Wellington Rowing Club held its Annual General Meeting for 2026 on 23 August, with 36 members attending to reflect on the past season and look ahead to another busy year on and off the water.

Club President Chris Jones opened the meeting by acknowledging the many people who contribute to keeping WRC running, from coaches and committee members to volunteers and the wider alumni community. Particular thanks went to Club Captain Sarah Cutten for her dedication and hard work, Treasurer Nina Barton for her meticulous management of the club’s finances, and Brad Carter for his ongoing financial guidance and support.

The club also celebrated some significant achievements over the past year, including the arrival of its new truck – a major project involving Brad, Terry Burke, Deidre Burke and Paul Smart – and the ongoing work of Matt Kenny in maintaining the club’s coach boats and equipment. Alumni generosity was also recognised, with contributions helping support the club’s scholarship fund and equipment purchases, including a new four/quad due to arrive at the end of September.

Looking ahead, the club will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen its fleet, investing in coach development and volunteer retention, and strengthening athlete pathways through programmes such as Row For Gold, the Development Hub and Learn to Row.

The AGM also recognised the importance of maintaining WRC’s welcoming and supportive culture, while finding ways to make rowing more accessible and improve member retention. Youth and safety will be another focus, including strengthening protections for young people and developing opportunities for youth who are not affiliated with schools.

Financially, the club finished 2025 with healthy reserves of around $195,000, although it recorded a $14,000 loss as operating costs increased, membership numbers fell and function centre income declined. The Board approved a $100 increase in annual subscriptions, alongside a 3% reduction in the budget. There are several working groups looking at ways to mitigate these losses, particularly with respect to increasing function centre income.

Several constitutional amendments were also approved, covering areas including alumni membership, the process for selling equipment, and dual-club membership for Board directors.

The meeting concluded with elections for vacant positions on the Club Committee and Club Board. Chris Jones was returned for a second term as Club President); Madison Farrelly was elected as Vice Club Captain). Shay Ostenberry was elected as Club Secretary. Nina Barton was re-elected as Club Treasurer. Onslow College’s Reuben Andrews was elected as the school rower committee representative.

Article added: Tuesday 25 August 2026