Dimboola Rowing Club has christened a new boat after long-serving member Adrian Werner.

In the event at the clubrooms tonight, which incorporated the annual presentations and sponsors' dinner, a 27-kilogram double scull/pair was named AJ Werner. Adrian joined the Dimboola Rowing Club in 1959 during his first year of high school after rowing for Lochiel house. He has filled several roles within the club and was made a life member in 1994.

Adrian and Diane Werner are pictured breaking a bottle of champagne over the boat "AJ Werner'. The $22,000 boat replaces a boat that was purchased in 1972 for $970.



DRC member Ivan Kuhne also made a presentation to Club Captain Lyn McDonald thisevening; a framed record of the club's 36 boats that have been named after members since forming in 1882. Ivan said that the research had taken around five years and was collated to the best of his knowledge, they are pictured with the list of boats.

DRC President Barry Brown thanked the volunteers at the club, saying he appreciated the voluntary work that is given for the club to run.

"I really appreciated the committee I have working under me," Barry said, "I thank those that worked hard to organise the regatta, and the sponsors that have donated to the club and enabled us to run our annual regatta. It's very much appreciated."

Club Captain Lyn McDonald spoke of the success the club's Masters mixed quad continues to enjoy, winning gold medals with the line-up of Bill Thomson, Coleen Bouts, John Nichols and herself, as well as rowing with other teams around the state. She then presented the 2014-15 season's awards.

John Nichols was announced the Most Successful Oarsman with Bill Thomson the Runner-Up. Coleen Bouts and Lyn McDonald were the joint Most Successful Oarswomen, while relatively new member and club Treasurer Peter Hughes was named Best Clubperson.

In his closing remarks, Barry said that new members were more than welcome at the club.

"We have members down here most Sundays, we want people to feel free to come and try rowing. Our members are here to help and teach new rowers. As a club we are committed to supporting new members, we have just christened the AJ Werner, which is a lighter boat designed for women and schoolgirls. We encourage everyone to bring their kids and their grandkids down to learn how to row and enjoy the sport," Barry said.



The 2014-15 season's award winners, from left, Bill Thomson, Peter Hughes, Lyn McDonald, John Nichols, Coleen Bouts, President Barry Brown and Masters Coach Ian Barry.