Shepparton Rowing Club History

The Boathouse was formally opened by the Acting Mayor Dr FW Grutzner in December 1934. This was also the Club Jubilee marking the completion of 50 years of rowing in Shepparton. The previous rowing shed was burnt to the ground in February 1932 in what was an apparently spectacular blaze.

The Club appears to have lapsed in the 1960’s. The impressive Boathouse which was located where Aquamoves now stands was sadly demolished and all its history was lost.

The club briefly formed for a short period during the nineties training on Lake Victoria with boats stored in the canoe club shed. Ray White, Roger Adams and Ian Grose along with other local community members supported crews to train and compete. It has been reported by Wendy Russell who competed under the Shepparton Rowing Club name, at a regatta in Nagambie and at the Geelong Veteran's Regatta, Barwon River 1994. The women’s four from Shepparton of Sharon Clark, Jenny Grose, Loree Devine and Wendy Russell won their event.

This is reported by the Shepparton News as a first women's win for the Shepparton Rowing Club as its believed women didn’t compete when the previous club existed. Other crews from Shepparton won events in men’s fours and pairs. The club lapsed as the lake became unusable for rowing to continue.

David Schier made a presentation to Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC) making the case for the return of recreational activity to Victoria Park Lake (VPL).

David undertook further meetings with Council arguing the need to drain the Lake and excavate it out as part of an overall reformation program. He also impressed on Council that it was important to develop a four lane regatta basin down the centre of the Lake.

The Lake Users Group was formed comprising representatives from rowing & sailing, canoeing, school’s recreation, fishing, triathlon & multisport. David Schier acted as Convenor of the group, its public spokesperson, and as its administrator. The group was the driving force articulating a vision for a redeveloped Victoria Park Lake and led the impetus for its reformation. The group played a key role in the development of the conceptual design, layout and technical requirements of the Lake.

Following numerous meetings and submissions to Council by the Lake Users Group the Lake design was finalized. In June 2008 Council adopted an amended Victoria Park Lake Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Lake.

The implementation of the Lake design was completed, which included a four lane regatta basin down the centre of the Lake.

Notice was given of a Public Meeting to re-establish the Shepparton Rowing Club to be held at the GO TAFE Board Room on the 27 July 2011. David Schier was Convenor of the meeting with assistance from Matt Ryan. The meeting was attended by 25 persons with apologies from an additional 20 persons, all of whom expressed an interest in being part of the re-established Club.

The meeting resolved to create a Steering Committee to oversee and implement the re-establishment of the Shepparton Rowing Club. All positions on the 11 person Steering Committee were filled.

The first meeting of the Committee of Management of the Shepparton Rowing Club was held on 20 August 2011 at The Board Room - Riordan Legal. The Committee of Management was formed and comprised of the following:

· President David Schier OAM
· Vice President Matt Ryan
· Administration Manager Trevor Lange
· Finance Manager Michele Cranefield
· Boat Fleet Geoff Withers
· Club Captain Mark Hunter
· Communications Lisa Ryan
· Participation Ali Rees
· Sailing Representative Rob Priestly
· Committee Members Danielle Beischer, Sean Ryan

The establishment of the Club from scratch was a huge challenge with a large number of issues that needed to be addressed, including:
Club Constitution/Rules, Incorporation, Bank Accounts, Funding applications, Lake Safety Rules, Boat and oar acquisition, Boat Trailer acquisition, Lake Safety Buoy Line, acquiring a Coaching/Safety Boat, Membership & fees structure, Insurances, Rowing Victoria Affiliation, Registration of Club Colours, Tax Deductibility through the Australian Sports Foundation, Newsletters & media releases, and arranging Boat storage with the Canoe Club.

By the time of the first meeting Boats had already been generously donated to the Club from Bendigo, Nagambie and Essendon Rowing Club’s.

A successful Opening Day was held on 20 November 2011 with 40 persons trying rowing for the first time. Representatives of the Bendigo and Nagambie Rowing Clubs were on hand to provide assistance on the day.

A Water Safety Policy was prepared and adopted by the Club. Shepparton Rowing Club Inc. was incorporated under the Victorian Associations Incorporations Act. The Rules of the Club were approved by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

An application for affiliation with Rowing Victoria was approved. Club colours were approved by Rowing Victoria.

