Lachlan Dand, Murray Pioneer
For the first time since 2021, one of the most prestigious events on the Rowing SA calendar last weekend returned to Renmark.
While the Riverland Regatta was supposed to be in town the previous year, the decision was made to hand it to Berri due to several years being missed in the town.
Renmark Rowing Club president Tony Townsend said the weekend was a “success” as over 740 rowers hit the water for more than 185 races across the two days, including some competitors coming from interstate.
“Everyone thought it was fantastic, so it was a great outcome for the Renmark Rowing Club, the Renmark township, and the Riverland in general,” he said.
“We were reflecting last night that our last Regatta was held in 2021, which was right at the tail end of Covid, and we had to operate under those restrictions which made it really awkward, and a hard job even harder.
“Without restrictions, and then a massive flood event, it was good to be able to host the Regatta, and showcase the Renmark riverfront to the many visitors that love coming to this particular event.
“They loved the hospitality of the town, and it worked well with the pageant, and the fireworks, because it just added a whole other dimension, and really Renmark put on a spectacular weekend for that.
“The comments we’ve had back from other clubs, and the college rowing program managers have been really positive, and there have been a lot of wonderful memories created.”
Members of the Renmark Rowing Club worked tirelessly to prepare for the event, and ensure it went ahead, with volunteers working behind the scenes.
Mr Townsend said the support of members and volunteers, as well as parents from St Francis of Assisi college, was important to the success of the event.
“Those parents were awesome with a wide variety of things like assisting with food, or boat marshalling, it was great to have those parents involved, and have them seeing what happens,” he said.
“More importantly, we would be unable to host what we did if we were without the support of our volunteers, and Renmark Paringa Council.
“It’s been a huge weekend, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone’s support, and even the Jane Eliza residents, because we disrupt them too.
“Our army of volunteers and our sponsors are all important in pulling off an event that makes a difference to the town, and anyone that has attended.”
The atmosphere at the Renmark Rowing Club over the weekend is something which sets the Riverland Regatta apart from the rest of the events held by Rowing SA.
With competitors coming from as far as Western Australia, the whole town was on show, and Mr Townsend said it was a key highlight of the weekend.
“The comments that we get back are that we create such a different atmosphere from what people are used to at West Lakes,” he said.
“West Lakes is like Adelaide Oval to rowers, because it’s an international course, and it’s normal for them to row down there.
“Whereas to get away on the river, it’s an expedition to come up to, and being a two-day event, they stay longer and get to see more of the town.
“It was great to have ones from interstate, and they’re very welcome, but this is usually just an event for state-based rowing clubs, and occasionally ones from Mildura too.”
After taking to the water for the first time at a Riverland Regatta in Berri last year, students from St Francis of Assisi College got the opportunity to race in their home town, which Mr Townsend said gave him a high level of pride. “
It was great to see the St Francis community enjoying the Regatta in their home town, which they haven’t had a chance to do ever before,” he said.
“They made some headway this year, and were really competitive, and made a number of people stand up and have a look at what they’ve been able to achieve, and what Steph Turnbull has created.
“They certainly haven’t gone unnoticed in the rowing fraternity, and there is a lot of good will out there to make sure that they continue to succeed.”
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 11 December 2024.