Sport
27 July, 2025
Rowing on the Bogan River?
Jack Hargreaves may be Nyngan’s most famous rower but he may soon be joined by more of us thanks to an initiative to bring rowing to outback communities.
The Outback Rowing program is looking for communities who would like to take possession of an eight boat and learn to row - with the aim of competing in a regatta in Barcaldine, Queensland in October.
There are already boats based in Cunnamulla, Chinchilla, Bourke, Moree and various other outback communities, and now the charity is seeking interest in Nyngan.
Dr Toby Ford from Outback Rowing is hoping community members looking for a fun way to get fit will jump aboard the program and have a go.
If there is sufficient interest, Outback Rowing will provide the boat and also some expertise with the aim of fostering community spirit, competition and even rowing talent.
“Our overarching vision is to improve the wellbeing of rural Australians by encouraging them to participate in organised sport. This takes a multipronged approach with five overlapping actions,” Dr Ford said.
“First, we founded the regatta series in 2021, with two unique racing styles - a sprint and head racing held over two consecutive days in the two rivalrous communities of Longreach and Barcaldine in western Queensland.”
“The regatta itself is growing in numbers, with an increase in boats coming to compete year on year. We have clubs bringing their nominated crews, alumni crews reuniting for the event and of course, our orphans who are individuals wanting to come and be involved. Everyone is welcome.”
“Our event being held in Longreach and Barcaldine is unique, as both towns are a long way from anywhere, with competitors and friends travelling some 1300km from Brisbane by train, plane or automobile to get there. Last year’s Sydney crews drove 1800 kilometres to bring their boats to the show.”
“We now have three great convoys, travelling to our event from across Australia, learning about our rural communities on the way, meeting the locals and participating in social rows along the way.”
“Our third action has been forming outback rowing clubs that sit under the ORA mantle
of administration.
“Last year we formed our first four rural town rowing programs in Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Cunnamulla, and Longreach. Using our own heavy-duty trailer donated by the David McTaggart Foundation, we transported a bank of boats to the clubs to ensure access to quality craft.
“Our Outback Crew, made up of our bush town program members went on to compete in the prestigious Head of the Yarra, proving ‘the bushies’ can compete with the best of them.”
Dr Ford said community members of all ages were welcome to take part in the program.
Outback Rowing has specifically chosen the eight boat, rather than smaller sculls or fours, to foster the spirit of working together.
“We have groups of women who all have small children at home but want a fun and competitive way to get fit, or men who might have rowed when they were at school or university and have returned to rural areas and have given it up because there was no local opportunity.”
Dr Ford said Outback Rowing would assist the community to find a local sponsor which could help with expenses to get the boat to Nyngan and then to Barcaldine for the regatta.
“In some communities that me the local council, the gym, a community member, the local pub – anyone who has an interest in fostering the sport locally.”
Read More: Nyngan