Sport
17 October, 2026
Nyngan Represents at Outback Rowing Regatta
Nyngan was represented at the annual Outback Rowing Regatta in Longreach.
Nyngan rowing duo Jim and Abigail Mclaughlin made the 1200km trek to Longreach on the October long weekend for the annual Outback Rowing regatta.
The two day event kicked off at Barcaldine where rowing crews from across eastern Australia competed in the 750 metre outback sprint.
The following day the action moved to the Thomson River at Longreach for the 7km Head of the Outback race. At the conclusion of the regatta was the feature event – a city versus country 500 metre sprint.
Jim McLaughlin rowed in the Outback Men’s crew, comprising rowers from Nyngan, Barcaldine, Chinchilla, and Toowoomba.
Abigail joined a crew from Rockhampton, in what was her first row in an eight boat, and her first regatta.
“I was concerned Abigail hadn’t trained enough and wasn’t sure how it was all going to go, but she kept up and it goes to show that a beginner can take part and I hope it inspires others around Nyngan, Warren and the central west to join us up there next year,” Jim said.
“It’s a great weekend. There’s plenty of rivalry between the crews but at the end of the day it isn’t too serious.”
Abigail’s crew was awarded the trophy for the fastest mixed crew on both days; whilst Jim’s was the third fasted men’s crew (after the handicap was taken into account).
Jim was selected to be part of the country crew – which narrowly lost to city in an exciting duel.
“The city crew included two former Australian Olympians so they had a fair advantage but next year we are going to bring Jack Hargreaves with us, so that should get us a few more metres,” Jim said.
“Having us compete up there with rowers from around Australia certainly helps put Nyngan on the map. We had people coming up to us all weekend asking where Nyngan was, and wanting to know about the river. We were like a pair of tourism ambassadors.”
The Nyngan Rowing Club has recently secured an eight boat to add to its two fours, a pair and two single sculls.
The club welcomes anyone who’d like to give rowing a go.