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Annual Report 2011/2012
Table of Contents Office Bearers 2011/2012 5
Acknowledgments 5
Staff 5
Affiliated Clubs 2011/2012 6
Membership for 2011/2012 6
Membership Breakdown 6
High Performance Results 7
Sprint 7
Marathon 8
Slalom 9
Victorian representatives on National Teams 9
Presidents Report 10
Facilities Strategic Plan 10
Budget 10
Paddlepower 10
Disciplines 11
Acknowledgements 11
Last word 11
Finance Report 12
Canoeing Victoria Overview 13
High Performance 13
Membership Review 13
On-line membership 13
Membership services 13
Education, training and safety 13
Come and Try Day’s 14
Marketing and Communications 14
Community Development 14
Youth Participation 15
Competition Development 15
Governance / Advocacy 15
Canoe Polo Report 17
Interclub Series 17
Australian National Championships 17
Oceania Championships 17
Junior Development 18
Supporters 18
Canoe Sprint Report 19
Overview 19
Competitions 19
High Performance 19
Development 19
Finances 20
Acknowledgements 20
Marathon Report 21
Committee Aims 21
2012 events 21
Winter Series 21
Financials 21
Summer Series 21
Initiatives for 2012 21
Acknowledgements 22
Wildwater Report Error!
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Canoe Slalom 23
Financial Statements 25
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 5 of 25
Office Bearers 2011/2012
June 11 – June 12
President Gary Flanigan
Chair Tom Hirrschoff
Interested Director Connie Todaro
Interested Director Vacant
Interested Director Vacant
Independent Director Richard Howard
Independent Director Tony Coventry
Independent Director Laurie Chenoweth
Chair Canoe Polo Mike Wilson
Chair Marathon Joe Alia
Manager Sprint Andrea Boothroyd
Chair Slalom Mike Lau Gooey
Chair Wildwater Chris Wharton
Acknowledgments
Canoeing Victoria would also like to acknowledge
the strong support provided by the following
organisations:
Major Supporters
VicHealth
Department of Community Development (Sport and
Recreational Victoria)
Australian Government (Department of Regional
Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport)
Other Supporters / Sponsors:
Parks Victoria. YMCA
Canoes Plus, Liquid Life
Staff
Executive Officer(s)
Andrea Boothroyd
& Sharon Swoboda
Education Manager Sharon Swoboda
Education Development
Manager
John Moore
Equipment Manager John Shields
Membership Officer Roz Manester /
Cameron Myers
Book Keeper Sandra Reaburn
Project Managers
Governance and
Organisational Development:
Junior Participation:
(Paddlepower)
Indigenous Community
Canoeing
Sharon Swoboda
Andrea Boothroyd
Andrea Boothroyd
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 6 of 25
Affiliated Clubs 2011/2012
Ballarat Amateur Canoe Club
Bendigo Canoe Club
Canoe Factory Club
Canoes Plus Racing Team
Cobram-Barooga Canoe Club
Echuca-Moama Club
Eltham College Canoe Club
Essendon Canoe Club
Fairfield Canoe Club
Footscray Amateur Canoe
Geelong Canoe Club
Gippsland Kayak Club
Ivanhoe-Northcote Canoe Club
Kananook Creek Canoe Club
Kirinari Kayak Klub
Mercantile Kayak Club
Melbourne University Mountaineering Club
Mildura District Canoe Club
Mitta Mitta Canoe Club
Melbourne Canoe Club
Patterson Lakes Canoe.Club
Shepparton Canoe Club
Sherbrook Knox Canoe Club
Swan Hill Canoe Club
Tarwin River Canoe Club
Templestowe Canoe Club
Victorian Canoe Club
Warrnambool Kayak Club
Whitehorse Canoe Club
Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club
Membership for 2011/2012
Membership Breakdown
2011/2012 2010/2011
Adult 936 725
Junior 117 244
Life 11 6
Lifetime 1 1
Rec Adult 584 651
Rec Junior 37 56
School 80 89
Social Adults 100 1
Social Juniors 0 78
Volunteers 5 3
Total 1871 1854
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 7 of 25
High Performance Results
Sprint
Sprint National Results
Madeleine Batters, Bendigo Canoe Club
3rd - Womens U18 K4 1000m Final
Rebecca Mann, Bendigo Canoe Club
1st - Womens U18 K2 200m Final
1st - Womens U18 K2 500m Final
1st - Womens U18 K4 1000m Final
1st - Womens U18 K4 200m Final
1st - Womens U18 K4 500m Final
2nd - Womens U18 K2 1000m Final
3rd - Womens U18 K1 1000m A Final
3rd - Womens U18 K1 200m A Final
3rd - Womens U18 K1 500m A Final
Marlena Ahrens, Fairfield Canoe Club
2nd - Womens U23 K1 500m Final
2nd - Womens U23 K2 500m Final
3rd - Womens U23 K1 1000m Final
Jennifer Stevens, Fairfield Canoe Club
1st - Womens Open K4 1000m Final
George Bradilovic, Footscray Canoe Club
1st - Mens Over 35 K2 1000m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K1 1000m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K4 1000m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K1 500m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K2 500m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K4 500m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K1 200m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K2 200m Final
1st - Mens Over 45 K4 200m Final
Ellie Bews, Geelong Canoe Club
1st - Womens U14 K2 200m Final
1st - Womens U14 K2 500m Final
1st - Womens U14 K4 500m Final
2nd - Womens U14 K1 500m Final
Emily Bews, Geelong Canoe Club
1st - Womens U23 K1 500m Final
3rd - Womens Open K4 500m A Final
3rd - womens Open K4 200m Final
Eliza St Hill, Ivanhoe Northcote Canoe Club
2nd - Womens U23 500m Final
Amy Peters, Mitta Mitta Canoe Club
1st - Womens U23 K1 1000m Final
2nd Womens Open K2 1000m A Final
3rd - Womens Open K4 200m Final
3rd - Womens Open K4 500m A Final
3rd - Womens U23 K1 500m A Final
Nicholas Byrne, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
2nd - Mens Open K2 5000m Final
Jarrad Campbell, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
1st - Mens U18 K4 200m Final
1st - Mens U18 K4 500m A Final
2nd - Mens U18 K2 200m A Final
2nd - Mens U18 K4 1000m Final
Kieren Carson, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
1st - Mens U18 K4 200m Final
