Corio Bay Rowing Club celebrates 150th on The Barwon

ONE of Geelong’s oldest rowing clubs has celebrated more than a century and a half of history during a special event at its Barwon River clubhouse, with more than 100 past and present members in attendance.

The Corio Bay Rowing Club (Corio Bay) marked its 150th anniversary with a whole-club event on Sunday (May 21), honouring the club’s proud history, which has featured multiple sporting legends, regattas and events, and a dedicated volunteer base.

The 150th celebration involved a club photo (in Corio colours), three boat naming ceremonies, and a commemorative book launch led by author of ‘A Good Course’, David Uren.

Corio Bay Rowing Club president Rob England led proceedings saying it is an honour to be the president during such a historical moment for the club.

“It’s been such an amazing year so far and for this day to come together as it has, has been a bit of a relief and a wonderful way to gather members from different era,” Mr England said.

“It really shows the spirit of the club and how inclusive we are as a club as well.

“Rowing is the ultimate team sport and when the chips are down, rowers stick together to work through thick and thin.

“We see that on our honour rolls and that sentiment echoes throughout the history of this club. We’re excited for what the future holds for us.”

The club was established in June 1873 as a means of getting working men on the Geelong docks to row on Corio Bay according to journalist and club member David Uren.

Mr Uren was charged with the task of publishing a historical book recounting the history of the Corio Bay Rowing Club.

“The research into the book was greatly helped by the Geelong Heritage Centre and also the club’s old minutes, but collating the history was a challenge that I invited,” he said.

“The things that really emerged from the research was the strength of a club that survives this long. There was never any paid staff, it’s all maintained by volunteers throughout that history.

“Now here we are, it’s 2023, and the club has remained the premier club of the state for three of the last five years and that’s just extraordinary.”

The three boats commemorated during the 150th year celebration were named ‘Leisa’, after World Championship rower Leisa Wilson (nee Patterson), ‘George Upward’, after the Rowing Victoria Hall of Fame member, and ‘Corio Bay 150’, to honour the whole club.

The 150-year commemorative book, ‘A Good Course’ written by David Uren, is available from the Corio Bay Rowing Club for $40.00 plus postage, email: [email protected]