Regatta returns

Rowers from across the state will show their skills and speed at the Wimmera River, Dimboola this weekend for the town’s annual regatta.

The event is returning for the first time since 2019 after COVID-19 disruptions and floods affected river water levels last year.

Dimboola Rowing Club president and regatta secretary Michael Salter said the club was looking forward to hosting the event again.

“Several clubs across Victoria have entered the regatta and while numbers are down compared with 2019 due to a lot of factors, it’s going to be a great event,” he said.

“Wimmera Catchment Management Authority is letting some water flow down so the river will be at max height, which is good for rowing and good for spectators.

“The regatta doesn’t belong to the club; it belongs to the town, with people needing accommodation and food, so businesses benefit, too.

“It’s an important weekend for the community and we encourage people from across the Wimmera

to attend, enjoy the social atmosphere and what should be good weather.”

Mr Salter said there were 68 different categories available across the weekend.

“There are different classes, male and female races, singles, doubles, fours and eights, so we cater for a large number of races,” he said.

Saturday will feature short course sprints, with two premier races of the male open coxed quad skull and female open coxed quad skull.

Sunday is the ‘Head of the Wimmera’ – a 6.2-kilometre time trial that begins at Rocky Bend.

Dimboola Rowing Club life member John Nichols said there was a lot of history with the regatta.

“It is the 10th annual ‘Head of the Wimmera’ and 133rd annual regatta,” he said.

“We haven’t had a regatta in four years, so it’s been a tough time for the club, but we are expecting people from across Victoria to come to Dimboola for the weekend.”

Racing begins about 8.30am and will conclude late afternoon each day.