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“Our Lake is to Ballarat what our beautiful Harbour is to Sydney. It is our pride and joy and our principal source of recreation. Nothing could compensate us for the loss of that oasis in the desert in the absence of which all the surrounding mansions, villas and smiling lawns and gardens would soon presentContinue reading “2006 The long drought.”

The club had faced three major challenges in its 135 years that could have bought an end to the Ballarat City Rowing Club but none could equal the challenge it now faced. The first major challenge was World War 1 and the dreadful loss of young men who were off fighting, next was World WarContinue reading “2005 Unchartered water-actually no water!”

No water, no rowing, no wins but the club soldiered on!  The Annual Report opened with “ It is with regret that I report this season was characterised by an almost complete lack of that very activity to which we owe our existence-ROWING!” The committee this year were Danny Elliott ,President; Kate Elliott, Secretary; NormContinue reading “2004 In memory of Alan Dixon”

The low level of water in the lake in the second half of the season also meant many regattas were cancelled or the venue changed. It was the beginning of the “big dry” that would impact our activities for the next nine years. Consequently the Masters National Championships were moved from Ballarat to Nagambie. ThisContinue reading “2003 Master’s dominate”

This season saw a marked increase in memberships, the majority being in the Masters category. It was great to see these members becoming involved not only in the sport but in the administration and maintenance of the club as well. The highlight of the season was having twenty Mater’s rowers from the club compete inContinue reading “2002 World Master’s Games”

The committee this year was Danny Elliott, President; Kate Elliott and Belinda Bilney were co-secretaries; Norm Young ,Treasurer and Tim Wise ,Captain. Racing was strong this year particularly in Master’s events. This year our International Master’s Champions attended the FISA World Master’s Regatta in Montreal, Canada. Having conquered Europe they now headed to the CanadianContinue reading “2001 A rowing Odyssey”

The highlight for rowing in Australia was the holding of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Past and present members of the club were very proud and delighted to see Rachel Taylor achieve her sporting dream winning a silver medal in the Women’s coxless pairs with partner Kate Slatter. Rachel was originally introduced to rowingContinue reading “2000 Sydney Olympic silver”

Belinda Bilney continued her great job as secretary for a second year and continued to juggle work, training, competing nationally and internationally and still keep the club on an even keel. She and club Captain, Tim Wise also competed at the FISA World Master’s Regatta in Seville, Spain, in October winning the mixed A doubleContinue reading “1999 World Master’s gold medal hat trick!”

This year continued to see changes and rapid hands on learning phase for many members engendered by the sudden, very early arrival of Rory Devlin Conroy Elliott. Although not a member of the club, he continued had a profound effect on the activities of the club this year as well as his parents, Kate andContinue reading “1998 Master’s gold, gold, gold!”

This season will be remembered as the Masters era of rowing, with the return of several former members now keen to participate in the growing area of Master’s rowing. Two of these “born again” rowers who would have a great impact on the club over the next five years were Norm and Ron Young. AlsoContinue reading “1997 Rise of the Masters”