1st - Mens U18 K4 500m A Final
2nd - Mens U18 K2 200m A Final
2nd - Mens U18 K4 1000m Final
3rd - Mens U18 K1 200m A Final
Reid Coutts, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
2nd - Mens Open K2 5000m Final
Catherine McArthur, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
1st - Womens Open K4 500m A Final
1st - Womens U23 K1 500m A Final
3rd - Womens Open K4 200m Final
Chris Martin, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
1st - Mens U14 K1 1000m Final
1st - Mens U14 K1 500m Final
1st - Mens U14 K1 200m Final
Mitchell Pope, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
1st - Mens U18 K4 200m Final
1st - Mens U18 K4 500m A Final
2nd - Mens U18 K4 1000m Final
Jessica Silvester, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
3rd - Womens Open K2 1000m A Final
Samantha Silvester, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
3rd - Womens U16 K4 1000m Final
Kirra Solterbeck, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
3rd - Womens U16 K4 1000m Final
3rd - Womens U16 K4 200m Final
Steven Vegh, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
1st - Mens Open C1 5000m Final
Nathalie Walkington, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club
2nd - Womens U16 K2 200m Final
2nd - Womens U16 K2 500m Final
2nd - Womens U16 K4 1000m Final
2nd - Womens U16 K4 200m Final
3rd - Womens U16 K2 1000m Final
3rd - Womens U16 K2 2500m Final
Kayla Whinray, Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club
3rd - Womens U16 K1 2500m Final
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 8 of 25
Marathon
National Marathon Vic Results
Open Men K1
1st Michael Leverett Mitta,
2nd David Cole PLCC,
3rd Trevor Murray, PLCC
Under 23 Men K1
3rd
James Campbell FCC
Under 18 Men K1
2nd Tom Hedditch Mercantile
Veteran 45 Men K1
1st Cameron McGill, PLCC
Veteran 50 Men K1,
1st George Bradilovic ,FACC
2nd
Peter Currie, GCC
3rd John Young INCC
Veteran 60 Men K1
1st Terry Poole GCC
Under 14 Boys K1
2nd Callum Gosbell INCC
Under 16 Boys K1
2nd
Edward Lovick INCC
Open Women K1
1st Tegan Fraser Bendigo,
2nd
Amy Peters Mitta Mitta
Under 23 Women K1
1st Marlena Ahrens FCC
Under 18 Women K1
1st Nell Cuthbertson INCC,
2nd Penny Young INCC
Veteran 35 Women K1
2nd
Emma Croser FACC
Veteran 50 Women K1
3rd Sally Miller INCC
Veteran 55 Women K1
1st Suzanne Lipe INCC,
2nd Debbie Bennett INCC,
3rd Adele Walker FACC
Veteran 60 Women K1
1st Maggie Vegh PLCC,
2nd Gayle Burke FACC,
3rd
Terri Hynes, FACC
Under 14 Girls K1
1st Stephanie Langley INCC,
2nd
Sally Ng INCC
Under 16 Girls K1
2nd Kayla Whinray YMACC,
3rd Chloe De Highden INCC
Open Men K2
1st
Michael Leverett Mitta/ Angus Campbell FCC
2nd Daniel Ryan PLCC / David Cole PLCC,
Under 18 Men K2
2nd Tom Hedditch Mercantile / Tim Arnold
Mercantile
3rd
Christopher Grundy / Christopher Smith , FCC
Veteran 35 K2
1st Peter Currie GCC / Tanya Beacham GCC
Veteran 40 Men K2
1st
George Bradilovic FACC / Cameron McGill PLCC
Veteran 50 K2
2nd Chris Alger / Steven Vegh PLCC
Veteran 60 Men K2
1st
Terry Poole GCC
Under 16 Boys K2
1st Ed Lovick INCC / Alexander Neilson INCC,
2nd
Hamish Young FCC / Peter O'Leary FCC
Open Women K2
1st Catherine McArthur PLCC / Amy Peters Mitta
2nd
Tegan Fraser Bendigo
Under 18 Women K2
1st Penny Young INCC / Nell Cuthbertson INCC
Under 14 Girls K2
1st
Stephanie Langley INCC / Sally Ng INCC
Under 16 Girls K2
1st Kayla Whinray YMACC / Kelly Ng INCC
2nd
Chloe De Highden INCC / Maddy Sloan INCC
3rd
Isabella Jenzen INCC / Monika Tencic INCC
Veteran 40 Men TK1
3rd Andrew De Highden, INCC
Veteran 50 Men TK1
3rd Rodney Gange GCC
Veteran 60 Men TK1
3rd
Tony McElroy GCC
‘Veteran 45 Men TK2
3rd Gregory Parker / Rodney Gange GCC
Veteran 60 TK2
1st
Tony McElroy GCC / John Lidstone GCC
Veteran 50 Women K2
3rd Maggie Vegh PLCC
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 9 of 25
Slalom
Slalom National Vic Results 2012
Warwick Draper MCC
1st Mens C1 Open
Jaxon Merritt MCC
1st Mens K1 23yrs
2nd Mens C1 - 23yrs
2nd MC2-Open (Tim Hobbs)
Tim Hobbs, MCC
2nd Mens C2-Open (Jaxon Merritt)
2nd Mens K1 23yrs
Alastair Anderson - ECC
3rd
Mens K1 23yrs
3rd Mens C1 - 23yrs
Timothy Anderson -ECC
2nd Mens K1 18yrs
Chris Fegan -MCC
2nd Mens K1 16yrs
Tristan Carter
1st Mens K1 14yrs
1st Mens C1 - 14yrs
Ashley Hobbs
2nd Mens K1 14yrs
2nd Mens C1 - 14yrs
Benjamin Marriott
3rd Mens C1 - 18yrs
Sarah Grant MCC
1st Womens K1 - Open
Dita Pahl - CPRT
3rd Womens C1 - Open
Maggie Webster - MCC
2nd Womens C1 - 18yrs
2nd Womens K1 -18yrs
Eliza Singleton - Bendigo
2nd Womens C1 - 16yrs
2nd Womens K1 -16yrs
Chris Wharton - FCC
3rd MK1 – Grand Masters
Victorian representatives on National
Teams
Australian Slalom Senior / Under 23 Team
Warwick Draper K1 Sarah Grant K1
Leanne Guinea C1 Jaxon Merritt K1 (
2011 Australian Marathon Team
Amy Peters Tegan Fraser
James Campbell Michael Leverett
Angus Campbell Trevor Murray
Robert Aardoom
2011/12 Australian Canoe Polo Team
Matthew Moore Jay Burgess
Steve Porter Rebecca Jennings
Brooke Honeyman Lori Mills
Megan Bishop Adele
Mike Wilson Dave Pillikers
Andrew Shearer Matt Farrington
John Moore Liam Farrington
Hamish Dugdale
2012 Australian U22 Canoe Sprint Team
Amy Peters Catherine McArthur
Emily Bews
2012 Australian Junior Canoe Sprint Team
Rebecca Mann Kieren Carson
2012 Australian Junior Olympic Hopes Canoe
Sprint Team
Kieren Carson Jarrad Campbell
Rebecca Mann Madeleine Batters
Nathalie Walkington
VIS Scholarship holders
Warwick Draper
Sarah Grant
Leanne Guinea
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 10 of 25
Presidents Report Life is always interesting! The office is busy, busy,
busy, administering Canoeing Victoria for the good
of our expanding membership and taking advantage
of the great support from the State and Federal
governments who via funding enable us to achieve
aims and objectives beyond our basic membership
income.
