Today we farewell our Chief Executive Officer, Rob Prescott. Rob commenced full time with Rowing Tasmania in November 2013 as the Rowing Development Officer after a part-time stint in the role. He went on to become the inaugural Executive Officer in February 2016 and continued in this role, transitioning it to Chief Executive Officer in 2023.

Rob, in conjunction with the Board, Rowing Australia and our many dedicated volunteers, has worked effectively as CEO to bring our organisation into the new environment facing sporting organisations.

Under Rob’s stewardship many thousands of rowers have competed in local and statewide regattas with many going on to compete successfully at National and International level. 

The continued development of the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course facility is testimony to Rob’s successful efforts in gaining grants and in managing the extensive work the infrastructure requires.

Working collaboratively with others, Rob has been instrumental in bringing national events to our magnificent rowing venue  with Lake Barrington hosting the 2021, 2025 and next year’s 2026 Australian Rowing Championships. Outside of the Sydney International Rowing Centre, Lake Barrington is the only venue to host the ARC two years running, due to the huge success of the 2025 event, which was the largest ARC ever held. 

After a hiatus of seven years, the Australian Masters Rowing Championships returned to Lake Barrington in 2018, followed by 2024 and will also be held in 2028. 

Over the last decade, the changes required to manage a State Sporting Organisation have increased ten-fold with funding tied to meeting governance requirements and Rob has placed Rowing Tasmania in a solid position to continue strengthening the organisation's performance in this regard.

The last 12 months have been challenging for Rob, with the death of his wife, Victoria, earlier this year and the removal of a brain tumour in the final month of his tenure. His focus now is on his own recovery and enjoying what retirement brings.

Rob leaves a legacy that will be remembered for many years to come, and we wish him well in his future endeavours. 

  - Tina Maher & the Board of Rowing Tasmania