Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt will today celebrate the Innisfail Rowing Club’s 125th year of rowing at a heritage style rowing regatta on the Johnstone River.
Mr Pitt said the Innisfail Rowing Club was the oldest club in Innisfail and rowing was the oldest organised sport in the district.
“The Johnstone River Rowing Club was established in 1885 in the town then known as Geraldton,” he said.
“The club has a remarkable history, with both boom periods and quieter periods over the years – but it has remained a strong, prosperous club.
“Over the past 125 years the club has produced many champions including two King’s Cup rowers, one of whom is current member and club stalwart Jim Boyd.
“For the past thirty years, the club has been committed to developing and promoting the sport of rowing through school programs, corporate regattas and regularly hosting the North Queensland Games and Premiership Regattas.
“The club is highly respected in the local community and I know that all the members and people associated with the club are very proud.
“Today Innisfail will celebrate the achievements of the club over the last 125 years with the Heritage Regatta and a Ball tonight at the Innisfail Shire Hall.
“The Heritage Regatta will include 500m sprint races, but will also take us back in time with the flying half mile for the Junior Fours, and one and a half mile for the Senior Fours.
“I congratulate the tireless team of organisers who have made this event happen – you are doing a great job.”
Mr Pitt said it was fantastic that the Queensland Government could be part of the celebrations.
“Since 1999 the Queensland Government has provided $41,090 in funding for a range of initiatives, services and programs at the club,” he said.
“Recently we also provided more than $67,000 to the club from the Bligh Government’s Flood Fightback Plan for repairs following flood inundation earlier this year.
“We’re very pleased to have been able to provide this support and wish the club all the best for the future.”
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