December 2006
Friday 22 December
2007/2008 Senior A/Under 23 Teams' documentation
The 2007 Australian Rowing Team/2008 Australian Olympic Team — Rowing Section: Information and Nomination Pack (pdf, 888kb) and the 2006/2007 Rowing Australia National Plan — Event Supplement for Senior A/Under 23 Rowing Teams (pdf, 352kb) are now available.
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Friday 22 December
December edition of Australian Rowing News now available
Contents include:
- From the CEO, Andrew Dee
- 2006 Australian Rower of the Year Awards
- AOC announce updated incentive scheme
- Rowing Australia National Training Camp
- Tomkins attracts large media gathering
- Competition
- Coaches tip
- 2006/2007 Events of Interest
- Athlete profile
Click here.
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Saturday 16 December
2007 Adaptive Team documentation
The 2007 Rowing Australia Adaptive Nomination Form (pdf, 136kb) and the 2006/2007 Rowing Australia National Plan — Event Supplement for Adaptive Rowing Team (pdf, 56kb) are now available.
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Saturday 16 December
Rowingpress.net: issue four now available
Read the latest on-line and FREE rowing publication, Rowingpress.net. Go to www.rowingpress.net and then click on "download latest issue."
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Tuesday 12 December
2006 Australian Rower of the Year Awards
The 2006 Australian Rower of the Year Awards was held on Saturday 9 December at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.
Michael Milton was the guest speaker and he entertained the crowd with a collage of stories, including a vivid retelling of his record breaking run down Les Arcs in France.
Brooke Pratley received the prestigious Rowers’ Rower of the Year, which is voted on by her peers. This was due recognition for her fantastic achievements in her first season in International rowing.
Other awards presented on the night were:
Volunteer of the Year – David Deeble
David Deeble was President of Rowing Victoria for a period of three years and oversaw a period of significant change and development. David also served as a Rowing Australia Councillor during this time and he is highly respected for his contribution.
In addition, David has also been a driving force behind the RA Rowing Online Management System project and continues to Chair the ROMS Steering Committee that has met on a weekly basis for the past 18 months. ROMS will become fully operational in the next couple of weeks and will revolutionise the administration of rowing in Australia.
Coach of the Year – Adrian David
In 2006 Adrian David guided the Australian Women’s Double Scull to a gold medal at the World Championships, along with the Australian Women’s Lightweight Double Scull to a silver medal at the same event. Both medals were in Olympic boat categories. The gold medal in the women’s double was the first ever for Australia, and was one of the biggest upsets of the 2006 World Championships. Adrian was also nominated for the 2006 FISA coach of the year.
Women’s Rower/Crew of the Year – Brooke Pratley/Liz Kell
The Australian Women’s Double Scull – comprising Brooke Pratley and Elizabeth Kell - won gold at the 2006 World Championships – the first ever for an Australian in this event. The crew was up against current Olympic and World Champions, the Evers-Swindell sisters of New Zealand, and brought the grandstand to their feet in achieving what was thought to be impossible. The win has been described by many as “the most exciting race and gutsy win, ever!!”
Men’s Rower/Crew of the Year – Duncan Free/Drew Ginn
The Australian Men’s Coxless Pair – comprising Drew Ginn and Duncan Free – won gold at this year’s World Championships. The win capped off a very successful year for the pair, after a trying start, which also included a gold medal at the Poznan World Cup.
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Monday 11 December
Position vacant: High Performance Assistant, Rowing Australia
Rowing Australia is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to fill the role of High Performance Assistant within the organisation's High Performance Unit.
This is an opportunity for the right individual to fill this important and challenging role, as the sport prepares for the 2008 Olympics and beyond. The position requires the individual to work as part of a team which focuses on supporting high performance coaches and athletes as they prepare for international competition. Some domestic and International travel may be required.