The Club resolved that all Club Office Bearers and members of the Committee of Management are required to have a satisfactory Working with Children Check issued through the Victorian Department of Justice.

The Finance Manager set-up a Club facebook page which provided much information and news for members and other interested public.

The Club successfully applied to be part of the Adopt-a-School Program in partnership with Goulburn Valley Grammar School (GVGS), a National Rowing Program run by the Australian Sports Commission in conjunction with Rowing Australia linking Clubs with schools. A grant plus an ergometer was provided to fund and run the program during Terms 2 & 3 2012. A total of 66 Year 9 & 10 male and female students passed through the program in 2012 with each student participating in eight 1.5hr sessions.

Grants were also received from Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC) for ‘Sports Aid’ and a VicHealth ‘Active Club’.

The Club entered a crew in a Dragon Boat race event on Victoria Park Lake and were placed second in the final from 20 crews.

The Club took delivery of a secondhand Boat Trailer from Walford School in Adelaide and also purchased a Coaching/Safety Boat.

Local resident Mrs Jean McInnes donated a trophy awarded to her grandfather Mr M G Wright in 1953 “for many years of sterling service” to the Shepparton Rowing Club. The trophy is now awarded by the Club as a perpetual trophy for the Best Clubperson.

The Club recommenced racing at Rowing Victoria regattas for the first time since the remformation when crews were entered in the Head of the Goulburn Time Trial in October. The Club entered two women’s Masters Quad Sculls and four male Single Scullers. The Shepparton Club members received applause from all of the participants when they were introduced at the competitors’ briefing prior to the start of the regatta.

Club participants were Meg Francis, Lou Bush, Renee Salihovic, Michele Cranefield, and Cox Holly Cranefield in one Quad; Nisha McKendrick, Wendy Crow, Sue Hunt, Cindy Abbey, and Cox Dani Beischer in a second Quad; Thomas Harper, Ian Cranefield, Brian Botheras, and David Schier all in single sculls. David had the quickest time of all our entries and was third in his class.

The Club received an invitation to lodge a second application for the Adopt-a-School Program for the 2012-13 year from Rowing Australia’s Ron Batt, the Program Coordinator. The application from Club President David Schier was successful and a further grant was received. The program involved Year 9 & 10 GVGS students attending every Wednesday afternoon for eight 1.5hr sessions. A total of 87 students participated over the year.

The Club participated in a successful Regional Picnic regatta at Lake Moodemere, Rutherglen in December 2012.

The Club also again entered a crew in the Dragon Boat race event on Victoria Park Lake and were again placed second in the final, this time from 22 crews.

During the year the Club was generously assisted by other Clubs and Schools who donated surplus secondhand boats and oars to the Club. At the end of the 2012-13 year the Club had nearly 20 donated boats in its fleet as well as many donated oars.

President David Schier negotiated the purchase of the Clubs’ first new boat – a double scull / coxless pair from the Liangjin Boat Co Ltd in China. The Club also purchased a set of new Quad Scull oars to suit Junior Women rowers.

Coaching of rowers was led by President David Schier who attended for the Club on three days every week as well as leading the coaching for the Adopt-a-School program.

Grants were received from Dept Sport & Recreation for Sporting Uniforms and Coaching Services and from GSCC for Boathouse Construction.

A 500m safety buoyed course was installed on the Lake by President David Schier.

In December 2012 the Club received a Building Permit from GSCC to erect a 12m wide x 18m deep Boathouse.

A Public Appeal to assist in funding the construction and fit-out was coordinated by President David Schier, which included the granting of tax deductibility status for donations through the Australian Sports Foundation. In addition, grants received from the GSCC over two years provided a significant portion of the total required funds.

The Boathouse construction was completed in July 2013.

A Boathouse Key Policy, was prepared and adopted by the Club.

The inaugural award of the MG Wright Trophy for the Best Clubperson was won by the Club Administration Manager, Trevor Lange.

Designs for Club Caps and Polo Shirts were completed and stock purchased.

Two Mobile Scull Racks were manufactured for the Club.

The Club entered a women’s Masters Quad Scull at the 2013 Saltwater Challenge held on the Maribyrnong River at Essendon.