To reiterate however, before we apply for any
particular government grant, it is always tested
against our ‘stated strategic objectives’ to ensure
that, whilst all grants will bring a level of perceived
distraction to our executives’ and staff time, all
grants must align with our objective to increase
participation in our sport and to increase club
membership.
Our projected budget for 2012/2013 assumes, with
respect to our income in general and from
government Grants in particular, that we will enjoy
the same if not higher grant income in the current
year as compared to 2011/2012. In 2011/2012
some 50% odd percent of our total income came
from government grants. This is attributed to both
the excellent submissions that Andrea puts together
as well as a high regard for Canoeing Victoria and
the ability to deliver from the government
departments.
For those new to the reality of government support,
provided by way government grants, all the
government money must, and I say again, ‘must’ be
spent only on achieving those contractually agreed
KPI’s for which the grant is designed to support. We
have no discretion or flexibility to use the funds
provided in any one grant to ‘cross subsidize’ any
other activity other than what has been agreed.
Facilities Strategic Plan
One of our more recent successful grant discussions
is aimed at developing a facilities strategic plan with
a major emphasis on the development of the river
area at Westerfolds Park into a combined Canoe
Polo, Sprint and Slalom facility. There is much yet to
be done before any funds for construction of the
facility might become available but, we are now in
the final stages of securing funding (quite
considerable really) to engage a consultant for the
preparation of the plan and recommendations.
To complement this activity, a combined partnership
between Canoeing Victoria, Parks Victoria and
Melbourne Water will see a feasibility study
completed in the new financial year for the
development of the slalom course at Westerfolds
Park. This study will feed directly into the facilities
strategic plan and if necessary be implemented in
parallel with the broader objectives within the park.
The Affiliation Fee issue with Australian Canoeing
has finally been resolved. This is a great result but,
in truth, the outcome had little to do with any
objections or protests that CV made to AC albeit
contributing to the growing unrest by all the states
to revisit the status quo. The result was achieved by
an AC Board member designing a ‘funding model’
that ‘seems to achieve the desired results’. From me
personally, well done AC!
Budget
As always it is no mean achievement to balancing
the budget but an action that gives all a great sense
of comfort none the less. As budgeted, we again
made a slight profit. Our changed financial situation
is due, in no small part to the abundance of water
and the related increase in membership numbers.
Another reason for our improved finances was the
effort by Board members to run various fundraising
events and I thank those members who had the time
and energy, to actively assist with those events.
Canoe Polo, on the day of the AGM, staffing a
Bunnings stall sausage sizzle with the purpose of
raising funds for the Polo discipline in general but,
more specifically, to offer some financial assists to
our international competitors, to attend
international competitions.
Paddlepower
Speaking of becoming financially self sufficient, CV
have, as was reported last year, acquired a program
– Paddle Power - from the UK equivalent of AC. This
program, which is designed to increase participation
by young persons, is being trailed up at Mildura but,
it needs additional staffing support to expand the
spread and penetration. Only time will tell whether
it lives up to expectations but, we have high hopes
for the program.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 11 of 25
Disciplines
Andrea will once again be managing the Sprint
Discipline in the forthcoming year. It is a high
priority for the Board that the Sprint discipline is
developed, becomes a strong and viable discipline
and one that has pathways from grassroots through
to the elite. While it is only one discipline of many
and constitutes small membership numbers, it is a
high profile discipline to which we need to both
provide the opportunities for as well as leverage off
the high profile.
Other disciplines seem to be operating well but we
would, of course, very much like to be able to offer
funding to assist with their activities. We do provide
administrative support to the disciplines but our
ability to provide direct financial support is and will
remain limited, until (if ever) we are able to create
some profitable income producing activities.
Acknowledgements
Speaking on behalf of the Board, I again express our
combined thank you to our excellent support staff
(Sandra, Roz and Cameron), our Education Officer
(John Moore) our Joint CEO’s (Andrea and Sharon),
plus our many members who make up the various
Discipline Committees, the many coaches who give
of their time to run our courses and the ‘come and
trys’, and finally, the members of the CV Board.
I would also on behalf of the Board, like to thank
outgoing independent board member Ric Howard
who served on the Board for nearly 7 years bringing
financial expertise to the meetings. His inputs into
discussions were always with vigor and passion and
his contribution to the office was immeasurable.
My heartfelt thanks to all our members - who
collectively make-up Canoeing Victoria – for simply
being members of CV, and to those others who
actively run the clubs and infrastructure, for their
time, their devotion to our association, their
knowledge and their collective experience; thank
you all.
Last word
Finally, the period of my tenure as President of CV is
drawing to a close. Last year I indicated that I would
not be standing for the President’s role this year but
have agreed to remain for one more year. If I am
reappointed at the 2012 AGM – 2012/2013 will be
my last year on the CV Board.
Keep paddling and may we all have a great and
prosperous time over the balance of the year.
Gary Flanigan
President Canoeing Victoria
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 12 of 25
Finance Report As a not for profit organization, the aim is not to
make money, nor be in a position to invest except in
infrastructure and programs that will benefit the
members and paddling community.
