Launching into the future

THE MURWILLUMBAH Rowing Club officially opened its new river access last Saturday after the long road to repair after the 2022 floods. The refurbished launch had its maiden run at the recent Tweed 30 Marathon and is already proving itself a valuable asset for the club and the community.

Murwillumbah Rowing Club president Robert Gee said there had been great support.

“We were able to get funding through the Essential Community Sports Assets Program and to raise our own contributions to complete the works over the last few months,” he said.

“Tweed Shire Council were excellent in their support of the project, which was vital to the success of an undertaking as significant as this.

Murwillumbah Rowing Club President Robert Gee, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Tweed Council Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle. Photo: DAVID COPE

“You can’t do a project of this size without the enormous work of a big group of people. It was a long journey, and we look forward to a period of growth, including junior rowing, school rowing, and new events in kayaking.”

Made from FRP, the durable fibreglass-reinforced plastic structure requires no maintenance. Michael ‘Millsy’ Mills designed the original concept on the back of an envelope, which was then realised by contractors Scavenger Supplies and their subsidiary Grating FRP Australia, selected through a tender process.

Tweed Council’s Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle said the facility’s users were among the lowest impact in the natural environment.

“Rob’s passion and expertise made for a successful council and community project. Working together to deliver good infrastructure outcomes is what we aim for, and we’re proud of the community delivering this valuable asset to the region and the river,” she said.

It takes a crew to launch and drive a significant project. Tamsin Brew (MRC), Janelle Saffin MP, Rob Gee (MRC), Mark Taylor (MRC), Michael Mills (MRC), Paul Barnes (MRC), Bruno Cesar Mora (Scavenger Supplies), Matt Bialkowski (Rowing Qld) and Naomi Searle (Tweed Shire Council). Photo: DAVID COPE

The rebuild was supported by a grant of $382,182 from the NSW Government, the support of Tweed Shire Council and funding initiatives by the club.

NSW member for Lismore Janelle Saffin concurred with Searle.

“Rob really drove this project, which made my job a little bit easier,” she said. “I want to thank everybody, and the NSW Office of Sport has also been terrific. So many groups will use this, which will go far beyond the club as we know it now.”

To find out more, visit murwillumbahrowingclub.com.au