The 2013 Bendigo Sprint Regatta was the first regular regatta attended. The Club had 26 race entries with 13 participants taking part.

The reformed Club had its first ever event success at this regatta with three wins.

The men’s D Grade Coxed Four won with James Worsfold, Thomas Harper, Tim Tielen, Jackson Reynoldson, Cox: Dani Beischer, and Coach: David Schier. The men’s D Grade Coxed Pair of Tim Tielen, Jackson Reynoldson, Cox: Dani Beischer, and Coach: David Schier also won, as did David Schier in the men’s Masters Single Scull.

At the Head of the Goulburn Time Trial a men’s and women’s D Grade Coxed Quad competed.

The Club also entered crews at the Carrum Regatta at Nagambie and the MRA & Rutherglen Regatta without success.

At the 2014 Rowing Victoria State Championship Regatta held on Lake Wendouree at Ballarat the Club won its first State Title. The crew of Thomas Harper, David Tom, Tim Tielen, Jackson Reynoldson, Cox: Mithma Ekanayake, and Coach: David Schier won the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull.

At the last regatta attended for the season, the Footscray Saltwater Regatta, the Club won the men’s Under 17 Single Scull with Tom Schier, the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull with Tom Schier, David Schier, David Tom, Thomas Harper, and Cox: Mithma Ekanayake. David Schier was also in a composite crew with Rutherglen Lake to win the men’s Masters Quad Four with Cox. A highlight of the regatta was the father and son combination of David & Tom Schier rowing in the same crew to win the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull.

The Club received a grant from GSCC for an Enhanced Coaching Program.

A successful Winter Series of Sculling at Nagambie Lakes for local rowing clubs was coordinated by Club President David Schier.

The MG Wright Best Clubperson Award was presented to Dani Beischer.

The fit-out of the Club’s new Boathouse was completed with electrical installation work, boat racking and oar racks in place.

The Club adopted the Rowing Australia Member Protection Policy and a General Conduct Policy was prepared and adopted by the Club.

Grants were received from the Dept of Health & Human Services to create a Club Website for and for a Travel Grant.

The Club held a very successful inaugural Pudding Fours Event, which included a Christmas Lunch, in December 2014.

The design for a Club Rugby Jumper were completed and stock purchased from Canterbury.

This season the Club entered crews in the Head of the Goulburn, the Bendigo Sprint Regatta, the Carrum Regatta at Nagambie, the MRA & Rutherglen Regatta, the Lake Colac Regatta, the Victorian State Championship Regatta, the Footscray Saltwater Regatta, and the Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta.

At the Bendigo Regatta a highlight was the first win since reformation by a women’s crew. Sophie Dansie, Hannah Quick, with Coach: David Schier won the D Grade Double Scull. David Schier also had wins in the Masters Single Scull and the Double Scull.

At Rutherglen, David Schier had success in two Masters events and Sophie Dansie won the D Grade Single Scull.

At Footscray, David Schier was successful in two Masters events.

At Essendon, the women’s D Grade Quad Scull with Mandhree Ekanayake, Hannah Quick, Sophie Dansie, Mithma Ekanayake, Cox: Tracey Baker, and Coach: David Schier won, as did Sophie Dansie in the D Grade Single Scull.

The Club participated in its first Bunnings Community Barbeque fundraiser and also in the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count fundraiser.

The MG Wright Best Clubperson Award was presented to Club Captain Sudath Ekanayake.

The Club continued to acquire a number of quality secondhand boats, some purchased, with most being donated.

The Club accepted an offer from the GSCC to a lease Storage Shed in Packham Street Shepparton to house the Boat Trailer, Boats and other equipment that was not able to be stored in the Boathouse at the Lake.

The Club’s annual Pudding Fours Event & Christmas Lunch was successfully held in December 2015.

David Schier received Accreditation as a Rowing Australia Level 2 Coach. Michele Cranefield assisted Head Coach David Schier with crew coaching.

The Club competed at five regattas during the season. At the Bendigo Sprint Regatta David Schier won his Division of the Masters Single Scull.

At the MRA & Rutherglen Regatta David Schier had two wins in a composite Masters Quad Scull.

