WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

As the year draws to a long-awaited end, Rowing Victoria would like to thank and congratulate all our clubs, members, family & friends on another great year; one that you should all be proud of. 
 
Upon reflection, if told 12 months ago what we would achieve through 2022, especially off the back of the two preceding years, no doubt someone would have uttered, paraphrasing the words of a great Australian poet; “tell him he’s dreamin”.
 
The state hosted two National Rowing Championships at two different venues, literally and relevantly at the 11th hour. For the volunteers, venues, partner LGAs, staff, members and competitors to work together to host two extremely successful events for the national rowing community at such short notice was an outstanding, if not herculean effort.
 
Off the back of a significant amount of volunteer hours, a new competition structure and grading system was successfully implemented, that, combined with a relaxation of exercise restrictions, drove the beginnings of a bounce back in membership and competition numbers. The new structure provided relevant, meaningful and enjoyable competitive opportunities for those Victorian rowers not on an elite pathway and ensured that competitive participation was encouraged and maintained.  
 
A new strategic plan was finalised and implemented, setting the course for the years ahead. Our vision to ensure Victorians enjoy rowing for life will set the tone for the work ahead.
 
The implementation of new governance frameworks, some via our national network and others with a local lens, over the past few months will support us in providing a safe and welcoming environment for all our sports participants.
 
Securing the return of rowing to the Commonwealth Games program after 40 years, via the exciting, new, Beach Sprints discipline, was something, with a bit of a Christmas theme, out of the box! Working collaboratively with state and national partners, to secure the sport (from 43 other aspirants) in the home Games of 2026 is certainly a “pinch me” moment. The recent come and try event and commentary from a range of our participants, partners, and other sports have certainly reinforced the excitement and further highlighted the broad range of opportunities the discipline and the Games afford.    
 
Of course, the usual business of Rowing in Victoria continued with venues, clubs, schools, government partners and LGAs and despite the trials of working through Covid and the latest challenges of managing through floods, the entire community has worked together to ensure regattas are held, opportunities delivered, and objectives achieved.     
 
Have an enjoyable and safe festive season and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

Rowing Victoria

UPDATE ON THE MRA RUTHERGLEN REGATTA

Recent site inspections by both the MRA and Parks Victoria are providing us with confidence that the highly anticipated Rutherglen regatta will proceed as scheduled. The lake is at its “normal” level, with plans underway to ensure the access road and boat park is accessible. Mosquito repellent is highly recommended.

To assist with the planning for the event, please enter your crews as soon as possible.  

        UPCOMING REGATTAS

POSITION OPEN: RV EVENT ASSISTANT

Rowing Victoria is on the look out for an enthusiastic and engaged individual to assist with the functioning of several regattas in early 2023.

This hands-on casual position across 12 days will be perfectly suited for an individual with a “can do” attitude interested in Event Management and operations as a career path. The role includes assisting the RV team at multiple State Championships and the Head of the Schoolgirls regatta.

Assisting with regatta operations including general set up, timing and volunteer support, this role will suit a team player who works effectively with others, takes responsibility for own actions, exercises initiative and is proactive in solving problems to see issues through.

If interested, please find the Position description with How to Apply details below and/or reach out to CEO Ian Jickell for further information.

STATE TEAM NOMINATIONS

A friendly reminder to clubs, schools, and athletes that State Team nominations are now open.

Event requirements and nomination forms for the Senior, Para & Youth (U21) Teams can be found HERE.

Nominations close on Thursday 12th January 2023.

Event requirements and nomination forms for the Pathway 8+ (U18) Team can be found HERE.

Nominations for coaches close on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 and for athletes, including coxswains on Monday 3rd April 2023.

EOI FOR RV COMPETITION COMMISSION

Rowing Victoria is seeking Expressions of Interest for the 2023+ Competition Commission, to advise the CEO and Board on the RV competition program with the intent of maximizing participation in a safe and inviting environment. The roles and responsibilities include:

• Development of guidelines for the efficient and effective management of all rowing regattas.
• To review opportunities at all regattas for the community to compete, achieve and enjoy fun, fitness and social interaction regardless of age, gender and skill in line with overall competition and regatta strategy.
• To communicate all relevant information to support athletes, and provide a forum to address concerns, and to share and consider new ideas.

Further detail is available via this link or by contacting CEO Ian Jickell.

If you are interested in being a member of the Commission, please register your interest via the link below.

SRV SPORTING CLUB GRANTS PROGRAM

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding for grassroots sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Access to this funding helps clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices, and build social and active local communities.

This program assists organisations to purchase sports uniforms and participation equipment, increase the skills of coaches, officials, volunteers and management committees, and supports improvements to club capacity and accessibility.

It is fantastic to see that 11 of our clubs have been successful in receiving this funding across the last 2 years.

Round 2 applications open in February 2023, however we encourage clubs to consider and prepare an application in advance. For those who are unsure where to begin, Club Builder offer services to assist in preparing an application. You can contact them or read more about the grant requirements via the links below.

LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS

ARE YOU:

1. Aged between 12-18 or 12-24 (Para)?

2. Coaching, officiating, or competing at the State Championships or ARC this season?

If the answer is YES, then you may be eligible for a grant from $500-$1,000 towards the cost of attending!

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.