2022 Australian Rowing Championships change location due to SIRC water contamination

The 2022 Australian Rowing Championships (ARC) will now be held at Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre from Monday, 28th March to Sunday, 3rd April with support from Strathbogie Shire Council and Greater Shepparton City Council.

The location change follows from Rowing Australia having received advice from the NSW Office of Sport advising that the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) is unable to host the Australian Rowing Championships due to water contamination issues occurring as a result of the recent floods.

Rowing Australia Chief Executive Ian Robson advised “naturally, we are disappointed to be unable to host the Australian Rowing Championships at SIRC in 2022. SIRC is a highly regarded venue with outstanding facilities for both athletes and spectators alike. I know that our rowing community always enjoys competing at the venue of the Sydney Olympic Games Rowing Regatta. Although unavailable to RA this year, we will be back, and our thoughts and best wishes are with those communities throughout NSW and Queensland who are impacted by the floods.”

Strathbogie Shire Council Acting Mayor Paul Murray said Council were happy to welcome the rowers with open arms at Council’s premiere rowing facility the Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre.

Acting Mayor Murray advised “the Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre is a state and national rowing facility that attracts athletes, coaches and clubs to race the two-kilometre course at esteemed regattas.

“This idyllic location is favoured by competitors and spectators alike for the course layout, water quality and reliability.

“Lake Nagambie was proud to host the Australian Olympic Rowing Team in 2021 to train and prepare for the Tokyo Olympics and boasts many local connections to rowing champions including Lucy Stephan, Pat McNamara, Neville Howell OAM and Neil Lodding.”

Acting Mayor Murray said Council understood there were many people seeking accommodation options for the duration of the event and added “we encourage visitors explore accommodation options in surrounding areas such as Euroa, Shepparton, Benalla, Bendigo, Seymour, Heathcote, Elmore, Rochester, Kyabram, Numurkah, Kilmore and Echuca.

“Council is also exploring some other innovative options regarding accommodation and more information about this will be provided soon.

“We are determined to make this the best ARC you have seen.”

Spectator tickets for the 2022 ARC in Nagambie can still be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Image courtesy Destination NSW