At the Footscray Saltwater Regatta, the women’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull with Maoinin Dooley-Heath, Sophie Reinehr, Anna Chalkley, Mandhree Ekanayake, Cox: Tracey Baker, and Coach: David Schier won their event; and the women’s D Grade Double Scull with Sophie Reinehr, Anna Chalkley, and Coach: David Schier won at the Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta at Essendon.

At the Carrum Regatta at Nagambie, the Lake Colac Regatta at Geelong and the Victorian State Championships at Lake Wendouree Ballarat there were no wins.

The Club received a grant from GSCC to part cover the cost of concreting the Boathouse floor. Members volunteered at the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count fundraiser.

A Level 1 Coxswain Course was held at the Boathouse with 11 Club members receiving Certificates.

Club President David Schier, in conjunction with Rutherglen Lake Rowing Club President Paul Somerville, initiated the North East Higher Performance Program (NEHPP) which was conducted at Nagambie Lakes under the direction of Richard Hamilton – former Great Britain Olympic rower and World Rowing Junior Championship Gold Medal Coach. This was an outstanding initiative attended by rowers from Bendigo, Nagambie, Rutherglen and Shepparton Clubs.

The Club held its first Annual Dinner & Awards Night at the Shepparton Golf Club. Highlight Award winners were: Best First Year Rower – Sophie Reinehr, Most Outstanding Rower – Anna Chalkley; Best Clubperson – Tracey Baker.

The NEHPP at Nagambie Lakes with Richard Hamilton continued during the year, typically every month, with North East Regional Clubs.

A ‘Come & Try Day’ took place in October 2016, but poor weather made it a challenging day.

Michele Cranefield and John Darbyshire received their Rowing Australia Level 1 Coaching Accreditations. John Darbyshire joined with Michele Cranefield and Head Coach David Schier to assist in crew coaching.

The Club received a payment as a result of members and families volunteering at both the Victorian and Australian Masters Regattas at Nagambie Lakes. Other fundraising included volunteering at the Shepparton Challenge Triathlon, the Nagambie Rowing Club Annual Regatta, the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count, and the Bunnings Community BBQ. There was also a Chocolate Drive and a Cookbook publication.

The annual Pudding Fours Event was held in December 2016.

The Club competed at the Bendigo Sprint Regatta and had wins in the women’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull, the Mixed Double Scull, the women’s D Grade Coxed Four, and the women’s Under 15 Single Scull with Lydia Todd.

Four Crews competed in the Head of the Goulburn Time Trial.

At the Carrum Regatta at Nagambie Lakes, the women’s D Grade Coxed Four won their event.

At the MRA & Rutherglen Regatta the Club excelled with 13 event wins over the weekend, including, the women’s Under 17 Single Scull (4 wins), the women’s Under 17 Double Scull (2 wins), the women’s D Grade Single Scull (2 wins), the Mixed Double Scull, the Mixed Coxed Quad Scull, the women’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull, the women’s D Grade Coxed Four, and the women’s D Grade Double Scull.

At the Nagambie Regatta the Club won the men’s D Grade Single Scull.

The 2017 Victorian State Championships held at Nagambie Lakes saw the Club win two Gold Medals and two Silver Medals. The women’s D Grade Coxed Four of Lydia Todd, Cara Dooley-Heath, Anna Chalkley, Sophie Reinehr, Cox: James Eldred, Coach: David Schier won Gold; as did Tom Schier with David Schier as Coach in the men’s D Grade Single Scull. Silver Medals were won by the women’s D Grade Double Scull of Maoinin Dooley-Heath and Lydia Todd, and Sophie Reinehr in the women’s Under 17 Single Scull.

The Club had four wins at the Footscray Saltwater Regatta, in the women’s Under 17 Single Scull, men’s D Grade Single Scull, women’s D Grade Coxed Four, and the women’s D Grade Double Scull.

The last Regatta attended for the season was the Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta at Essendon. The Club won six events; the women’s Under 17 Single Scull (2 wins), the Mixed Double Scull, the men’s D Grade Single Scull, the women’s D Grade Coxed Four, and the Mixed Coxed Quad Scull.

