The New South Wales Rowing Association (NSWRA) was formed in 1878. The initial impetus for the formation of the Association was a challenge from our neighbouring state of Victoria (or colony as it was in those days) for a race to be conducted in 1879. Things haven't changed much since - just more states to challenge for racing supremacy in Australia.
Since 1878 the number of rowing clubs in NSW has grown from three clubs at the time the Association was established to more than 30 clubs today, not counting a host of schools with rowing programs.
The New South Wales Rowing Association governs the sport of rowing in NSW. It decides on the rules for racing in NSW, determines boat classes for racing events, sets an annual calendar of regattas, and promotes the rowing in this state.
Through the club and school system the sport caters for male and female rowers from elite to novice level including athletes with a disability.
Membership of the NSW Association is around 4000 members.
Sydney International Regatta Centre - photo provided by Melba Studios
Office Bearers 2009 - 2010
| President |
Andrew Rowley |
Chairman of the Board
|
| Deputy President |
Norma Perry |
Board Member
|
| Director - Administration |
Joseph Zammit |
Board Member
|
| Director - Finance |
Peter Trives |
Board Member
|
| Director |
Tim Clare |
Board Member
|
| Director |
Stephen Handley |
Board Member
|
| Director |
Greg James QC |
Board Member
|
| Director |
Chris Noel |
Board Member
|
| Director |
Bryan Weir |
Board Member
|
| Hon. Auditor |
Peter Crawford |
| Public Officer |
Kenneth Johnston |
| Hon. Medical Officer |
Dr Phillip Sharp |
| Hon. Solicitor |
Torq Murray |
| Hon. Recorder |
Margaret Mackenzie |
| Hon. Historian & Archivist |
Dr Phillip Sharp |
| Registrar Colours |
Tim Wainman |
| Chairman of State Selectors |
Stephen Handley |
| State Team Manager |
Nigel Waddell |
| Boat Race Official Examiners |
Victor Walter
Tim Wainman
Greg Smith
Brian Kelleher
Ron Beattie |
| Delegate - Rowing Australia Inc. |
Wade Hewett |
| Delegate - NSW Olympic Council |
Doug Donoghue |
Delegate - Commonwealth Games Association
(NSW Division) |
Margaret Mackenzie |
| Delegate - R.A. Masters Commission |
Phillip Titterton, John James |
| Delegate - Waterways Authority Advisory Committee |
Murray Clarke OAM |
| Safety Officer |
Charles Watson OAM |
| Sexual Harassment Officer |
Jane Spring |
| Property Officer |
Rod Richardson |
| Trustees to Laurie Stepto Memorial Trust Fund |
Don Croot AM, J Doug Donoghue AM,
Geoff McIntyre AM |
By the way, if you are interested in knowing who won the 1879 eights race over four miles, it was NSW - by 6 lengths. But to balance the record, we note that the first race between Victorian and New South Wales crews was in 1878, prior to the formation of the NSWRA. The 1878 inaugural race was won by Victoria.
For this slice of history we acknowledge May A. L (1970) Sydney Rows: A Centennial History of Sydney Rowing Club. Sydney Rowing Club: Abbotsford.
map