The rowing club received an injection of $95,898 in funding as part of Federation Council’s Stronger Community Grant Program late last year.
With the money the club has installed a commercial kitchen, a new keyless rear entry system, upgraded all the electrical work, and plan to have the gym floor refurbished, the floors recoated and the security and CCTV upgraded before the season commences.
Corowa Rowing Club treasurer, Stacey Eyers, said the refurbishments will be welcome improvements to a shed that was originally built in 2008 for a grand total of $75,000.
“Pretty much all the labour was donated when we first built the shed – we tried to do everything frugally.
“We got our original security system for a dollar.
“These refurbishments will certainly improve their experience of members and the community when they come down here.”
For a club that hosts large groups of people for the regatta, while also sharing the space for other sporting clubs’ events, the installation of the commercial kitchen, which includes three new fridges, was one of the key area of upgrade.
“We offer the space to service and sporting clubs so often we’re catering for the footy club season launch, the rotary club, the lions club and others,” Ms Eyers said.
“We feed about 200 people for a dinner we do in mid-January when all the rowers come up from Melbourne.
“Now with the new kitchen, it will make things a hell of a lot easier when hosting those sorts of things.”
The club began the renovation in April this year and is hoping it will all be completed in time when the season commences in October.
Open day
The Corowa Rowing Club is having their open day on Sunday, October 13, where people of all ages are welcome to come try their hand at the sport.
Free sausages, coffee and icy poles will be on offer from 9.30am – 12noon at the location of their shed, 894 Bridge Rd, Corowa.
The day also marks the beginning of their Learn to Row Program, which is a three week program for $30 that will be deducted from your membership fee if you decide to join after your completion.
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