The historic Grafton Rowing Club Boatshed is once again a sparkling centrepiece on the banks of the Clarence River with the restoration of the 143-year-old building officially open as part of the city's annual regatta.
Grafton Rowing Club was awarded $3.76 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Government through the Disaster Recovery Fund Arrangements. A co-contribution was also provided from the Grafton Rowing Club for the restoration.
The redevelopment features a covered public viewing deck with an adjoining café and function room, complete with kitchenette and bathroom facilities.
The café and deck complement the new waterfront footpath and adjoining Memorial Park, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for the community.
The stunning river views can be captured from the multi-purpose function room, while upgrades to the lower-level Rowers Boathouse and new flood-mitigation measures enhance both functionality and resilience.
The new upper-level facilities have been designed outside the 1-in-100-year flood zone, ensuring long-term flood protection and usability.
Other resilience works include the levelling of floors to allow easier cleaning after a flood and installation of a new flexible boat racking system which allow boats to be stored during moderate flood events.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"This restored boatshed shows how disaster recovery funding can help protect local heritage while giving the community a stronger, more resilient space to come together on the Clarence River.
"By pairing modern floor mitigation measures with new community facilities, this project supports Grafton's recovery in a way that keeps people safe while enhancing daily life along the waterfront.
"Investments like this ensure that recovery delivers long term benefits, with infrastructure that preserves local history, boosts recreation and stands up to future natural disasters."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
"Grafton Rowing Club, established in 1882, has a proud history and continues to play an integral role within the Grafton community.
"The redevelopment of the historic Boatshed has delivered modern rowing facilities, a covered public viewing deck, café and multi-purpose function room, all offering exceptional views of the Clarence River.
"These enhancements support rowing and other sporting events while providing a versatile community space for gatherings, meetings and celebrations.
"The restoration reinforces the club's ongoing commitment to the community and ensures this historic site remains a vibrant social and sporting landmark for generations to come."
Quotes attributable to Minister for NSW North Coast Janelle Saffin:
"We are building back better where we can to help create more resilient communities.
"Facilities like this Boatshed are critical for bringing communities together and creating recreational opportunities. It's great to see it restored better than ever."
Quotes attributable to Rowing Australia Sport Development Manager Ron Batt:
"Rowing Australia is fully committed to fostering and enhancing the sport of rowing across the nation and we believe that the new Boatshed will not only benefit the Grafton Rowing Club, but also the broader rowing community in Australia.
"Rowing Australia fully support the concept of the Grafton Rowing Club becoming a regional rowing centre of excellence, a place where athletes from all background can thrive and achieve their full potential in rowing".
Quotes attributable to Grafton Rowing Club President Michael Collins:
"Grafton Rowing Club is very grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for supporting this incredible initiative.
"We are proud to partner with the government in supporting the Grafton community, building resilience and positive engagement in response to our recent natural disasters.
"The club is proud of its rowing heritage and continues to enhance the sport of rowing for both beginners and the elite, of all ages and with any experience. We offer weekly school sport rowing, learn-to-row programs, social rowing and full-scale competitive rowing.
"We are thrilled to open our new facility, to support and enrich the locals and visitors alike, as well as broadening the opportunities of all rowing enthusiasts in the area".
