Celebrating Excellence in Community Impact

Each Queensland club fulfills a crucial function, uniting our communities and generating positive influence. While numerous clubs were nominated for this year's Community Awards at the Hancock Prospecting Rower of the Year Awards, the exceptional contributions of Bundaberg Rowing Club and Vikings Rowing Club shone brightly. Their outstanding efforts set them apart, earning them well-deserved recognition on the shortlist.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BUNDABERG ROWING CLUB!

As one of the oldest Clubs in Queensland, the Bundaberg Rowing Club, have shown tremendous dedication to our sport. 

Their recent hosting of the Queensland Schools Championship Regatta, the largest school Championship in Australia, was nothing short of remarkable. With the support of their tight-knit community, they orchestrated an event that not only showcased their organisational ability but also highlighted the power of unity. Raising an impressive amount in sponsorship ($55,000+) and in-kind donations ($15,000+), their ability to mobilise local, state, and federal support demonstrated their influence and respect within the community. The Club is the 6th largest within the state but represents just under 6% of our total rowing members so to undertake a task such as this involves mobilising an “army” of community.  Engaging a diverse array of participants, from parents and grandparents to local organisations such as the local Men’s Shed and SES, they transformed a very large but simple event into a testament to the collective spirit of the Bundaberg community. And WHY?  "becuase we do it for our kids, we do it for our friends, we do it for this place and It just feels good to do good" commented Donna Heaps.

It was estimated that 3000+ in-person spectators and supporters were in attendance. Live stream views 22,248. Car entry into Bucca Rowing Center over the 3 days 3,560 (1,500 off site carpark). A great article written by Bundaberg Now in the lead up to the regatta: https://www.bundabergnow.com/2023/09/11/championship-rowing-action-returns-to-bucca/

Beyond their significant event hosting, the Bundaberg Rowing Club's dedication to nurturing rowing at the grassroots level is positive. With 173 members their inclusive approach, bringing school programs under their umbrella, not only promotes the sport but also fosters a sense of friendship among participants of all ages. Another inspiring article recent published in Bundaberg Now: https://www.bundabergnow.com/2023/08/21/christians-determination-leads-to-world-records/

Furthermore, the club's focus on intergenerational activities, involving older members and their friends, illustrates their commitment to inclusivity and the wellbeing of their community. The support and companionship provided not only keeps members active but also significantly contributes to the maintenance and upkeep of the club's facilities, helping to sustain the rowing community.

The Bundaberg Rowing Club stands as a beacon of unity, dedication, and inclusivity in the world of rowing. Their ability to inspire, engage, and support individuals of all ages and backgrounds embodies the very spirit of community-driven sportsmanship. Their nomination this year is not just a recognition of their achievements, but also a celebration of their impact on the lives of those they touch.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VIKINGS ROWING CLUB!

Similarly, the Vikings Rowing Club stands as a deserving candidate for the Club of the Year Award due to its exceptional dedication to fostering a sense of community, men’s health, and participation among its members. 

Despite being a modest-sized club with 42 rowers, their impact on the rowing community and beyond is profound. They have transformed from a group of occasional competitors to a vibrant community of men from diverse backgrounds, all united by their love for rowing. What sets them apart is their initiatives such as the Head of the Outback event and the 6 Rivers Outback Tour. These endeavours not only push the boundaries of traditional rowing but also promote the sport in rural and remote areas, engaging local residents, who may have rowed previously at school or university but also people who have never rowed before.

The 6 Rivers outback tour with Head of the Outback is the first of its kind in Australia and takes rowers from Brisbane to Longreach and back, covering over 2,600 km and rowing on outback watercourses many of which have never before been rowed. Just over 100 athletes competed in this year’s Head of the Outback regatta over 2 days, from over 20 Clubs nationally.  The orphan boats was a standout feature of the regatta. Not only that, but it facilitated interactions between people that might not have happened otherwise. "Conversations with new faces. I have never witnessed a regatta quite like this before, and it's only the second year" commented Murray Stewart. Enjoy this article written by Queensland Farmer Today: https://queenslandfarmertoday.com.au/news/20/10/2023/outback-rowing-success/

Additionally, their dedication to remembering and honouring those who have served their country further underscores their commitment to values beyond rowing. The Vikings Rowing Club's ANZAC Day Remembrance Service has grown on and off the water each year. This year being the largest gathering of people on and off the water. 

Rowing serves as a unifying force, bringing members together not only for the love of the sport but also for various other reasons. For this specific group of men, rowing represents something larger than themselves; it's about uniting communities through the shared passion for rowing and it's about looking after each others physical and mental health.  Here is a great news piece published by the Weekender: https://fb.watch/nVQPCi__vP/?mibextid=NnVzG8 

Rowing Queensland takes immense pride in having these individuals as part of the community, recognising the significant role they play in fostering connections and extending the sport's reach to diverse communities.

CONGRATULATIONS QUEENSLAND!

Our Queensland clubs are vital hubs that extend far beyond the water's edge. They serve as nurturing grounds for performance, promoting physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork. Beyond the sport, these clubs become vibrant community centres, promoting social connections, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging. They provide a platform for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to come together, learn, compete, and grow. 

Our clubs not only preserve the rich tradition of the sport but are catalysts for building resilient communities, instilling values that extend far beyond the stroke of an oar, and we thank every one of our Clubs for being an important part of this.

PHOTO CREDIT 

Outback Rowing, Barcaldine and Longreach: Vikings Rowing Club

ANZAC Day photos: Michelle Loveday

Queensland Schools Championship Regatta: Darren Hocking

General Bundaberg Rowing Club photos: Michelle Loveday