With that in mind, the organsiation has posted a
surplus across the board of a mere $1474. While
concerning considering last years’ surplus of $37000
a number of infrastructure investments have been
implemented during the year.
One of the significant practices changed during the
year was moving from a diminishing deprecation
method to a straightline method. All disciplines
accounts and the administration therefore showed
an unusual increase in depreciation during the year
as adjustments were made. This had a significant
impact on the profit and loss raising the overall
deprecation from $9000 to $22000.
Slalom finally realized the repairs on the Goulburn
river slalom site which amounted to over $11,000
which attributed to the loss of $8000 overall. With
the Nationals being hosted in 2013 on the Goulburn
it was timely the repairs were finally completed. In
addition, any significant surplus the discipline might
be holding will be reinvested into the sport in
renewing old infrastructure such as bibs and timing
systems that also will be required for the up and
coming Nationals. Hosting the likes of the Nationals
and investing in future infrastructure is exactly what
the disciplines need to do and the Board fully
supports this type of investment as long as it
planned and budgeted for.
Canoe polo made a modest surplus during the year
with an increase in income with expenses in-line
with the budget and last year.
Although Marathon posted a loss this year, it was
mainly due to the unusual increase in depreciation
and unexpected trailer repairs that made the
difference. The discipline as a whole is still
financially secure and was able to contribute $250 to
each Victorian on the Nationals Marathon team to
assist with expenses.
The sprint committee continues to be supported by
the administration as it posted a loss of $2,428. This
will be covered by the administration this year as
well as a required investment in the new financial
year. While the Board fully supports the investment
into the sprint discipline, this is not a sustainable
model into the future.
The Administration revenue was again up from last
years $302k to $370k. This was due to the
substantial support received from VicHealth and we
thank them for their ongoing support for our
Indigenous initiatives as well as all the other funders.
Membership income remained constant but we saw
a decrease in education income. The president once
again did a sterling job in raising untied funding from
Bunnings BBQ’s increasing his contribution from
$4000 last year to $12000 this year. This is not a
repeatable income for future years however, but the
result of exceptional circumstances that led to a
number of extra opportunities.
In general the organization still remains in the
position of heavily relying on funding from State and
Federal governments to meet our strategic goals and
objectives. As long as the organization and the
funders continue to have mutual objectives, funding
may still be available in the future, but we are
mindful that should circumstances at the
government level change, it will have a dramatic
affect on what can be delivered by the organization.
In saying so however, the state and federal funders
have realized the perilous position they put the likes
of state sporting associations when they fund for
only 12 months at a time, hence they have changed
their funding models to be the likes of 2 or 3 years of
committed funding. This allows the state bodies to
plan for the future and future programs and attract
and employ the right staff for right projects.
In summary, the organization still remains strong
and viable. Growth is required in all sectors both in
membership numbers and income and each year
brings its own new challenges.
Thank you to Sandra Reaburn who has taken on the
management of the accounts for almost all the
disciplines which enables easier reporting and
auditing at the end of the year.
Thank you also to Ric Howard who has been the
Board member analyzing the accounts and
recommending changes and improvements.
Sharon Swoboda
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 13 of 25
Canoeing Victoria Overview Members Members Members. That has been the
chant in the office all year. After forums with
members and clubs to discuss the strategic
direction, membership services and in particular the
recreational pathway, the office has had a clear
direction that if there is no benefit for the member,
question why was it being done.
High Performance
Heading into an Olympic year there was much focus
on selection races, national teams and tours.. Peter
Gargiulo continued on with the NEPD Sprint program
which moved into the next phase this year.
Membership Review
To ensure that the organizational membership
structure is best practice, in line with other sports
and meets both the needs of the membership and
the organization, a membership review was
completed during the year comparing canoeing
against other like sports and other membership
models. One major recommendation was to address
the junior membership decline and reduce the
financial barrier to our under 18 members and
students to promote growth in the area. As a result,
a youth membership with limited competition will
be introduced and the age of full competition
students raised to provide a cheaper option for the
university age students. In addition, both the youth
and a recreational adult membership will be
available direct from Canoeing Victoria to capture
those new paddlers who have yet to determine the
club that’s right for them. It will however be limited
to their first year.
In general the conclusion was our membership
model was in-line and accepted as the model to
move forward with.
On-line membership
The Australian Canoeing database which manages
the membership for all states and clubs has an on-
line membership feature that was introduced to all
clubs this year after Essendon Canoe Club piloted
the system last year. The system is designed to
reduced the overheads and administration of the
membership at the club level and streamline the
process for renewing members and reduce the
barriers for new members joining.
Membership services
Membership Trends
While we started to see a trend in adult members
moving from competition to the recreational
category, this trend seems to have not come to
fruition this year with adult members increasing
from 725 to 936. Without any major nationals
championships being held in Victoria during the
year, which is usually the reason for the spike, we
are pleased with this reverse in trend. More
concerning however, is the decline in junior
membership down from 244 to 117. We have
definitely seen a move away from schools
participating in a kayaking activity which has also
been verified by the reduction of schools
participating in the murray marathon.
It appears from our limited analysis that the schools
that have participated in the past are losing their “in-
school champions” to drive the school into the sport
of kayaking. All the best equipment and programs in
the world won’t overcome a complacent attitude
within the school. The future challenge is how to get
schools back on board.
Education, training and safety
Education and the delivery of the ACAS system still
remains a significant priority for the organization.
With over 70 programs again delivered by the
organization the major challenge is finding suitable
instructors and coaches to assist in the delivery.
Safety will become a major issue into the future, as
sit on tops and even the new whitewater sit on tops,
lower the entry level for the general public to get
involved. Our role as educators and state body is to
promote and ensure that all Victorians have the
opportunity to learn the skills and be educated in
being safe on the water, no matter what the craft.
Paddlepower will also become a key program within
the education area as we use it to both skill and
recognize the junior participants and provide them
with the pathway to continue their paddling journey.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 14 of 25
Come and Try Day’s
One major initiative this year was to get rid of the
paid come and try sessions at Westerfolds park and
make it a free open season session. Two days were
held outside the Canoeing Victoria Education centre
within the park, one in November and one in
February. Both days attracted over 150 participants
each ranging from small children to adventurous
adults heading to Alaska or other exotic areas
paddling. We had a great conversion rate to Basic
Skills which is where the paddlers were really going
to get the education they needed to be safe on the
water, however the come and try day’s emphasized
the importance of being prepared and skilled so
hopefully they won’t just go out and buy a sit on top
and think all will be well. It was a great exercise for
the staff and instructors to undertake and the
processes and paperwork will be the basis of running
more of these mass participation community days
and broaden the exposure of a paddling activity.
