Rowers from across the country have taken to the waters of Lake Nagambie this week, as the highly anticipated week-long Australian Rowing Championships began on Monday.
Nagambie was selected to host the event following a last-minute change of venue, after Rowing Australia confirmed the shift from the Sydney International Regatta Centre due to water contamination issues.
The change meant organisers were left with little time to prepare for the large-scale event, with volunteers still needed to help out during the week.
Nagambie Rowing Club captain Sue Andrews said the club had been working overtime in the past week in making preparations.
“We've got a lot of work to do both in Strathbogie and in Shepparton in relation to people and getting it ready — volunteers, there’s lots of jobs to do,” Andrews said.
With a Commonwealth Games on the horizon, former Rowing Australia chief executive and Shepparton Rowing Club founding president David Schier said Nagambie’s selection was sure to benefit the wider community going forward.
“The fact that it’s coming to Victoria as the preferred venue speaks volumes for the facility and it will also assist the venue when it comes to the bid to have Commonwealth Games rowing at Nagambie,” Schier said.
The Australian Rowing Championships is the nation’s largest rowing regatta and encompasses three signature events.
They are the Australian Open Rowing Championships, Australian Open Schools Rowing Championships and the King’s and Queen’s Cup Interstate Regatta.
The ultimate day of competition will be Sunday, which includes the finals of the Open Schools Championships and the King’s and Queen’s Cups.
The King’s and Queen’s Cups are the most revered and highly sought-after pieces of silverware in Australian rowing.
The cups see the men’s and women’s interstate eights battle it out for the most prestigious title in Australian rowing and ultimate bragging rights.
Victoria is the reigning champion in both competitions.
The Australian Rowing Championships will be held at Lake Nagambie until Sunday, April 3, with action to start from 8am daily.