The reformed Club had its first entry in the Rowing Australia National Championships with Sophie Reinehr competing in the Under 17 Single Scull finishing 16th out of 34 scullers, and as part of a composite crew in the Under 17 Coxed Quad Scull finishing a very credible 6th from 22 crews.

The Club had 14 rowers and coxswains win regatta events during the season. They were: Anna Chalkley, Tom Schier, Sophie Reinehr, Lydia Todd, Maoinin Dooley-Heath, James Eldred, Tracey Baker, Sara Gandolfo, Mandhree Ekanayake, Olivia Thomson, Cara Dooley-Heath, Stella Cranefield, Mithma Ekanayake, and Tom Dooley-Heath.

The Club purchased a secondhand Boat Trailer in 2012 with a loan from Club President David Schier. In 2017 David, generously, formally donated the Boat Trailer to the Club.

At the Clubs’ second Annual Dinner & Awards Night at the Shepparton Golf Club the Highlight Award winners were: Best First Year Rower – Tom Schier, Most Outstanding Women’s Rowers – Anna Chalkley & Sophie Reinehr, Most Outstanding Men’s Rower – Tom Schier, Best Clubperson – Geoff Withers. Guest Speaker was Dr Victoria Roberts, former Australian Olympian in 2000 & 2004, World Champion in 2001 Eights & Coxless Four and World Champion again in 2002 in the Coxless Four.

The Club Boat Trailer was fully repainted by Stephen & Alison Todd with Club signage also fitted to the sides of the Trailer.

Invaluable secondhand boat acquisitions were made including the Simon Crunden Quad Scull, the Lyle Brothers Double Scull and a Single Scull.

Club Finance Manager Geoff Withers and Stephen Todd successfully completed their training as Accredited Level 1 Boat Race Officials.

The annual Pudding Fours Event & Christmas Lunch was successfully held in December 2017.

The Club received a Grant from Greater Shepparton Connected Community for equipment purchases. A Uniforms Grant was received from the Victorian Dept of Sport, and an Equipment Grant was received from Vic Health. The Club also received an Athlete Pathway Travel Grant from the Victorian Dept of Sport.

Tom Schier achieved Accreditation from Rowing Australia as a Level 1 Coach.

Club members and families volunteered for fundraising activities at the Shepparton Challenge Triathlon, the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count, and two Bunnings Community BBQs.

The NEHPP at Nagambie Lakes with Richard Hamilton continued during the year, with North East Regional Clubs.

The Club entered the Rowing Australia Indoor Rowing Championships for the first time with excellent results achieved. Tom Dooley-Heath won a gold medal in the 1 minute event in the under 17 age group and Jack Puise won gold in the 1000m, 500m and 1 minute events in the 13 years age group.

Five wins were recorded at the Bendigo Sprint Regatta; the men’s C Grade Single Scull, men’s D Grade Coxed Four, women’s Under 17 Single Scull, women’s D Grade Single Scull and the Mixed Coxed Quad Scull.

At the Head of the Goulburn time trial two crews won their event category; the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull and the men’s C Grade Single Scull.

The MRA & Rutherglen Regatta was successful with wins in the women’s Under 17 Single Scull, men’s Under 15 Single Scull, the Mixed Double Scull, women’s D Grade Double Scull (2 wins), men’s C Grade Single Scull, men’s D Grade Double Scull, and the Mixed Coxed Quad Scull.

At the Wendouree Ballarat Regatta the men’s Under 15 Single Scull won.

The Nagambie Regatta saw a rower compete in Goulburn Valley Grammar School colours for the first time. Member Tom Schier achieved third place in the School Single Scull Division 1 over 2000m.

The Rowing Victoria State Championship Regatta was held at Ballarat. The Club won two Gold Medals, two Silver Medals and two Bronze Medals. The men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull of James Worsfold, Tom Dooley-Heath, Toby Crichton, Tom Schier, Cox: James Eldred, and Coach: David Schier won Gold; as did the men’s Under 15 Double Scull of James Darbyshire, Jack Puise, and Coach: John Darbyshire.
Sophie Reinehr won Silver in the C Grade Single Scull as did Jack Puise in the Under 15 Single Scull. The women’s C Grade Coxed Four crew of Isabella Bennett, Maoinin Dooley-Heath, Lydia Todd, Sophie Reinehr, Cox: Maya Dooley-Heath, and Coach: David Schier won Bronze, as did the men’s D Grade Double Scull of James Worsfold, Toby Crichton, and Coach: David Schier.

