A ripple. A flash of red. That’s the Glebe Rowing Club. Right before you.
Glebe Rowing Club. It’s more than just a place to row. It’s a piece of Sydney’s history. Established in July 1879 this club is the third oldest continuously operating rowing club on Sydney Harbour. Nestled on Blackwattle Bay it’s been at its current location at the foot of Ferry Street since day one.
Did you know Glebe welcomed labourers as members? Unlike other clubs of the time. That was progressive for its day. Sir George Wigram Allen the first mayor of Glebe and Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly became its first president. Robert Clark brother of Sydney Rowing Club’s captain was the first captain.
In its early years Glebe was a powerhouse. Winning 24 out of 260 races between 1880 and 1890. But not without its share of dramatic events. In 1897 fire destroyed the boathouse and all the boats. The club rebuilt. They claimed insurance. They were back in action months later. Fifty-seven pounds later.
The early 1900s saw successes but also internal conflicts. A decision to help fund members’ participation in interstate crews caused quite the stir. Several committee members resigned. Imagine the meetings.
More fires followed. A second devastating fire in 1953 destroyed everything again. The club was dormant until 1957. The club had to work to overcome financial difficulties in the mid 1990s. It almost didn’t survive. It lost its original shed. A restaurant took over the upper floor. The Sydney University Women’s Rowing Club took the shed. Kim Mackney a dedicated member and later president kept the club afloat. He was the sole member from 1994 to 2004. He later oversaw its revival and securing a new shed next to the Ferry Road boathouse.
The Glebe Rowing Club. It’s a testament to community spirit. A story of resilience against the odds. A place where champions are made. Not just Olympic champions like Kim Mackney and Islay Lee but also world champions like George Cook and Graham Gardiner. Generations of rowers have left their mark here. They keep the story of the Glebe Rowing Club alive. Their spirit still rides the waves of Blackwattle Bay.