Rowing clubs from across Australia – more than 20 – competed fiercely at the 2023 Bentley’s Australian Outback Rowing Regatta in Barcaldine and Longreach on 16-17 September.
In all, 11 crews of eight represented diverse clubs, firstly on Barcaldine’s new Artesian Lake before heading to Longreach for the seven kilometre Head of the Outback on Thomson River.
Reflecting the sport’s inclusivity, rowers from Sydney clubs North Shore and Mosman joined competitors from Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Canberra and Cunnamulla.
Indeed, even an English rower from Derbyshire, England, proudly wore the Burton Leander club colours.
Toby Ford of Outback Rowing Australia (ORA) said The 2023 Bentley’s Australian Head of the Outback had been a “resounding success”.
“We celebrated the spirit of rowing, community inclusion and sportsmanship,” he said.
“The event demonstrated the resilience and passion of rowers from diverse backgrounds and regions, highlighting the enduring appeal of this beloved sport and the desire to host such a sport in rural areas.
“(It) showcased exceptional athleticism, camaraderie and determination, all in the heart of central Queensland.”
The regatta program in Barcaldine featured sprint racing over 750 metres, using handicapped starts based on time trials from the Outback Duel to ensure a level playing field for all crews.
Captivated spectators watching from the Barcaldine Rec Park clubhouse saw thrilling races, often ending in canvas and bow ball finishes.
Between races, many former competitors from past regattas reconnected and shared fond memories.
Longreach rower George Milroy won the Barcaldine’s Outback Gift race in four seat of a composite crew from across Queensland.
“The race witnessed an impressive display of skill,” ORA secretary and former CEO at Rowing Queensland Murray Stewart said. “And, the crew overcame fierce competition to claim the coveted prize.“
Longreach then hosted the Head of the Outback.
With a running start, crews raced upstream for 3.5km before making a speedy turnaround at the spectators’ ferry, followed by a sprint to the finish.
The unique rules of slower boats yielding to faster crews led to exciting sprint rowing and strategic coxswain maneuvering.
Although some clashes occurred during the race, race official Greg Smith reported no harm done and praised the sportsmanship displayed by all.
The Viking Rowing Club eight, with Barcaldine local David Counsell in seven seat, ultimately emerged victorious in the Master’s Men’s eight.
North Shore Rowing Club won the Masters Women’s, while the Rockhampton Fitzroy/ Tablelands and Riverway clubs’ composite crew were the Masters Mixed Champions.
In a heart-warming display of support for regional rowers, event organisers implemented an orphan nomination program.
This unique initiative allowed individual rowers scattered across inland Australia to participate, creating composite crews that provided everyone with a chance to row competitively.
