing its significance in celebrating women’s rowing. 

The inaugural Head of Schoolboys Regatta marked a successful beginning, setting a positive trajectory for future editions. Notably, the year commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Sweep Crew's victory in an International FISA Regatta, achieved by the Coxed Four from Mercantile RC/Melbourne University BC coached by Justice (Freddy) Frederico. Freddy, a past president of the VRA, was not only a renowned international coach but also played a key role in Victoria's rowing history.

In terms of athletic achievements, it was a standout year for Victoria, with Kim Brennan securing a brilliant Gold in Rio, and four other Victorians earning Olympic silver medals in the Men's Quad and Four. Of Australia's nine Olympic medals, five were claimed by Victorians, showcasing the state's prowess on the international stage. 

The Pathway program emerged as a crucial initiative for identifying and developing world-class athletes, ensuring Victoria's continued success. The new long term RA high performance plan was issued just prior to the Rio Olympic Games and contained two key pillars, the development of bespoke state based pathways programs, and then the creation of national training centres which would accept the best from those pathway programs. Given that Victoria had two strong pathways clubs in Mercantile and Melbourne University, the Victorian model was to focus on supporting clubs prepared to take on the responsibilities, costs and priorities that come with aa pathways role. For relatively little financial support, the clubs who agree to become a pathways club would be required to recruit high quality rowers, train, coach and boat them, and most of all provide a conducive environment for rowers to succeed. These pathways members would be given priority over other members of the club. These demanding requirements meant that only Mercantile and Melbourne University agreed to be pathway clubs and invest heavily in this success. The role of the VIS was diminished. The VIS Charter was to assist only the very best in the sport and not pathways. This created an issue for the VIS and gradually the role of the VIS in rowing diminished and federal funding redirected from the VIS to Rowing Victoria.

The 2017 Interstate Regatta, Pathway 8’s, and Interstate Masters events witnessed strong performances from Victoria, further establishing the state's representation and success in Australian Rowing Teams. Victorian rowers demonstrated the flourishing of talent within the state's participation and performance culture.

Interstate success in 2017 was limited to the women with the Queen's Cup and Bicentennial Trophy being won by Victoria. The Queen's Cup was an outstanding race with NSW leading for much of the race before Victoria patiently rowed them down. The dominant State this year was again NSW.

Victoria take the lead over NSW in the Queen's Cup

Sadly the sport lost many past champions and important members of the sport including long serving club and school coach Frank Stone, probably our most enthusiastic masters rower Roberto Perillo, champion sculler and highly regarded schoolgirl coach Leisa Wilson, Commonwealth Games medallist and prominent school first crew coach Debbie Clingeleffer-Woodford, champion lightweight and great club, Rowing Victoria and Australian Henley office bearer Ron Richardson, champion rower and highly successful international coach Peter Philp, and finally 1956 medallist Adrian Monger.

2017-18

The Australian Under 21 team contained Victorians Alex Clarke, Ben Canham, Alexis Hancock and coach Brigette Carlisle. The Australians won the Rusty Robertson Trophy and team captains Alex Clarke and Queensland's Lily Alton had the honour of receiving the trophy.

Australian Under 21 team captains Lily Alton and Alex Clarke

Liam Donald was in the Australian Under 23 Quad Scull which won gold at the World Under 23 Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. At the World Championships, Victorians Lucy Stephan and Katrina Werry were part of the gold medal winning four, Alice Arch won silver in the lightweight quad, and James Rook and Angus Widdicombe won silver in the last ever coxed pair race at a World Championship.

At the 2017 annual general meeting, Hon Patrick McNamara stepped down as President and Mercantile's Joe Joyce took over the reigns. Patrick had been President for only a short period but his influence on, and support of, Victorian rowing was long standing and continued well after his presidency completed.

This year, Rowing Victoria maintained its status as the fastest-growing rowing community in Australia, boasting the largest memberships and organizing the highest number of regattas. The significant growth was evident in the increase of registered competitors from 4,800 to 8,500 and regatta seats from 21,000 to just over 40,000 over the past seven years. The focus on elite rowing continues to revolve around selecting and coaching crews for representation in events like the Interstate and Kings Cup regatta. 

The Victorian rowing community this season recognized the efforts of David Ochert, who received an OAM for his decades of dedicated service as a rower, coach, and mentor. Recognizing volunteers like David as the backbone of the sport, Rowing Victoria pledges to continue working with its members to ensure the sport remains accessible and enjoyable.

Victoria was proudly represented by valiant crews on the 2018 Interstate Team, claiming gold medals in the Queen’s Cup and the Bicentennial Trophy again.

Prominent coach David Ochert was honoured in the Australia Day Honours List with the Medal of the Order of Australia. His continued coaching of both juniors and seniors has been excellent.

2018-19

Rowing Victoria continues to lead as the fastest-growing rowing community in Australia, overseeing the largest memberships and hosting the highest number of regattas nationwide. The sport's prominence was showcased at the VicSport Awards, a recognition platform for sporting achievements in partnership with the Victorian State Government. Rowing Victoria proudly had three finalists selected for outstanding contributions: Lucy Stephan of MUBC for Female Athlete of the Year, Andrew Guerin of Mercantile Rowing Club for the State Government of Victoria Service to Community Sport Award, and Wes Canny of Corowa Rowing Club, who was honored as the Victorian Community Coach of the Year. 

At the VicSport Awards from the left, RV Board member Leeanne Ambrose, VicSport winner Wes Canny, and RV President Joe Joyce

Additionally, Rowing Victoria successfully launched the inaugural School Sport Victoria Indoor Rowing Championships, attracting 250 athletes in multiple events and totalling 625 entries, marking a resounding success for the initiative.

This year a triumphant win was had for Victoria in the Penrith Cup, as well as hard earned second place finishes in the King and Queens Cup.

Prominent rower Jim Peters QC was honoured with Membership of the Order of Australia for his services to the legal profession and rowing. Jim continues to row as a masters rower.

Footnotes

1. Primary source has been the Victorian Rowing Association annual reports - refer appendix 16

2. All images from the Guerin collection

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