Selection Criteria
Essential
1. Relevant Tertiary Qualification
2. Demonstrated planning and project administration skills
3. Demonstrated experience in budgeting and financial administration skills.
4. Demonstrated experienced in a sports related field (Volunteer and / or Paid)
5. Demonstrated effective communication skills
6. Understanding of the Australian High Performance Sports Environment
Desirable
1. Relevant experience in planning and conducting sporting tours
2. Technical knowledge of conducting events
3. Understanding of the concepts of sports science / sports medicine
4. commitment to a challenging, demanding, dynamic and
5. Demonstrated ability to work as a team player
6. Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required
Closing Date 15 Dec 2006
How To Apply:
Submit via email or mail the following:
1. Letter of Introduction (1 page)
2. Resume (2 page maximum) outlining your skills and work experience
3. Brief statement outlining demonstrated skills of each of the
Essential Criteria (2 pages maximum)
4. Names and Contact Details of 2 Referees.
Address applications to
Greg Howell
Elite Program Manager
By Email: ghowell@rowingaustralia.com.au
or by mail to
PO Box 245
Belconnen, ACT 2612
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Friday 8 December
2007 Australian Rowing Championships: bulletin #1 now available
Update as at 20 April 2008
This file has been archived. Please contact Rowing Australia for further information.
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Thursday 7 December
Tomkins attracts large media gathering
James Tomkins’ return to the Australian rowing squad gained widespread media coverage.
James Tomkins held centre stage at the AIS rowing sheds in Canberra today as the Australian National Rowing Squad continued there preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The squad is currently in Canberra for two weeks as part of a national training camp and Tomkins’ return to competitive rowing was always guaranteed to draw the cameras.
A large group of media including WIN, ABC, The Canberra Times, Farifax and AAP gathered to take footage of the five times Olympian in action on Lake Burley Griffin as he was put through his paces along with the rest of the squad.
Tomkins, 41, who has not competed internationally since the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, openly spoke to the media about his desire to add to his collection of Olympic medals in Beijing.
“I have returned to rowing with the same desire I have always possessed”, Tomkins said. “I am not just here to make up the numbers and I can see no better way to finish my career than with a medal in Beijing.”
Tomkins fielded a range of questions from the media and left a positive impression of his commitment to the sport and his desire to compete at his 6th Olympics.
Tomkins and the National Squad will return for a second rowing camp before the 2007 World Championships squad is chosen in April.
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Thursday 7 December
Tomkins returns to the sport he loves
James Tomkins’ return to rowing has gained momentum during the last week as he strives to compete in his sixth Olympic Games.
Tomkins, 41, is currently in Canberra with the Australian National Rowing Squad as the team builds towards the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
Tomkins has not raced internationally since claiming gold with Drew Ginn in the Coxless Pair at the 2004 Athens Olympics but admits the desire is still there to compete at the highest level.
“Rowing has been such a big part of my life and while I am still enjoying it I will not walk away from the sport”, Tomkins said. “I have never contemplated retiring and just needed a break after Athens.”
Tomkins, who has not been part of the Australian squad for two years, is adapting well to the training regime imposed by the coaches at the camp.
“I have been doing a lot of cross training over the past six months and have only been spending a couple of days a week on the water”, said Tomkins. “This week has emphasised that I still feel comfortable competing at the highest level and I can’t wait for the season to begin.”
Noel Donaldson, High Performance Director, has welcomed the return of one of Australia’s most decorated athletes.
“It is great having James back in the Rowing Australia set up”, said Donaldson. “Having someone of his experience and expertise involved in any squad is a bonus and he has always been a pleasure to work with.”
Australia’s elite rowers will return for another camp in January before the Australian team is chosen in April for the 2007 World Championships.
For further information please contact David Polglase on
(02) 6273 0232 or 0401 453 041
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November 2006
Thursday 30 November
AOC announce updated incentive scheme
The Australian Olympic Committee has increased the Medal Incentive Funding (MIF) for coaches and athletes in the build up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The news is an added incentive for the Australian rowing team which is striving to remain as one of the foremost rowing nations.
With the women’s and men’s rowing teams both achieving at a high level in recent years, Andrew Dee, CEO of Rowing Australia, said the financial windfall of the new funding increase was a bonus.
“Rowing Australia is always seeking new avenues to improve our results and the added incentive offered by the new MIF scheme is a positive initiative”, Dee said. “I believe our rowers and coaches will respond in a positive manner to gain benefit from the AOC’s scheme.”