At the Footscray Saltwater Regatta the Mixed Double Scull, the men’s D Grade Double Scull, men’s Under 17 Double Scull, men’s Under 15 Double Scull and the Mixed Coxed Quad Scull all had wins.

At the Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta at Essendon the winning crews were the women’s Under 17 Single Scull, men’s Under 15 Single Scull, men’s D Grade Double Scull, men’s Under 17 Double Scull and the Mixed Coxed Quad Scull.

During the season 16 rowers and coxswains won events. They were: Tom Schier, Tom Dooley-Heath, Lydia Todd, Toby Crichton, James Darbyshire, Sophie Reinehr, James Eldred, Jack Puise, Maoinin Dooley-Heath, Maya Dooley-Heath, Nicholas Waller, James Worsfold, Isabella Bennett, Jessica Eldred, Michael Eldred, and Nancy Cassetta.

At the Clubs’ third Annual Dinner & Awards Night at the Shepparton Golf Club the Highlight Award winners were: Best First Year Rower – Toby Crichton, Most Outstanding Women’s Rowers – Sophie Reinehr & Lydia Todd, Most Outstanding Men’s Rower – Tom Schier, Best Clubperson – Alison Todd. Guest Speaker was former member Ms Anna Chalkley. Anna was a winner of the Clubs Most Outstanding Rower Award for 2015-16, and a joint winner of the Most Outstanding Women’s Rower Award for 2016-17. She gave an excellent speech.

Club President David Schier was named the Club Person of the Year by Rowing Victoria in recognition of his incredibly committed and generous work in leading the redevelopment of Victoria Park Lake, his foresight and vision to establish the reformed Shepparton Rowing Club, his countless hours coaching crews, and his enormous efforts resulting in the building of the Boathouse and the acquisition of a boat fleet and other essential equipment. David was consequently nominated for a National Award and received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award from Rowing Australia.

On reformation of the Club on 27 July 2011 David Schier was appointed President of the Club and he led the huge task of building and equipping the Club. David continued in the role of President for seven years until the conclusion of the 2017 – 2018 year.

This year saw the appointment of a new Club President, Geoff Withers. Geoff had been on the Committee of Management since the reformation commenced in July 2011 initially as a Committee Member then as Finance Manager since 2013. On the Committee with Geoff was Trevor Lange as Administration Manager, a position he had been in for each of the seven years since reformation.

John Darbyshire continued as Club Captain and took over the role of Head Coach from David Schier.

A quality secondhand boat, the Jeremy Green Double Scull / Coxless Pair was acquired along with an unnamed (ex-Michael Hamilton) Double Scull / Coxless Pair.

The NEHPP with Richard Hamilton continued during the year with three sessions being held with great success at the Club.

To help facilitate the concreting of the Boathouse floor, and following extensive discussions with GSCC, the GSCC proposed to guarantee providing up to $20,000 total for the works with the Club finding the balance of the estimated $38,000 concreting cost.

The Club resolved that the Boathouse concreting works must include provision of female friendly change rooms in particular. Plans were prepared for a Boathouse rear extension to accommodate changerooms and a toilet.

Club members and families volunteered for the Shepparton Challenge Triathlon fundraising, a Bunnings Community BBQ, the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count, the Victorian State Championship Regatta volunteer fundraiser, and the Victorian Masters State Championship Regatta volunteering fundraiser.

The annual Pudding Fours Event & Christmas Lunch was held in December 2018.

The Club held a Recruiting Day Launch in May 2019

The Club adopted the Rowing Victoria Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct.

The Club won three events at the Bendigo Sprint Regatta; the men’s Under 15 Double Scull, men’s Under 15 Single Scull, and the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull.

A men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull crew was second in their class at the Head of the Goulburn.

At the Carrum Regatta at Nagambie the Club entered crews in six men’s events and won all six events; the Under 17 Double Scull, D Grade Coxed Quad Scull, D Grade Double Scull, Under 15 Double Scull, D Grade Single Scull, and the Under 15 Single Scull (including second place in this event).

