River recovery on verge of completion ahead of rowing season

GEELONG’S peak rowing body is up and running despite Barwon River flooding, and is gearing up for a blockbuster 2023 calendar of events.

Rowing Geelong president Sam Elliott said flooding of the river had put a halt to regattas for the past three months

However, with the river banks’ returfing on the verge of completion, Mr Elliott said he and Rowing Geelong were excited to host a full calendar of events in 2023.

“We have our first major regatta on January 28 and 29, the Barwon Regatta, one of the biggest regattas during the whole year for Rowing Victoria.

“It will be the first regatta we will hold here for the year following the ongoing flood event, we weren’t even able to have people in the water from about October 12 until December 7.

“So, we’re really excited to host some events down here again after a challenging time with the flooding.”

To assist with landscaping, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) provided 500 metres of turf, expediting the recovery of the landing area at Geelong’s rowing precinct.

Rowing Geelong oversees the operations of more than 1,000 rowers from clubs consisting of Corio Bay Rowing Club, the schools that reside in the Jeff Sykes Rowing Centre, and the Barwon Rowing Club.

No substantial damage occurred to the five rowing clubhouses located on Barwon Terrace, but all became inundated with water at four separate times during the recent deluge. However, all boats were evacuated in advance.

Statewide regattas to take place on the Barwon River in 2023 include:

2023 Barwon Regatta (January 28-29)

2023 Rowing Victoria Schools – Morongo Regatta (February 4)

2023 School Sport Victoria Regatta (March 10)

2023 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta (March 17-19)

“We’re looking forward to having the banks full of spectators again with a full complement of rowers and crews on the river during those days,” Mr Elliott added.