Bairnsdale Rowing Club capped off a successful season last Saturday with its presentation lunch held at Club Eastwood.
Club members, friends and families took the opportunity to reminisce on their season, hosted by president, Lynne Broad.
The season once again solidified Bairnsdale’s competitiveness on the water, punching above its weight for a small, regional club.
The first half of their season consisted of “Head” races, or longer distance time trials, this culminated with the prestigious Head of the Yarra, where the women’s eight crew finished a creditable third (and were the first Victorian crew) in the Female Masters E category.
As part of the Head races, Bairnsdale’s hosted its own Head of the Mitchell, comprising both a five and three kilometre race.
The event attracted more than 100 athletes and support crew to the banks of the Mitchell River in October.
In January, the season moved onto sprint regattas starting with the Rutherglen Regatta in sweltering 35 degree heat.
The club brought home a number of gold medals and were a close second in a number of other events.
The season also saw the debut of two newer members at the Footscray Saltwater Regatta in March – Jess Clark and Sharlene Davis, with Davis going on to win two golds in her debut season.
To finish the season the club presented a number of awards to members for their contribution and performance. These awards are named after significant former club members.
The Alban Pearce Award for best junior beginner was awarded to Jillian McKenna. McKenna began in the Learn to Row program in 2023 and has progressed significantly, as well as being a supportive volunteer in assisting junior Learn to Row students.
The Holloway Sisters Award for best beginner was awarded to Sharlene Davis. Davis has shown her commitment to the sport progressing from the Learn to Row program in 2023 to a dual gold medallist in 2024.
The BC Jones Captain’s Award for best coxswain was awarded to Louise Avery. Unable to row for much of the season, Avery took on and excelled in the role of one of the coxswains within the club, helping numerous crews bring home the gold.
The Frances Kreymborg Award for most improved was awarded to Lauren Perry. Another who has shown her commitment to the sport and the club, Perry’s performance over the past season has improved significantly with a gold medal to show for her hard work.
The Joseph Day President’s Award for best club supporter was awarded to Gary McClelland, who in addition to rowing, shows his commitment to supporting the club through coaching, maintenance and regatta day support.
Lastly, the Laird Brothers Award for senior rower of the season was awarded to both Kate Holzapfel and Ron Alexander. Awarded to the best performing male and female member during the season, Holzapfel and Alexanders performances throughout the season clearly highlighted their worthiness of this award.
IMAGE: Winners of the major awards on Bairnsdale Rowing Club presentation night happily posed for a group photograph with club president Lynne Broad (centre). PICTURED: Louise Avery, Kate Holzapfel, Ron Alexander, Lauren Perry, Gary McClelland, Sharlene Davis and Jillian McKenna. (PS)