In extremely hot conditions at the MRA & Rutherglen Regatta, the Club won two events; the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull and the men’s D Grade Double Scull.

At the Nagambie Regatta the one winning crew was the men’s Under 17 Single Scull.

Three men’s crews won medals at the Victorian State Championship Regatta; the D Grade Coxed Quad Scull of Hamish Kerr, Cameron Boal, Jack Puise, Nicholas Waller, Cox: James Darbyshire, and Coach: John Darbyshire who won Gold. The Under 17 Double Scull of James Eldred and Jack Puise won Silver, and James Darbyshire in the Under 15 Single Scull won Bronze.

The Footscray Saltwater Regatta had three winning crews; the women’s C Grade Single Scull, men’s D Grade Single Scull, and the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull.

At the Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta at Essendon the winning crews were; the men’s D Grade Single Scull, men’s Under 15 Single Scull, and the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull.

Club member Jack Puise competed in two events at the Sydney International Rowing Regatta: National Championships, and represented the Club with distinction. In the Under 17 Single Scull Jack competed in his Heat and in a Repechage to just miss-out on a place in the Semi-finals. Jack rowed in the Under 17 Double Scull in a composite crew where they qualified through to the Final to finish in 6th place out of 20 crews entered.

Over the season eight rowers & coxswains won regatta events. They were: Cameron Boal, Jack Puise, James Eldred, James Darbyshire, Nicholas Waller, Hamish Kerr, Lachlan Kerr and Lydia Todd.

At the Clubs’ fourth Annual Dinner & Awards Night at the Shepparton Golf Club the Highlight Award winners were: Best First Year Rower – Hamish Kerr, Most Outstanding Women’s Rower – Lydia Todd, Most Outstanding Men’s Rower – Jack Puise, Best Clubperson – John Darbyshire. The Guest Speaker was Richard Hamilton, 1996 British Olympian, Gold Medalist at the 1991 Junior World Championship, and Gold Medalist Coach at the 2003 Junior World Championships. Richard gave an inspiring presentation and donated a 1996 Olympic Shirt to the Club.

The rowing season was very challenging with the cancelling of the Victorian State Championships part way through the regatta due to poor weather. Then in mid-March with the COVID-19 Pandemic starting to take hold in the community all Rowing Clubs were required to cease operations and the remainder of the 2019-20 regatta season events were cancelled.

The Club entered a women’s and men’s coxed Quad Scull at the 2019 Saltwater Challenge time trial on the Maribyrnong River at Essendon. Both crews had a great row.

At the Bendigo Sprint Regatta the Club won the men’s Under 17 Double Scull event. Two crews competed in the Head of the Goulburn time trial; a men’s B Grade Coxed Quad Scull which finished second in its class, and a men’s C Grade Single Scull finishing eighth.

The Club entered a crew in the Melbourne Head time trial for the first time. The men’s Coxed Club Quad Scull had a credible row and a great experience.

The Club had 28 crews entered in the MRA Rutherglen Regatta which was marred by air quality issues from bushfires. The men’s Under 17 Double Scull won on both days and the men’s C Grade Pair won on the second day.

At the Wendouree Ballarat Regatta the Club won the men’s C Grade Single Scull with the Club having three scullers in the final.

The Club competed at the Nagambie Regatta without success.

The Victorian State Championship Regatta at Ballarat was cancelled part way through events due to poor weather. The Club crews that had been able to compete did so without success.

The Club had five rowers win regatta events during the season. They were: James Eldred, Hamish Kerr, Cameron Boal, Lachlan Kerr and Jack Puise.

The Annual Pudding Fours Event and Christmas Lunch was held in December 2019.

Members and families volunteered for fundraising activities at the Nagambie Regatta, the Victorian Junior Boys State Championships, the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count, and the Aquathlon State Championships Aid Station manning. All other fundraising events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A secondhand Argentinian Single Scull was acquired as well as the Tom Appelby Quad Scull / Four for a token cost to the Club. Three pairs of new sculling oars were also purchased.

The COVID-19 Pandemic caused the Club to cease operations from 23 March 2020. Rowing recommenced from 24 May 2020 with restrictions.

The Greater Shepparton City Council waived various Club fees as part of its COVID-19 response.

