140 years of Balmain Rowing Club

Tuesday 28 September 2021

Inner West Mayor Rochelle Porteous has congratulated Balmain Rowing Club on their 140 anniversary and many recent achievements.

“It’s been a tremendous few months for the Club and a very fitting way to celebrate their 140 years,” Mayor Porteous said.

“This year, the Club won Sport NSW Community Club of the Year 2021 and the NSW Rowing Para Shield 2021.

“The Club has also received a $1 million grant from Greater Cities Sport Facilities Fund.

“And they tell me that this huge grant is a direct result of Council saving their heritage club, and providing $100,000 seed commitment for access, as well as assisting them in their grant application,” Mayor Porteous said.

Mr Joe Grech, President of Balmain Rowing Club said all these achievements were made in partnership with Inner West Council.

“At Balmain Rowing Club, our motto is ‘Rowing for All’. Receiving the award for Community Club of the Year is one is the proudest moments in the modern history of the club and must be shared with all our supporters at Council,” he said.

Mayor Porteous said she was proud that Council was a long-term supporter of the club and pleased that they were recognised for growing membership and participation of women and junior girls in the club, even during the pandemic.

“It’s worth noting too that former club member, James Talbot, represented Australia at the Tokyo Paralympics,” she added.

“They are Australia's most successful Para Rowing program for people with disabilities and are constantly striving to make their club and sport more inclusive,” Mayor Porteous said.

“And many of these activities have been supported directly and indirectly by Council,” she said.

Council will formally recognise the anniversary and recent achievements of Balmain Rowing Club at tonight’s Council Meeting.

For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334, Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au