John Coates, President of the AOC said it was important that the Australian Olympic body supported its athletes.
“In taking the decision to increase MIF ahead of securing our sponsorship target, we have prioritised as critical the need to provide additional support to our best athletes and coaches and even if a deficit in the accounts of the AOC for the 2005-2008 quadrennium results.”
An outline of the new funding levels is listed below.
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Thursday 30 November
Position vacant: Rowing Coach
Job No 1035: $65 264 – $70 485 per annum
An opportunity exists with the Australian Institute of Sport for a suitably qualified rowing coach to join the Development Rowing Squad. You will work with the National Talent Identification and Development and Rowing program in the establishment of a female development rowing program and in conjunction with coaches, develop and implement coaching sessions in a day-to-day training environment.
The successful applicant will have Level 2 NCAS rowing accreditation and demonstrated success as a coach at an international level. Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field would be an advantage.
Position will be available until 31 December 2008
Information and Job Description: www.ausport.gov.au/jobs or Job Description will be posted if name, address and job number are left on answering machine Tel: 02 6214 1437. In addition to the salary stated job attracts superannuation and employment benefits including use of the gymnasium, childcare and parking facilities available on site.
For enquiries about the job after reading the job description contact:
Andrew Douglas, Tel 02 6214 1370 www.ausport.gov.au/jobs
How to Apply: Applications should address at least the Selection Criteria section of the Job Description and include the application form attached to the job description. Please submit applications by email to recruitment@ausport.gov.au by 5.00pm on Monday, 4 December 2006, or telephone 02 6214 1328 if you have difficulty with this service. All applications will be acknowledged electronically.
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia
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Thursday 30 November
World Champions and Olympic rowers race for cash
The inaugural “Black Mountain Rowing Club Sculls Challenge” will be held this Saturday on Lake Burley Griffin. Australian international representative rowers will be taking part in the race for prize money. This is the first event of its kind in the history of ACT rowing.
The BMRC Sculls Challenge will be raced over 1800m and is open to women single scullers. Twenty scullers have entered and will be competing for over $2,000 in prize money with first place winning $1,000 and all finalists sharing in the remaining prize money. Senator Kate Lundy, Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation will be presenting the prizes.
Peter Wright, President of Black Mountain Rowing Club, said he is looking forward to the inaugural event. “This is a fantastic opportunity to see up close Australia’s best women scullers and future Beijing Olympians”.
Entrants include 2006 World Championship medallists and Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship holders Sally Kehoe, Sonia Mills, Sarah Cook, Robyn Selby Smith and Brooke Pratley. These rowers will be joined by other AIS Scholarship holders along with local ACT Academy of Sport and club scullers including Yasmin Burraston, Emma Cook, Erin Neil and Ailie McDonald.
There will be four heats beginning at 7:35am. The winner of each will progress straight to the Final. The second place getter in each heat will have to fight it out for the remaining two spots in a semi-final to be held at 9:44am. The Final will be started at 11:48am with the presentation ceremony to take place immediately afterwards.
Prizemoney in Australia for single scull races in the early 1900s was commonplace and involved competitors from Australia, England and America.
These international events attracted a huge spectator following.
This is the first time in ACT Rowing history that prizemoney has been offered and Black Mountain Rowing Club and the event sponsor Construction Control are delighted to be able to support these dedicated athletes in their preparations for International competition.
The final of the BMRC Sculls Challenge will be rowed at 11:48am at Yarramundi Reach at the base of Black Mountain on Lady Denman Drive.
For further details, please contact Camilla Hayman on 0411 108 814
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Friday 24 November
Talent on tap in Cooks' kitchen
24/11/06
Written by
Peter Fitzgerald
(As appeared in the Canberra Times on Friday 24 November 2006)
TOO MANY COOKS: Red Hill rowers Emma, 17, Ben, 19, and Sarah Cook, 21, with father
Bob and mother Jenny. The trio have their sights on the 2012 London Olympics.
If you score a dinner invite to the Cook family's Red Hill residence any time soon, be sure to be up on your rowing knowledge or risk missing out on the majority of conversation.