Marketing and Communications
The main form of communication with members and
the paddling community still remains the web site
and digital media. The Administration has embarked
on the social media, however like all forms of
marketing and communication, a structured and
consistent approach is required. The new financial
year will have a clear focus on this communication
and reaching new and diverse markets.
Community Development
Murray Marathon
The Murray marathon continues to be a major
priority for the board as it recognizes that the event
is the entry level for many in the community that
have never paddled before or been exposed to the
diverse opportunities to participate. With this in
mind, the organization is represented on the
Management Committee as a key partner with a
major focus on developing the opportunities to
participate.
Once again they are suffering the effects of the
schools reducing their interest in the sport and event
as a whole which has a major impact on participants.
With a number of initiatives underway such as
inclusion into a National Ultra Marathon Series and
an ICF series, an extensive campaign to raise the
profile is underway.
Indigenous Canoeing Program:
Canoeing Victoria’s activities to develop locally
managed, safe and sustainable opportunities for
Indigenous communities to participate in canoeing
continued with five Victorian communities involved
in the program. Six participants have been upskilled
to Flatwater Guide level (five are now members of
the Mildura Canoe Club) and are already running
canoeing programs for two local communities, with
several more participants in training. To date, more
than 40 participants across the five communities
have achieved their Australian Canoeing Basic Skills
Award. The partnerships Canoeing Victoria has
formed with several support agencies and
particularly with the Mildura Canoe Club have
contributed to the strong growth and achievements
of the program to date. We look forward to
continuing the program during 2012/13.
Canoeing Victoria thanks VicHealth (through the
State Sporting Association Participation Program)
and the Australian Government (through the
Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program of the
Office for Sport) for funding support to deliver these
programs.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 15 of 25
Youth Participation
Increasing junior participation is one of the six
strategic goals of Canoeing Victoria. Our research
over the previous year identified that a youth
focused participation program and award scheme
suitable for all types of canoeing is a significant gap
in our product offering. After an international
search for a suitable product, Canoeing Victoria
purchased the rights to develop and introduce the
British Canoe Union’s “Paddlepower” scheme to the
Australian market. Paddlepower is aimed at
attracting 8-14 year olds to come into and to stay in
paddlesports (and has a very successful 15 year track
record in Britain to demonstrate this).
In preparation for the launch of Paddlepower
Australia in 2013, this year we have been focused on
tailoring Paddlepower to suit the Australian market,
and on identifying the resources, infrastructure and
pathways that will be required to support the
product and a significant increase in youth paddling
members. This has included introducing a cost-
effective introductory youth membership category,
as well as developing an informal but strong
relationship with the ASC Active After-school
Communities (AASC) program, and piloting a AASC
canoeing program (as a potential introduction-to-
Paddlepower) partnering with Mildura Canoe Club.
Thank you Sport and Recreation Victoria for funding
support to deliver this initiative.
Competition Development
Discipline Vic
Champs
2011
Vic
Champs
2010
Vic
Champs
2009
Canoe Slalom 72 75 77
Wildwater N/A 12 DNR*
Marathon 106 145 152
Sprint 109 59 88
Canoe Polo 100 100 100
*Did not run due to water levels and race volunteers
** Approx based on 20 teams with 5 in each team
Participation Numbers: Schools events (Vic Champs)
Discipline 2011 2010 2009
Canoe Slalom 134 103 111
Wildwater 111 87 112
Marathon 148 125 163
Sprint 138 74 125
Canoe Polo Not Run Not Run Not Run
Governance / Advocacy
Outdoor Recreation Centre / Outdoors
Victoria
As a member of the Outdoor Recreation Centre,
Canoeing Victoria has been involved in a review of
the organisation and has watched with interest as to
the result and to the future of the organisation. The
conclusion is that a new representative body will
rise from the ashes of both the Outdoor Recreation
Centre and the Victorian Outdoors Education
Association with a different board structure and
mission statement. This new body will take on an
active representative role for all those involved in
the outdoor and recreational sector. Canoeing
Victoria look forward to partnering with such an
organisation to enhance conditions, access and
information for those recreational paddlers.
Water Safety Council
Canoeing Victoria was invited to participate in the
informal Water Safety Council, a group of water
based interested bodies that are keen to reduce the
water based incidents in Victoria. Hosted by Life
Saving Victoria, Canoeing Victoria has been included
especially with the perceived increase in canoeing
fatalities in recent times.
The Victorian Water Safety Master Plan (VWSMP)
was been developed by key aquatic industry
stakeholders in consultation with related
government departments to provide an overarching
approach to water safety and drowning prevention
in Victoria. The document sets out a four-year
blueprint for preventing accidental deaths and
injuries for all participants in water-related activities.
As a working document, Canoeing Victoria will
continue to be involved with the council and the
developments to improve water safety into the
future.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 16 of 25
State Office Staffing.
Amazing that such a small staffed organization has
attracted such long serving staff. Sandra Reaburn
has diligently managed the accounts for 11 years
and has successfully taken on all the discipline
accounts except for Slalom as well. This means the
accounts are streamlined for the audit and
consistent making reporting and understanding of
the financial situation of the organization simple at
any point of time.
Roz Manester has settled into the organization
brilliantly taking on the Education Service Delivery
role, membership as well as project tasks. John
Moore and John Shields manage the instructors and
the equipment respectively and with new programs,
and a greater demand for instructors plus more and
more equipment needed to be housed and
maintained, the two John’s do a great job.
Both Executive Officers, Andrea and Sharon have
also clocked up 10 years with the organization. Both
having started as project managers and while many
things have changed over 10 years, the challenges
never seem to cease.
Board Members
This year the Board welcomed Catherine Gardner-
Gaskin to the table who brings with her marketing
experience and a background in Scouts Victoria.
Both backgrounds will serve the organization well.
The Board have embraced the new strategic plan
and projects that have been undertaken and with
Vicsport’s assistance in the new year, the Board will
undergo a review of roles and purpose to continue
the development and growth of the Board and good
governance.
