WELCOME TO RV ENEWS

A huge week of racing at the Henley Royal Regatta concluded last weekend, with a terrific Victorian success story and multiple wins from the Australian Rowing Team!

This week has also provided us with an important learning opportunity.

Read more below!

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA

National Schoolgirl Champions, St. Catherine's, have been crowned the #1 Schoolgirl Eight in the world, after taking out the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the Henley Royal Regatta. It was the first time an Australian schoolgirl crew has ever won the trophy, with the girls powering through, leading the race from start to finish. An amazing achievement, congratulations girls! 

The Australian Rowing Team (ART) had another great hitout, taking out the Stewards’ Challenge Cup (M4-), the Double Sculls Challenge Cup (M2x), and the Hambleden Pairs Challenge Cup (W2-). Five additional ART crews progressed through to their respective finals, however fell just short of success.

We congratulate all athletes who competed over the 6 day schedule. Results aside, it is terrific to see our athletes challenging themselves on the big stage and striving for success!

(Images: Rowing Australia / Henley Royal Regatta)

WORLD ROWING CUP III

The Australian Rowing Team look to finish their overseas racing tour on a high, with World Rowing Cup III commencing later today in Lucerne, Switzerland. The team has made a few adjustments on the back of their recent World Cup and Henley performances, with plenty of Victorian involvement.

Simon Keenan moves out of the Men's Eight to form a second Men's Pair with Nick Lavery. Meanwhile, Charlie Batrouney, Nicholas Smith, and Will Achermann will row as part of a second Men's Four, coached by Matt Ryan.

Recently announced US-Based Australian U23 athletes will be gaining valuable international racing experience competing in the Men's Eight event, including Victorians Joshua Hill, Jamie Arnold, Marcus Emmett, and Fergus Hamilton.

The remaining crews will compete largely as per World Rowing Cup II. Lucy Stephan and Kat Werry will be looking to defend their title from World Cup II as part of the Women's Four, whilst Eliza Gaffney will be looking to build off a semi-final finish in the Women's Pair at Henley. Red Matthews will also be looking for continued improvement in the Lightweight Double.

The Women's Eight are eyeing off a podium finish once again, whilst the Men's Eight will be looking to go one better, after silver at World Cup II.

NAIDOC WEEK 2022

NAIDOC Week (3-10 July) is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Narrm (Melbourne) is the NAIDOC focus city for 2022, with a number of local events that can help you become informed and involved over the weekend!

Rowing Victoria are committed to Getting Up, Standing Up, and Showing Up for systemic change.

STATE DEVELOPMENT & PATHWAY COORDINATOR

Rowing Victoria are looking for the next member of the team.

The primary purpose of the State Development & Pathway Coordinator (SDPC) role is to oversee the growth and development of rowing in Victoria.

The position will assist design/refine and then implement club, school, coach, and athlete development initiatives (Victorian Pathway Program – VPP) to improve the recruitment and retention pathways for each of these key stakeholder groups.

The role requires a highly motivated and energetic individual with proven sports development experience and strong communication, relationship building, and organisational skills. The ability to forge a close working relationship with Rowing Victoria’s affiliated bodies, staff, volunteers, and other key stakeholders will be essential to the successful achievement of this position’s objectives.

Applications and further details of the role can be found below. 

Applications close July 17th. 

SPORT AND RECREATION VICTORIA - SPORTING CLUB GRANTS

Applications for Sporting Club Grants from Sport and Recreation Victoria are open NOW!

This round of the Sporting Club Grants Program has three funding categories:

• Category 1: Up to $1,000 for Uniforms and Participation Equipment
• Category 2: Up to $5,000 for Skill Development courses for club officials, coaches, volunteers and administration staff
• Category 3: Up to $5,000 to support the Operational Capacity of organisations to operate more effectively in their community

​Applications open until 5pm, Wednesday 21 July 2022.

CLUBMAP WEBINARS

CLUBMAP's webinar series continues with the next webinar on Monday July 18th - MAXIMISE MEMBERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP.

Membership is the lifeblood of all clubs, and sponsorship links community sport with local business. Learn about proven, new-age methods to increase revenue through membership and sponsorship.

CHILD SAFETY STANDARDS

A reminder to our clubs and schools that Victoria's new Child Safety Standards are now active. As discussed in our initial Child Safety Forum, organisations are not expected to have comprehensively implemented the new Standards until January 2023. However, clubs are encouraged to begin their changes now and transition to adherence over the next 6 months.

DREGDING VRA LANDING PRECINCT

A reminder that dredging at the VRA landing has commenced.

The main hours of dredging are at night so you may not see the dredge active in the area. However, please note that the exclusion zone remains active at all times, including when no dredging is occurring. 

Please refer to the attached information sheet below for further details.

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).

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.