The Club successfully applied for a Community Sector Short-term Survival Package with the Victorian Dept Sport & Recreation for a first-round grant.

Two Committee of Management meetings were held ‘virtually’ online as was the 2019–20 Annual General Meeting.

Detail plans were prepared for concreting the Boathouse floor and for adding a rear extension to incorporate change rooms and a toilet. Works quotations were obtained and full costings prepared by the Club’s Manager Projects David Schier. Efforts to secure the additional funding required to carry out the works were ongoing.

Trevor Lange received Accreditation as a Rowing Australia Level 1 Coach.

COVID-19 restrictions prevented the Club holding its Annual Dinner & Awards Night for 2019‑20. The Annual Awards were presented in a COVID safe manner at the Boathouse following a morning Brunch. The Highlight Award winners were: Best First Year Rower – Emily Waller, Most Outstanding Women’s Rower – Emily Waller, Most Outstanding Men’s Rower – James Eldred, Best Clubperson – Trevor Lange.

COVID-19 restrictions were reimposed and the Club ceased operating from 6 August 2020. Rowing recommenced on 27 September 2020 with restrictions.

A 1940’s timber double tub scull with classic brass fittings was returned from the Canoe Club to the Boathouse to be refurbished for display purposes.

The Club received a Community Sector Short-term Survival Package second and third round grants from the Victorian Dept Sport & Recreation.

Members and families volunteered for fundraising activities at the Victorian State Championship Regatta at Nagambie, the Bicycle Victoria Super Tuesday Bike Count, the Tri-Clubs Aquathlon Aid Station manning, The Challenge Shepparton Triathlon, the Victorian Masters State Championship Regatta at Nagambie.

A quality secondhand Regulation Quad Scull / Four ‘Perseverance’ was acquired at a token cost to the Club.

The Club returned a $10,000 grant for Boathouse Floor Concreting to the Greater Shepparton City Council, and Council withdrew a further $10,000 funding guarantee – due to the Club being unable to raise the additional funds needed to complete the Boathouse concreting / Change Rooms / Toilet project by the end of June 2021.

The first Regatta attended for the season was the MRA & Rutherglen Regatta where the Club won the men’s C Grade Coxed Quad Scull. At the Nagambie Regatta, the women’s D Grade Single Scull was successful.

At the Victorian State Championship Regatta Lydia Todd was a Silver Medalist in the D Grade Single Scull.

The Footscray Saltwater Regatta yielded one winner, the women’s D Grade Single Scull. Then at the Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta at Essendon, the Club won the men’s D Grade Single Scull, the women’s D Grade Single Scull, the women’s D Grade Double Scull, and the men’s D Grade Coxed Quad Scull.

Robert Gordon, in his first race for the Club, competed at the Victorian Masters State Championship Regatta at Nagambie; the Club’s first Masters event entry for five years.
Club Member, Jack Puise, rowing with Brighton Grammar School won the prestigious Open Division 1 Eight event at the APS Heads of the River Regatta.

Former member Sophie Reinehr represented Victoria as stroke of the Interstate Youth Eight Crew at the National Championship Regatta, and was also selected in the 2021 Under 21 Australian Rowing Team in the Under 21 Coxed Eight crew for the 2021 World Rowing Cup 3 Simulation Regatta.

We had 8 rowers & 1 coxswain win an event this year. They were: Lydia Todd, James Darbyshire, James Eldred, Spencer Sharp, Emily Waller, Patrick Sharp, Hamish Kerr, Lachlan Kerr, and Nicholas Waller.

The Club Committee of Management for this this milestone tenth year of the Club operating since its reformation on 27 July 2011 is:
Club President Geoff Withers – President for the past three years, and Finance Manager & Committee member before that, covering all ten years; Trevor Lange - Administration Manager for all ten years since reformation. John Darbyshire – Club Captain for the past four years, and Committee Member for one year before that; Alison Todd – Membership & Merchandising Officer for the past two years, and Committee Member for the prior four years; Karen Eldred – Communications Officer for the past three years; Tina Cassetta – Finance Manager for the past three years; Christine Robey & Stuart Belcher – Committee Members for the past two years; and Melitta Kerr – Committee Member for two years.