The association cannot work without a board but,
the association cannot grow or develop without a
good board. Andrea and Sharon would like to
extend their thanks for the support and dedication
to those that have served on the Board this year and
given up precious time in doing so.
Members and Clubs
Last but not least, the Executive Officers would like
to extend their thanks to the 1871 members and the
30 Clubs that support the Association and the
objectives.
Andrea Boothroyd and Sharon Swoboda.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 17 of 25
Canoe Polo Report
The 2011-2012 year has been another solid year for
Canoe Polo in Victoria. We have seen a slight growth
in both our Melbourne competition and in regional
Geelong. This growth can be directly attributed to
the hard work and dedication of Dave Pilllikers and
Megan Bishop in Melbourne and John Yacoub and
Ian Neville in Geelong. Without people like them our
great sport would be suffering a distinct decline.
The year began with the continuation of the Spring
Competition that reached its conclusion with the
finals in September. This season was shortly followed
by a “Come and try night” at Richmond Recreation
Centre. Over the last few seasons these nights have
been the main way we have obtained new players
for our Melbourne competition. Once these people
have been given a taste at the come and try they are
invited to take part in the informal Cocktail Summer
Competition as a lower cost and less intimidating
option to get them involved in our competitions.
This competition was very successful. This year saw
the addition of Tuesday nights to the Cocktail
Competition where A & B grade players were teamed
with some up and coming C grade players to try to
improve the overall standard of our competition
while also having lots of fun. The first half of 2012
saw the Autumn season run and won, once more
being the mains basis of Canoe Polo in Melbourne.
Interclub Series
During the summer months the Victorian Inter-club
Series (VICS) was run again. This year it consisted of
6 single day competitions between October 2011
and April 2012. The focus this year was in
developing groups of people within each club that
were capable enough to organise and run one of
these events. Assistance was provided by VCP to
develop the resources within the clubs with the aim
that in future years the clubs would be able to run
the events independently. These events also provide
an income stream for the clubs that hopefully will
mainly be directed back into canoe polo in some
way. At the very least it will improve the profile of
the polo section in each of the clubs. This series is
definitely having an effect on the canoe polo
community as there is more emphasis being placed
on belonging to and being part of a club and not just
being a paddler. There is still a lot of interaction
between members of the different clubs but they
seem to identify with their own club more often.
This series is still in its infancy and I hope that over
the next few years it will become a larger and more
significant part of our competition structure as the
clubs vie to produce the best event of the calendar.
They will also hopefully act as a stepping stone for
players wanting to take teams to the Australian
Summer Series events. Another sign of this
continued development was Canoes Plus Racing
Team organising the “ Cold Water Cup” which was a
5 round series played at their home venue at Yarra
Bend during the winter months. Apart from having
to change venues a couple of time due to excessive
water levels this new competition was quite
successful and I hope it will be run again in the
future.
Australian National Championships
At the National Level the Australian National
Championships were held at Penrith in Sydney over
the Easter holiday period. Victoria was well
represented with 6 teams competing (see team lists
below). We also had several teams that competed in
the Australian Summer series, travelling to Canberra,
Sydney and Adelaide and then playing in the
Melbourne Invitational (which was again hosted by
Essendon Canoe Club). All of these events were
selection events for the Oceania Championships or
the World championships
Oceania Championships
The Oceania championships were held in Palmerston
North in New Zealand during December 2011.
Victoria was represented by the following people:
Mens A : Matt Moore , placed 1st
Mens B : Jay Burgess, Steve Porter, placed 3rd
Womens A: Rebecca Jennings, Brooke Honeyman,
placed 1st
Womens B : Lori Mills, Megan Bishop, Adele placed
5th
Veterans 35+ A : Mike Wilson placed 2nd
Veterans 35+ B : Dave Pillikers, Andrew Shearer, Matt
Farrington, placed 4th
Masters 45+ : John Moore placed 2nd
U21 Men : Liam Farrington, placed 2nd.
NZ Veterans 35+ A : Hamish Dugdale placed 1st
.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 18 of 25
Congratulations to all those who competed. The
National Championships was the final Selection
event for the teams to compete at the 2012 World
Championships being held at Poznan, Poland in
September. Nathan Moore (VC) and Matt Moore
were selected into the men's team and Rebecca
Jennings was selected into the Women's team. I wish
them all the best for the up coming event.
Junior Development
Junior Development has proceeded mainly at two
locations during the year. Firstly a group
coordinated by Matt and Louise Farrington along
with Andy Waters have been training at Yarra Bend
where we now have the ability to suspend goals for
training and competition. The second group is being
developed by Geelong Canoe Club via its contacts at
a couple of schools in their local area. Both of these
groups supplied junior teams to compete in the VICS.
As expected, these groups flourished during the
summer months and diminished as winter
approached due to cold weather and the reduction
of daylight hours. It is however anticipated that
these groups will become larger and more focused
when the warmer weather returns later in 2012.
Supporters
Victorian Canoe polo is pleased to acknowledge the
contributions of the following organisations:
Richmond Recreation Centre
Essendon Canoe Club
Canoes Plus Racing Team
Parks Victoria.
Finally I would like to give a huge thanks to all of the
volunteers that have made this year of Canoe Polo
possible. We are a totally amateur sport that
depends on it members providing their valuable
spate time to keep our sport alive, without them it
would not exist. This is a fact that far to few people
appreciate or acknowledge. So I will say it again,
thank you one and all for your efforts.
Mike Wilson
Chairperson
Canoeing Victoria – Canoe Polo Technical Committee
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 19 of 25
Canoe Sprint Report
Overview
An exciting year for Victorian sprint racing!
Participation and performance is on the increase at
all levels. The highlights included:
• 138 participants registered for Victorian School
Sprint Championships (up from 74 in 2010/11).
• 109 individuals entered Victorian Sprint
Championship events (65 in 2010/11)
• 33 Victorians raced in final events at the
Australian Sprint Championships (13 in
2010/11).
• 9 Victorian sprint athletes selected to Australian
Canoeing’s National Elite Development Program
squads.
• 8 Victorian sprint athletes selected to represent
Australia on the world stage.
Competitions
Sprint racing began this year in September 2011 with
the Bendigo Canoe Club’s Bendigo Cup regatta, and
was followed by a season of five Canoeing Victoria
regattas including the state and school
championships.
• 5&10km Championships, Patterson Lakes,
30/10/11, 53 participants.