Siblings Sarah, 21, Ben, 19, and Emma, 17, have all got their sights set on the 2012 London Olympic Games and are determined to get there -together - no matter what it takes.
Sarah is well on her way, already a member of Australia's bronze medal winning women's coxed eight at this year's World Rowing Championships. The AIS scholarship-holder is in line for another `warm-up' at Beijing in two years' time.
Her younger siblings are chasing their more experienced sister, starting this week and next in Canberra. Ben is one of 12 men and Emma one of eight women from across the country trying out for a scholarship in the AIS's 'Breaking the Drought' program, a two year rowing talent identification program.
Breaking the Drought is a fully residential scholarship, acting as a platform to an AIS elite rowing scholarship. The program's prime objective is to bring to a halt the alarming number of rowers in their late teen years dropping out of the sport.
Andrew Douglas, AIS talent identification officer, will join other officials over the next week perusing Australia's best young rowers in a bid to keep them locked in the sport.
"It's purely a developmental program, not performance-based like most of the other scholarships are," Douglas said. "The whole concept of the program is to try and get a medal at London in 2012."
The Cooks' sibling rivalry has always been evident. "They all swam together in the same swimming club as kids and they were all very competitive with each other in that from a young age," Bob Cook, father of the three rowers, said.
Not much has changed over time. "Emma tries to compare her biceps to mine but of course, you know, mine are bigger," big sister Sarah said. "The rivalry is quite healthy for now but when Emma makes it tip into that senior team level, which I think is only a couple of years away, you might see things a bit more competitive between the two of us."
The men's training camp began on Wednesday and continues until Sunday. The women's trials will follow. Officials will announce the seven Breaking the Drought scholarship winners on December 4.
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Thursday 23 November
Position vacant: Rowing Coordinator, St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School
St Aidan's is one of Queensland's leading independent schools, fostering in our students confidence, compassion, academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning. St Aidan's provides a sense of community and belonging for our students and staff. We look to all staff to be committed to and in harmony with the Anglican ethos of the School.
We invite applications from enthusiastic, excellent and experience professionals for the following position. Please note this position can either be a full time or part time position based on the successful candidate.
Rowing Coordinator – School Rowing Program
Senior School
Full Time or Part Time (Flexible)
An application form and cover sheet must be completed and sent together with your resume and 3 professional referees to the address below. These forms and a full position description can be found on the School’s website www.staidan.qld.edu.au
Please email to v.hawkins@staidan.qld.edu.au
by 4pm Monday, 4 December 2006
or
post to
Mrs Karen Spiller
The Principal
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
PO Box 46
CORINDA QLD 4075
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Tuesday 21 November
Tomkins sets sights on another Games
(as appeared in the Sunshine Coast Daily on 18 November 2006)
FIVE-time Olympic rower James Tomkins hasn't ruled out resurrecting the Oarsome Foursome for the Beijing Olympics.
But after twice winning Olympic gold in that boat, and then another gold in the men's pair with Drew Ginn at the 2004 Athens Games, he might turn his hand to the men's eight, which has never won gold.
Tomkins returns to competition this weekend for the first time since the Athens triumph, gearing toward the 2008 Beijing Games where he's aiming to celebrate his 43rd birthday.
But the question is what boat he rows in for that Olympic bid. "It's going to be interesting because Drew and Duncan Free won the men's pair at the world championship last year, so I guess it's going to come down to the powers that be, the head coaches, and what they want to do," he said yesterday.
Depending on the coaches' thinking, Tomkins, Free and Ginn could be used to form the core of a coxless four or an eight. "Resurrecting the Oarsome Foursome would be fantastic, or we've never won the eight before so it would be great to really strengthen that up and have a crack at that," said Tomkins.
He recently completed physiological testing which he said showed no significant decreases in the past decade. If he wins his fourth gold at Beijing, he will become the oldest rowing gold medallist in Olympic history, beating even British legend Steve Redgrave, who was 39 when he won the men's four in Sydney, which was his fifth gold.
For further information please contact David Polglase on
(02) 6273 0232 or 0401 453 041.
