Rowing WA officially opens Champion Lakes Rowing Centre, Armadale

Large numbers braved sweltering conditions to attend Champion Lakes Regatta Centre as Rowing WA officially opened its brand new Rowing Centre facility.

Dignitaries and special guests, including Federal, State and Local MP’s, as well as Mr Linton Reynolds the former City of Armadale Mayor, were on hand to celebrate the occasion which marked the culmination of much determination and hard work.

Rowing WA’s President Craig James said the construction of a brand new, world class Champion Lakes facility was critical for  the future prosperity of WA rowing.

“The decision by Rowing WA to construct these facilities at Champion Lakes was not difficult based on the need for further storage facilities and the strong belief in the important role Champion Lakes Regatta Centre can play in the future of the sport in WA”.

Mr James also praised previous Rowing WA management for their efforts in ensuring a healthy financial foundation was in place for future endeavours.

“As the custodians of the Association's significant funds,   built up by the efforts over decades of successive management groups, the Rowing WA Board and Management Committee of 2007 were acutely aware of the magnitude of the decision to apply those funds to this project”.

The final cost of the facility, which originally envisaged a three-bay facility, was expanded to add two additional bays to the single Champion Lakes Boating Club , the Mezzanine viewing area and finally the installation of a lift to service the upper level which is anticipated shortly, was $1.4 million.

This sum was funded with a grant of $226,000 from the Department of Sport and Recreation's Community Sport and Recreation Facility Fund, as well as a grant of $50,000 from the City of Armadale. The balance was provided by Rowing WA.

Of the $1.15 million contributed by Rowing WA almost $500,000.00 was funded by the sale of the Naval Base property purchased by the Association using the $60,000 profit from the last Australian Rowing Championships conducted in Western Australia in 1995.

Mr James noted it was fitting the official opening of the Champion Lakes Rowing Centre was held on the eve of the 2012 Australian Rowing Championships,  to be held on  Champion Lakes from 5 to 11 March 2012.

On hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility with RWA President Craig James was Andrea Mitchell MLA representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation.  Ms Mitchell congratulated Rowing WA for its tangible support to the future success of Champion Lakes Regatta Centre.

Ms Mitchell,  the  member  for Kingsley, is no stranger to sports’ facilities requirements through her roles as former President of Tennis West for 12 years, as well as a Director of Tennis Australia and the Hopman Cup.

For more information about the 2012 Australian Rowing Championships incorporating the  Interstate Regatta visit www.rowingwa.asn.au