WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

No regattas last week following severe weather conditions and the cancellation of the Bendigo Sprint regatta. Our thoughts are with all who have been affected by flood waters.

It is a similar story for this weekend, with the Head of the Goulburn postponed and the Kardinia International Regatta requiring cancellation.

On Saturday, a number of athletes will be participating in a second round of time trials at Carrum as part of Rowing Australia Senior A and U23 requirements.

Multiple off-water opportunities are also coming up!

Read more below.

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

        UPCOMING REGATTAS

RV ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

A reminder that the 146th Annual General Meeting is to be held at 10am on Sunday the 23rd October 2022. 

The meeting will be conducted online and will include the election of two directors to the Rowing Victoria Board and that of a new Rowing Victorian Life Member.

Access more details or RSVP via the link below.

SIGNIFICANT WEATHER EVENT

Last week, significant rain lead to a damaging weather event impacting a number of our clubs, schools, and members across the state. Our thoughts are with all affected by the flood waters, including those on the Maribyrnong, those in regional areas, and those down in Geelong.

It has been amazing to see members of the community assisting one another during these difficult times and the optimism shown by those affected.

We encourage everybody to continue to offer their support and look forward to seeing these clubs and schools back up and running at full capacity in the near future.

The State Government have increased initial flood relief grants specifically for the community sport sector. The new program is open for applications from today and will stay open until 5pm on 13 January 2023 or until funding is exhausted. If anybody would like assistance with grant applications, please contact ian@rowingvictoria.asn.au.

We would also like to remind all members who are returning to the water in these areas to exercise extreme care and keep a look out for navigation hazards. An increased risk remains from submerged objects and debris such as logs and other objects floating on and under the surface.

Clean up at Footscray City RC (Images: Footscray City RC)
The rising Barwon River last weekend (Image: Barwon RC)

AUSTRALIAN INDOOR ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entries close at midnight, this Sunday 23rd October.

There’s a great deal of Bont $’s up for grabs in prizes – 1 x $1500 and 15 x $300.

Can compete between Wednesday and Friday if unable to make Saturday!

More information and registrations available below!

GET INVOLVED IN PARA ROWING

Registrations are now open for Paralympics Australia’s multi-sport day on Sunday 23rd October, 2022, in the Handbury Centre at Geelong Grammar.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the programs on offer in your local area, meet new friends and have fun! 

These events are suitable for ages 10+ and are completely free! Register now below!

STATE OF PLAY ATTITUDINAL SURVEY

The State of Play Attitudinal Survey is now open – share what you think about certain aspects of sport and active recreation in Victoria for your chance to win one of 25 $100 Visa Gift Cards.

The survey should take 10-12 minutes to complete and will provide Sport and Recreation Victoria with invaluable information to help shape the future of sport and active recreation in our state.

Click on the link below to have your say. This survey will be open until 11:59pm Sunday 6 November 2022.

CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

To assist the broader rowing community in understanding the Child Safe expectations of Rowing Victoria, and our member clubs and schools, we will be highlighting one of the new standards within each E-News edition.

JOPLING FAMILY ROWING SCHOLARSHIP

The Jopling Family Rowing Scholarship is a scholarship at The University of Melbourne that aims to provide future generations with an opportunity to excel, in the expectation that it will inspire them, in turn, to give back to their communities.

The two successful scholarship applicants will have demonstrated community leadership, be strong academically and be highly talented rowers.

The scholarship will provide financial support of up to $25,000 per year (plus further in-kind support) for up to four years, depending on the course of study of the scholarship recipient. 

Applications are now open and close 5pm Wednesday 16 November 2022.

To find out more information, please click below.

GET ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHER PROGRAM

Round 5 of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open, and you need to be a registered activity provider to be able to accept vouchers! 

By registering, your organisation will be supporting Victorian children to get involved in organised sport and active recreation activities and be able to accept vouchers of up to $200 towards the cost of membership and registration costs (as well as any included uniforms and/or equipment).

Registration is quick, easy and will only take a few minutes.

CLUBMAP WEBINARS

CLUBMAP will be hosting another webinar on Monday October 24th - GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP: FRAMEWORK FOR SUCCESS.

Great club governance and strong leadership creates a environment that people want to be a part of.

Allocation of leadership roles is vital, the flow on effects to the rest of the club are significant. The wrong people in key positions can set the club back years.

RIVER SAFETY - BOW & STERN LIGHTS

With the dark mornings now upon us it is crucial that all rowers who are on the water (and coaches on bikes and powerboats) between sunset and sunrise all have adequate lighting for your safety and the safety of others. 

Rowing boats, in restricted visibility and between sunset and sunrise, are required to exhibit;

• Two all-round white lights - one attached to the boat at or near the forward or bow end, and one attached to the boat at or near the stern end.
• Bow light - A continuous white light is considered acceptable if it is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.
• Stern light - A flashing white light is considered acceptable if it flashes at least once per second and is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.

Not withstanding the above, it is considered acceptable for a light to be masked so as not to interfere with the vision of the vessel’s occupants, provided at least one light is visible from any direction (see diagram below).

SAFETY REMINDER

Rowing Victoria would like to remind all members the importance of using our equipment safely and appropriately.

The police have been made aware of a number of incidents where rowing coaches have been sighted either riding without helmets, using megaphones at incorrect hours, or using mobile phones while riding (both in conversation or filming their crews).

For your own safety, to avoid fines, and to respect other members of the community, we ask that you please ensure you are not partaking in the behaviours above.

WATERWAY ACCESS & INCIDENT REPORTING

Could all waterway users please ensure they are acquainted with their local waterway rules; traffic direction, turning points, stationary obstacles etc.

So that RV, Maritime Safety Victoria and now, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority can support the community in providing safe waterways, please register all incidents via the RV Report an Incident tile on the home page of the RV website.

A consistent management of reporting will assist us in ensuring we are kept safe on the water and the chances of equipment damage is mitigated.