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Monday 20 November
November edition of Australian Rowing News now available
Contents include:
- From the CEO, Andrew Dee
- Rookies embark on steep new learning curve
- 2006 FISA rowing awards
- AIS attempting to break the drought
- Competition: Australian Youth Olympic Festival
- Coaches tip from Noel Donaldson
- 2006/2007 Events of Interest
- Athlete profile: Sarah Hubbard
Click here.
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Friday 17 November
West Australian Rowers in line for major award
The West Australian Sportswoman of the Year awards are being held tonight at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle.
Joanna Lutz, having also taken away the major prize in 2001, is one of 8 ladies nominated for the prestigious state award. Her Australian team mate, Amber Bradley, has also been nominated.
The pair was part of the women’s coxless four team that won gold at the 2006 World Championships. They also combined to help the women’s 8 claim bronze in the highly competitive event.
The award has been dominated by rowers in the last 5 years, and on only one occasion has it been awarded to another sport.
Other nominations include hockeyroo Amanda Halliday, surfer Melanie Redman- Carr, athletes Kym Howe and Kylie Howe, and swimmers Lara Carroll and Jennifer Reilly.
For further information please contact David Polglase on
(02) 6273 0232 or 0401 453 041.
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Thursday 16 November
Rowing Australia Adaptive Rowing Steering Committee: expressions of interest sought
With the number of changes that have occurred to Adaptive Rowing in the last 12 months, in particular rowing’s preparation for the Beijing Paralympic Games and inclusion in Project CONNECT, Rowing Australia is establishing the Adaptive Rowing Steering Committee.
The Adaptive Rowing Steering Committee will assume the responsibilities of the previous Rowing Australia Adaptive Committee and will be responsible for providing technical advice on the development of adaptive rowing in Australia. The committee will operate within the principles outlined by Project CONNECT and the Adaptive Rowing High Performance Plan while assisting with the development of Rowing Australia’s Disability Action Plan.
Click here (pdf, 72kb) for further information relating to the responsibilities of the committee and the nomination process.
Submissions must be received by 5pm AEDT on Friday 1 December 2006.
For further information, contact Adam Horner, RA National Development Officer, or Sam Irvine, RA Adaptive Rowing and Competition Administrator, both on 02 6256 5999.
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Friday 10 November
Champion effort pays off
Written by Crystelle Coulon (as appeared in the Mosman Daily on November 2, 2006)
Local star Liz Kell (right) and rowing partner Brooke Pratley are world champions
ON the lazy currents of Middle Harbour, a young Liz Kell would row feverishly twice a day, six days a week in the hope of becoming the world's best in her chosen sport of rowing.
Not so long ago, she achieved that dream - she became a world champion. And those here at Mosman who saw her early years reflect with much pride.
The head coach of Mosman Rowing Club, Nick Garratt, said he always knew Kell had the right ingredients to make it all the way to the top.
"Liz had the whole package, she had the talent and, more importantly, the right attitude," Mr Garratt said. "I would see her down here at the club every day. I knew then that her dedication would pay off."
Liz and her rowing partner, Brooke Pratley, won gold in the women's double sculls at the World Rowing Championships, which were held in England in August.
Liz, 23, who rowed with Mosman Rowing Club for four years, said she still could not believe the result. "I was definitely shocked. Although it was something I had dreamed about and have strived for, it really wasn't expected," the world champion told the Daily this week.
The Kell-Pratley win was a major upset. They beat the reigning Olympic champion and three-time world champion pairing from New Zealand, twins Caroline and Georgina Evers Swindell. "For Liz (and Brooke) to have beaten the Kiwis, who were the most dominant crew in the world, was a brilliant achievement," Mr Garratt said.
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Thursday 9 November
Bulletin 2 for the 2007 AYOF Rowing Regatta
The information in this bulletin is to be used in conjunction with that information provided in Bulletin 1 however for information that is covered in both bulletins, Bulletin 2 supersedes Bulletin 1.
Update as at 20 April 2008
This file has been archived. Please contact Rowing Australia for further information.
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Thursday 9 November
Rowing Press aiming to make impact
The 3rd edition of Rowing Press will be released on Friday 10 November.
