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Catchlines - 27 January 2026

Happy New Year to all - We hope everyone had a relaxing Christmas and New Year break !

Just a reminder that the ERC bar has reopened for the year, opening times are the same as last year, being every Thursday evenings from 4pm - 8pm (subject to the availability of volunteer staff). 

We have also scheduled our first Thursday Night Dinner for the year, which will be held on Thursday, 26th February, to cheer on our athletes who will heading to Lake Wendouree, Ballarat for the RV State Championships 27th-29th February. The dinner is to be hosted by the Master's Squad with menu details to follow.

Thanks again to everyone who attended our wine tasting night last year. The votes have been counted and our new premium wine range is now available over the bar. Come down and try one or more of the new wines (sold by the bottle only).

Adult Learn2Row:

You may see some new faces down at the club in the coming weeks, with the Adult Learn2Row program recommencing after a break of more than a year. 

The February course has 6 participants, who are mainly parents of current ERC junior members. The course will run from 9am-10.30am on 4 consecutive Saturday mornings from 31st January. Both the February and March (8 participants) courses are now sold out. Dates and details of further courses are to be confirmed. 

Contacts for the Adult Learn2Row are Lisa Gandolfo lisagandolfo24@gmail.com and Judy Armstrong secretary@essrc.com

Expressions of Interest - Introduction to coaching:

Expressions of interest are open to all members and parents who might be interested in coaching rowing. This in-house course, to be held from 9am-12pm on Saturday, 14th March, is aimed at those who have never coached before or have started their rowing coaching journey.

The course is broken up into 2 parts:

  • The role of the coach, and;
  • introduction to the rowing technique.

Further information will be provided closer to the time, depending on number of members / parents who are interested in attending.

Register your interest via this link Coaching or contact Chris Hammon on 0447 474 027 if you should have any questions.

Afton Street bridge temporary closure:
Afton Street bridge content

With sunny summer days perfect for getting outside, more people are out and about walking, running and cycling.  

If you enjoy a trip around the Maribyrnong trail, please be aware that the Afton Street Pedestrian Bridge will be closed for three weeks from Monday, 2 February. 

The bridge will be closed while essential safety inspections and maintenance are carried out, including checking and testing the support cables and completing routine upkeep. 

The temporary closure means residents will need to plan ahead and adjust their routes.  

Afton Street bridge content

Detour map around Afton Street Pedestrian Bridge temporary closure.

While the Afton Street Pedestrian bridge is closed, it’s a great opportunity to mix up your usual routine and explore some of the many walking and cycling trails across the municipality.

You can find inspiration and plan your next walk or ride by visiting the MVCC walking and cycling page.

Rutherglen & Barwon regattas:

Mother Nature hasn't been too kind to us so far this year, with both days of the Rutherglen regatta and the second day of the Barwon regatta being cancelled due to fire danger and smoke from bush fires.

Well done to Millie Delaney and Emma Stevenson (coached by Barry, Glenn and Ben) who did manage to get a race in on the Saturday in Barwon, coming 2nd in the Heat and 3rd in the Final of the Female School Double Scull Open Division. 

Ballarat regatta wrap up:
Ballarat content
Ballarat content

Well done to all who competed in the recent Ballarat regatta !

MU214+    Essendon/Mercantile
O.Douez [MERC], V.Sallabank [MERC], N.Andrew [MERC], R.Davey, Cox: M.Durham [MERC], Coaches: E.Ryan, S.Rowe

Heat 2

-

B Final

-

MLW2-

I.Sirotic, M.Jacka, Coach: M.Dwyer

Final

5th

Mercantile/Essendon
T.Fitzpatrick, J.Roberts [MERC], Coaches: S.Rowe, M.Dwyer

Final

4th

FLW1X

R.Hatherley

Final

4th

F.Spano

Final

1st

Z.Mason

Final

2nd

S.Robe

Final

6th

MU211X
R.Davey

Heat 2

2nd

Final

3rd

MLW4-    Barwon/Essendon
M.Jacka, I.Sirotic, C.Tomczak [BARW], T.Hastings [BARW]

Final

-

FO4X-
S.Robe, R.Hatherley, F.Spano, Z.Mason

Final

2nd

MLW1X
T.Fitzpatrick, Coach: M.Dwyer

Final

2nd

MM4X+    Hamilton Composite
T.Juzefowicz, A.Leehane [WENDB], T.Wise [WENDB], J.Frichot [HRC], Cox: A.Grima [BTCCL]

Final

1st

MB4+    Essendon/Bendigo
J.Everton [BRC], L.Sirotic, H.Brady, L.Bird, Cox: E.Stevenson

Final

5th

MM4X-    Hamilton Composite
T.Juzefowicz, A.Leehane [WENDB], T.Wise [WENDB], J.Frichot [HRC]

Final

2nd

Mc4x+    Essendon/Bendigo
J.Everton [BRC], L.Sirotic, H.Brady, L.Bird, Cox: E.Stevenson 

Final

1st

Merchandise orders:

For anyone wanting to order a new 776BC zootie, could you please email Ellen McSweeney  ellenlouisemcs@gmail.com

To open a window with 776BC we need a minimum of 10 items, so there could be a bit of a delay while we get the numbers needed. If you are needing a zootie  urgently it would be best to order from Simply Oarsome, as they will fill individual orders. You can purchase "club kit" through this link on their website Simply Oarsome Club Kit

Captain's Team Safety tips:
We feel it necessary to repeat an earlier newsletter tip in relation to the very warm rowing conditions over Summer.
 
Please ensure all rowers are following the tips below when both training and competing at regattas over the coming season:
  • Stay hydrated before, during and after training. NOTE: metal drink bottles are not to be used in our boats due to the damage they cause in the hulls. Please use plastic or rubber treated containers.
  • Apply sunscreen and reapply during the day when at regattas or long training sessions. Don't forget to apply it to face, neck, legs and arms! Club sunscreen is available in the gym at the sign in area and will be taken to regattas.
  • Wear lightweight long sleeve clothing as added sun protection.
  • Always wear a hat or visor.
  • Sunglasses are preferred to avoid eye damage (optional)
  • Keep in the shade of our tents or trees where possible when not rowing. 
It is your responsibility to look after yourself from the sun. You may not see the damage it is doing now, but it will definitely show over time!
 
Happy and safe rowing!
Welcome to new member:

Welcome to new member Emmy Fitzpatrick, who joined the Junior Girls Squad in late November. Emmy is the daughter of Karen and Anthony Fitzpatrick, and sister of Tyler.

Member profile - Lucas Mills:
  Lucas Mills
 

Q: How long have you been a rower? 

A: I have been a rower/member since 1998 when I first started rowing

Q: What is your favourite regatta? 

A: My favourite regatta will always be Rutherglen

Q: What is your most memorable rowing experience?

A: Its definitely a tie between winning the Mens B 8 at Head of the Yarra and also at State Champs

Q: Do you have any rowing ambitions for the future? 

A: Going by the size of me I should really get back in a boat, but also happy being a member and helping out where I'm needed

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? 

A: Spending time with the kids, and when possible cooking new recipes I see on the internet or in magazines

2026 Windy Hill membership:
  Windy Hill membership
 

Just a reminder if you haven't already done so, to register for your free Windy Hill Venue membership.

There are some great benefits to this membership including discounted food and drink offers. Signing up is a very simple process ... click here to register or download a copy of the registration form (which will need to be returned to the Windy Hill reception for processing). 

Please note that due to privacy requirements, if you are already receiving communication from the Windy Hill Venue you still need to reregister.

Events calendar:

Thursday, 26th February - State Championships dinner

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