• Sprint Regatta 1 (200&1000m), Nagambie,
27/11/12, 30 participants.
• Victorian Sprint Championships (200m),
Essendon, 21/1/12, 78 participants.
• Victorian Sprint Championships (500&100m),
Carrum, 19/2/12, 78 participants.
• Victorian School Sprint Championships (200m),
Essendon, 24/3/12, 138 participants.
For the first time in many years, Australian Canoeing
held a national level event in Victoria. AC Sprint
Grand Prix was held March 2012 on the reinstated
racing course on Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. This
provided a fantastic opportunity for Victorian
athletes to participate in a national championship
event. It was heartening to see so many Victorians
volunteering to assist in the on-the-day running of
the event.
The Canoeing Victoria regatta scheduled for Geelong
in March 2012 was cancelled due to a clash of dates
with the AC Grand Prix.
High Performance
Victoria’s representation at the Australian Sprint
Championships boomed this year with 34 athletes
participating in this year’s event (up from 28 in
2010/11) and 33 racing in final events (13 in
2010/11).
On the international stage, the presence of Victorian
athletes in national teams is strengthening. Amy
Peters, Catherine McArthur and Emily Bews were
selected for the Australian U22 Canoe Sprint Team
2012. Kieren Carson and Rebecca Mann were
selected for the Australian Junior Canoe Sprint
Team, and Kieren Carson, Jarrad Campbell, Rebecca
Mann, Madeleine Batters and Nathalie Walkington
were selected for the Junior Olympic Hopes Canoe
Sprint Team.
Nine Victoria athletes were selected for Australian
Canoeing National Elite Development Program
(NEDP) sprint squads – Catherine McArthur and Amy
Peters to the NEDP Elite Squad, Emily Bews and Eliza
St Hill to the U23 Development Squad, Madelaine
Hurst and Rebecca Mann to the U18 Development
Squad, and Kieren Carson, Madeline Batters and
Nathalie Walkington to the Talent Squad.
Development
The AC NEDP Talent Identification Program
continued at Carrum under Coach Peter Garguilo.
Congratulations to Patterson Lakes Canoe Club who
achieved certification as a Canoeing Victoria Sprint
Certified Training Centre. The certification means
the club meets minimum requirements set by
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 20 of 25
Canoeing Victoria to deliver quality coaching and
training sessions to sprint athletes.
The certification brings a club focus to sprint racing
and encourages the development of athletes,
coaches and officials as well as improved safety risk
management of coaching & training activities.
The Goulburn Murray Kayak Instruction and
Development Squad (GMKIDs), an initiative of the
Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club to bring together
our clubs in northern Victoria for coaching and
training sessions, is showing some great results.
While initially established to focus on marathon
racing, this year the squad branched out to include
sprint racing. As part of the squad, paddlers from
Yarrawonga Mulwala, Cobram Barooga, Mitta Mitta,
Bendigo and Mildura Canoe Clubs participated in
several sprint regattas.
Finances
This year the sprint discipline has made a significant
loss that has been covered by Canoeing Victoria
State Office. There have been three main influences
on this financial result. The discipline continues to
be managed in part by a paid administrator which
has increased overhead expenses; and the cancelling
of the Geelong regatta and the splitting of revenue
from the 5&10km Championships with event hosts
Marathon and Patterson Lakes Canoe Club have
decreased potential income.
The Canoeing Victoria Board recognises the
importance of providing opportunities at all levels to
our sprint racing members, and therefore continued
to support sprint at this time of rebuilding. The
highlights above demonstrate the very positive
results of the Board’s current strategy. The focus
and challenge over the next year will be on
establishing financial sustainability for sprint while
continuing to offer a wide range of sprint
opportunities to members.
Acknowledgements
It takes more than 20 volunteers to effectively host a
sprint regatta and I thank the many people who
volunteered to help with the running of this year’s
sprint regattas. In particular, thank you to Eric Alger,
Sharyn Alger, Joe Alia, Predrag Bradilovic, Gary
Flanigan, Terri Hynes, Kevin Johnson and Connie
Todaro who volunteered at all (or almost all)
regattas this season. A special thank you to our first
aid team of Glenn Cullen, Scott Mansfield, Kim
Trotter, Leo Worley and Vicki Worley; to Chris Alger
for managing the website; and to Jenny O’Shea and
Matthew Mann for managing the Victorian Team at
national regattas.
Andrea Boothroyd
Manager, Canoeing Victoria Sprint
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 21 of 25
Marathon Report
Committee Aims
The aim of the CV Marathon Committee has been to
provide a series of marathon events over the whole
year. We do this by via our winter series race races
which culminate in the Victorian Marathon
Championships. We aim to provide a standard of
competition that caters for all levels from elite to
novice paddlers and junior paddlers.
Prior to the start of the winter series we endorse a
summer series of race which are run by clubs.
2012 events
The premier event held by Canoeing Victoria
Marathon Racing Technical Committee in 2012 was
the the Victorian Marathon Championships held at
Geelong on the Barwon River. This event was the
last state event held prior to the Australian
Marathon Team’s departure for the World marathon
Championships held In Rome.
Winter Series
This year eight races we held four of which were
held in regional areas; namely Warnambool,
Yarrawonga, Ballarat and Geelong.
Participation in the winter series this year has
increased slightly from last season but we need to
do more work in trying to increase participation
numbers throughout the year. The race calendar
this year made better provision for accommodating
school holidays but we still need to do more as most
schools do not travel to country areas for logistical
reasons.
This year Ballarat Canoe Club held it’s first winter
series race and has applied for a race in 2013 and
the Victorian Championship in 2013
Financials
The committee is still in the black and for detailed
financials refer to the treasurer’s report.
This year will be the last year that a printed
Marathon Diary will be produced but an online
version will be produce and available free of charge
to all members.
The advertisers will be given online advertising and
naming rights to individual races as an incentive to
continue advertising with us .
I would to express my thanks to the editorial
committee of Chris, Sharon and Tom.
Summer Series
In the summer months we will sanction a 4 race
series known as the Summer Series or Grand Pix
races that are held by clubs throughout Victoria
which culminate with the Summer Finale. This is the
selection race for the Victorian state team the will
represent the state at the Australian Championships.
This event will be held at the Footscray Canoe Club
in 2013
Initiatives for 2012
� We will continue to promote a wider usage of
the on line entry system and online payment.