Rupert Guinness, a successful sports journalist for 25 years, launched the monthly rowing bulletin shortly after the 2006 Rowing World Championships.
Guinness was an enthusiastic rower before he entered the world of journalism. He rowed for Kings College in Sydney and also for the Sydney Rowing Club.
He is hoping that the newsletter will be able to provide additional coverage to the sport of rowing.
“Rowing doesn’t receive the same coverage as some high profile sports, such as the football codes or cricket” Guinness said. “We are hoping that by producing this newsletter the sport will be able to gain the publicity it deserves.”
Rowing Press is still only a small company with Guinness being aided by only two other journalists, as well as a number of loyal volunteers.
The upcoming edition of Rowing Press will feature an article on Sonia Mills, who will provide an inside view of the Australian women’s rowing team. There will also be an analysis of Round 2 of the Australian time trials, reports from several states and an article remembering the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
To read all editions of Rowing Press visit www.rowingpress.net.
For further information please contact David Polglase on (02) 6273 0232 or 0401 453 041.
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Wednesday 8 November
2006 FISA Rowing Awards
The annual FISA rowing awards were held on Saturday 4 November at Limassol, Cyprus.
The event was held in conjunction with the World Rowing Coaching Conference.
Adrian David, coach of Australia’s women’s double and lightweight double sculls, was a finalist for the prestigious Coach of the Year Award.
Despite not winning the award, David’s achievements have been exceptional. He guided the Australian women’s double scull to gold in the 2006 World Championships, whilst also helping the women’s lightweight double claim silver.
Andrew Dee, Chief Executive Officer of Rowing Australia, says it’s a fine acknowledgement for one of the world’s best coaches.
“Adrian is an outstanding coach and mentor for our rowers”, Dee said. “He deserved his nomination after the hard work and enthusiasm he has placed into rowing in Australia.”
David, who began coaching in Romania in 1976, would have been the first Australian to claim the Coach of the Year Award.
For further information and to arrange photo and interview opportunities contact David Polglase on (02) 6273 0232 or 0401 453 041.
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Friday 3 November
World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List
The World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List is now available on the WADA website:
http://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibitedlist.ch2.
The 2007 list will come into effect on January 1st 2007, until that time the 2006 Prohibited List remains effective. This web page includes the 2007 Prohibited List, 2007 Monitoring Program and a summary of major modifications.
ASADA will be publishing the 2007 version of the Anti-Doping Handbook which will be available in early 2007.
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Friday 3 November
Position vacant: St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School
St Aidan's is one of Queensland's leading independent schools, fostering in our students confidence, compassion, academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning. St Aidan's provides a sense of community and belonging for our students and staff. We look to all staff to be committed to and in harmony with the Anglican ethos of the School.
We invite applications from enthusiastic, excellent and experience professionals for the following position:
First Eight Rowing Coach
Fixed Term Contract
An application form and cover sheet must be completed and sent together with your resume and 3 professional referees to the address below. These forms can be found on the School’s website www.staidan.qld.edu.au
Please email to v.hawkins@staidan.qld.edu.au by 4pm Monday, 13 November 2006 or post to:
Mrs Karen Spiller
The Principal
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
PO Box 46
CORINDA QLD 4075
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Wednesday 1 November
Position vacant: Executive Director, Queensland Academy of Sport
The Queensland Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation (DLGPSR) is seeking to recruit an Executive Director to lead the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS).
The Executive Director, QAS provides strategic leadership of the Academy and has responsibility for the management of coaches and staff who are experts in their own knowledge areas. The Executive Director operates with a high degree of professional autonomy to ensure the Academy’s programs achieve outcomes required of it by the Government as articulated through the Department’s Corporate Plan, the QAS Strategic Plan and other portfolio documents. The position also works closely with the Queensland Academy of Sport Board and provides regular advice to the Minister to ensure high quality services are provided to Queensland’s high performance and talented athletes, and with the Director-General in respect of the financial and program performance of the Academy.
For further enquiries regarding this advertised vacancy and associated selection process, please contact Mr Michael Kinnane, Director-General on (07) 3239 3216.
