WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

This week we have another jam-packed edition of the RV E-News, with something for the whole rowing community!

It includes Australian Rowing Team announcements, an amazing example of Rowing for Life, and a number of exciting events, on and off the water!

Applications are also open for programs for schools and women in sport!

Read more below.

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

        UPCOMING REGATTAS

AUSTRALIAN COASTAL ROWING & BEACH SPRINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The inaugural Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints Championships began yesterday in Noosa, QLD. The event is being hosted by Rowing Australia and Rowing Queensland, with events scheduled through until Sunday.

It is terrific to see a number of Victorian athletes making the trip north to compete, including representatives from Carrum RC, Korowa AGS, and Richmond RC. 

Victorian umpires David Grubits and Ashley Dillon have also travelled to officiate at the event. It is great to see them enjoying the sunny conditions with smiles on their faces!

ART ANNOUNCED - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Australian Rowing Team (ART) has been announced for the 2022 World Championships, which will be held in Racice, Czech Republic, from the 18th to 25th of September. 

Congratulations to the following Victorians who have been selected.

We hope to see the team build on their strong World Cup performances and bring home some more medals for Australia!

RA SENIOR A EVENT REQUIREMENTS

Event requirements, selection policies, and nomination processes for the 2023 Australian Senior and Para Rowing Team have been finalised, and are now accessible via the Rowing Australia website or via the links below.

Questions can be directed to Noel Donaldson (noel@rowingvictoria.asn.au).

NOTE: all nominations must be completed by no later than 5:00pm AEST Friday 9 September.

HAPPY 105TH BIRTHDAY ARTHUR ATKINS DFC

On the 7th of August, Mercantile Rowing Club celebrated the 105th birthday of it’s Patron, Arthur Atkins DFC.

Not only is Arthur the oldest member of the Club, but also the longest serving member. He joined the Club in 1935-36 season and has remained a member ever since, a tremendous 87 years of continuous membership!

Arthur continues to be an amazing man who has only slowed down in the last two years. We thank Arthur for all that he has done for Rowing, he continues to be an excellent example of 'Rowing for Life'.

Read more about Arthur's life below, thanks to Rowing Historian, Andrew Guerin.

VOWA LUNCH

The Victorian Oarsmen and Women's Associated Incorporated invite the Victorian rowing community to lunch on Sunday the 2nd of October. Lunch will be preceded by the Annual General Meeting and the Presentation of the Tom Rodda Award. All welcome. For more information, please see the full invite via the link below.

SPORTING SCHOOLS (TERM 4)

Sporting Schools offers grant opportunities for primary schools, and targeted grant opportunities for secondary schools in relation to year 7 and 8 students. Grants support the delivery of sport-based programs to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life. Sport Australia has partnered with more than 35 national sporting organisations (including Rowing Australia) to facilitate delivery of Sporting Schools programs.

Term 4 applications opened on Monday 15 August and will close at 5pm Friday 26 August.

Check your eligibility and read more about the programs below.

CHANGE OUR GAME - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM

The #ChangeOurGame Professional Development Scholarships Program is NOW OPEN for applications – their biggest program yet to support women in the sport and recreation sector to obtain and thrive in leadership roles!

Tailored to ensure relevant opportunities are extended across all career stages, this annual program offers grants of up to $10,000, the opportunity to an international conference and much more.

Applications close: 5pm AEST, Monday 22 August 2022

Click on the link below to find out more and apply.

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.