Our online entries are now up to 40% of all
entries
� Publish the events calendar 12 months in
advance on the CV website.
� Review our current ranking system of paddlers
with a view of making it more relevant to
paddler’s needs and expectations.
� Encourage a higher participation from all levels
of paddler competency by promoting marathon
racing at the club and school level.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 22 of 25
Acknowledgements
The Marathon Committee welcomes John Young as
Treasurer. John has already instigated major
changes in that department. We now have a central
payment system for our invoice done though CV.
This year saw the inclusion of CV first aid volunteers
that are now available to CV for use at CV endorsed
events. The First aid people have become members
of CV led by Leo Wortly and responsible to Alan Opie
marathon safety officer in charge.
I would also like to announce that Victoria has been
awarded the 2014 National Championships to be
held at Ballarat
In conclusion I would like to thank all the people that
have competed in our event and I hope that they will
return in 2013 for more fun and competition.
I would like to express on behalf of the marathon
committee a very special thank you to all the people
that helped in staging the events in 2012.
Last but not least, a personal thanks to my
committee with a special mention to Alan Opie,
Michael Baird, Tom Hirrschoff and Connie Todaro for
her patience.
Joe Alia, Chair CV Marathon
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 23 of 25
Canoe Slalom
Highlights
2011/12 proved to be a wet year with good paddling
conditions for much of the Yarra Series and Country
Series. Other STC highlights for 2011/12 included a
period of low flows below Eildon Pondage which
allowed much needed river works at the slalom site,
and a new Melbourne Canoe Club training initiative
to challenge and support our junior paddlers as the
Rapid Recruits program finished. Both of these are
foundational activities for Victoria’s hosting of the
nationals in January 2013.
Thanks to Sharon Swoboda CV Co-Executive Officer
who acted as chair of Slalom Technical Committee
for most of 2011/12.
The STC would like to thank the many volunteers,
both parents and paddlers, for their efforts in
supporting and delivering events to an excellent
standard.
Yarra Series
As usual the clubs were key contributors to
delivering a successful race program, This includes
Melbourne Canoe Club, Canoes Plus Racing Team,
and Eltham College Canoe Club. The 2011 race
program (falling into the 2011/12 reporting period)
saw three successful races at Griffith Park Reserve,
Warrandyte and Finns Reserve. These races
averaged 77 entries across all classes and included
teams races at Griffiths. The 2011 series results were
announced at the 2011 Victorian Championships.
Entry numbers have remained constant going into
the beginning of the 2012 Yarra series.
Country Series
Country races were run on the Big River and King
River this year with 28 and 24 entries respectively.
The Canoes Plus Goulburn River race was well
attended with 50 entries. The lower attendances at
the Country Series reflect both the additional travel
and the increased paddler skills requirements. Many
thanks to volunteers and paddlers who support
these races.
State race program
The Victorian Schools Championship was
successfully held at Warrandyte and included a wild
water race before the slalom race. The slalom race
had 117 entries across all classes, plus teams races.
Ivanhoe Grammar School continues to field strong
teams and is supported by a very active parent
support group. Many volunteer hours go into
running this event for which STC is grateful, thanks
in particular to Ordette Webster for her leadership
role in coordinating this event.
The Victorian Championships were well attended
with 88 entries across all classes plus teams racing.
As always, this race marks the end of the local
season with presentations for the year’s Yarra Series
and as a selection race for the Victorian team.
National Championships
In January 2012, Victoria was well represented in
Tasmania at both the Australian Schools
Championships held on the Forth River and the
Australian Championship held on the Mersey River.
Congratulations to the Melbourne Canoe Club who
retained the "Amateur Canoe Association of
Western Australia (ACAWA) trophy" for the club
winning the most gold medals. The first place
winners being: Sarah Grant WK1 – Open, Warwick
Draper MC1 – Open, T Hobbs / J Merritt MC2 –
Open, Jaxon Merritt M K1 - 23 years, Tristan Carter
MK1 - 14 years, and Tristan Carter MC1 - 14 years
Many other fine performances by Victorian paddlers
contributed to Victoria winning three trophies: the
“Canoes Plus State Trophy”, the “Whitebrook State
Team Trophy”, and the “Galloway, Linden,
Woodward Junior State Team Trophy”.
High Performance
3 Athletes were awarded VIS Scholarships this year,
Warwick Draper, Sarah Grant and Leanne Guinea.
All performed well at their international competition
with the other members of the National Team.
Excellent paddling performances from Warwick
Draper at the Australian Open and Oceania saw him
selected to represent Australia in the K1 slalom
event at the London Olympics. This will be Warwick’s
third Olympics after Athens and Beijing.
Annual Report 2011/2012
Page 24 of 25
Victorian athletes continue to contribute to national
slalom team. The Senior Team included: Leanne
Guinea (WC 1), Sarah Grant (WK 1) and Warwick
Draper (MK 1). The Under 23 Team: Jaxon Merritt
(MK 1). In the Junior Team: Maggie Webster (WK 1
and WC 1), Anton Ivkov and Anton Rajic (MC 2) and
Tim Anderson (MK 1)
The strong National Junior squad includes many
paddlers who started in the Talent ID program run
by Warwick Draper. The third phase (Rapid Recruits)
finishing this year. To challenge and support our
junior paddlers as the Rapid Recruits program
finishes, the Melbourne Canoe Club has started a
training initiative.
Infrastructure
Reduced releases from Eildon Pondage allowed
significant repairs to the Goulburn Slalom course.
This addressed the damage resulting from flooding a
number of years ago. STC thanks the numerous
volunteers who prepared the site prior to the works
and is especially grateful to Roy Farrance who
planned and oversaw the implementation of the
work on the river.
Unfortunately Dights Falls continues to be
unavailable for slalom which is most unfortunate
for the sport. The works to implement a fish ladder
and repairs to the weir are likely to keep slalom from
the site until 2013.
A feasibility study to develop the Westerfolds Park
site as a community whitewater training and event
site continues. Canoeing Victoria and the STC are
working with the relevant stakeholders to develop
the area further.
Slalom Committee
I would like to thank the Slalom Technical
Committee members for their ongoing dedication to
Slalom in Victoria. Chris Wharton (Treasurer),
Graham Hobbs (secretary), Roy Farrance, Andrew
Fegan, Warwick Draper, and Kate Slater,
Mike Lau Gooey and Sharon Swoboda