Big build-up for regatta

Anticipation is building and most accommodation in Dimboola is booked out ahead of this weekend’s 131st annual Dimboola Regatta.

Dimboola Rowing Club members have worked hard to ensure the event, which has attracted entries from across Victoria and interstate, is a success.

Club captain Jenni Brand said the town would play host to 257 athletes for Saturday’s 750-metre regatta, with 205 rowers set to compete in Sunday’s 6.2-kilometre Head of the Wimmera time trial.

She said numbers were up slightly from last year.

“We’ve got entries from Bendigo, Corio Bay, Essendon, Hamilton, Horsham, Nagambie, quite a few Melbourne clubs and a few from South Australia,” she said.

“From our own club we’ve got 18 entries, which is the most we’ve had for quite a number of years.

“In the girls races, Horsham and Dimboola will be competing against each other, which is fantastic.”

Racing on Saturday will start at 8am and conclude at about 6pm.

The Head of the Wimmera time trials will start at 11am and finish by 1pm on Sunday.

Ms Brand said anticipation for the regatta was building in Dimboola.

“It’s always a huge weekend for the locals,” she said.

“A lot of people come home for the weekend and enjoy the racing.

“Most of the accommodation is booked out, so it has raised a good bit of income for the town.”

Ms Brand said club members had worked tirelessly to prepare for the regatta.

“It’s been a big couple of weeks,” she said. “Being a smaller club, we rely on everyone to do more than one job.”

An egg and bacon breakfast will be available on both days, with a barbecue from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and a barbecue lunch at the finish of racing on Sunday.

A two-course meal will be available for $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under on Saturday night.

Limited meals are available, and those wanting to reserve a place can call Pauline Thompson on 0408 891 415.