Rowing
It has been my privilege to lead this program for a second season, and I believe that the rowing program and our rowers have taken another leap forward.
This program could not run, nor be as successful and create such a wonderful environment, without our coaching team. This year the coaching group was led by the fantastic coordination team of Meshi Seymour-Pessah, Alex Somerville and Eyrin McCarthy. These three put in a significant amount of work to develop a program that was conducive to making big improvements both on and off the water.
Combining the dedication of our coaches and coordinators, the students were able to follow a strong example. The coaches are the backbone of the program, and see the rowers in their moments of triumph, adversity, frustration, happiness, and always seem to catch the shenanigans too. This relationship requires and builds trust, and it is with this trust that the rowers have opportunities to fail, but always get back up to try again.
Through these experiences, our rowers are developing important skills that extend well beyond rowing and into their lives at school and beyond.
The rowers have performed some incredible feats this year, and should all be proud of what they have accomplished. It should also be clear that no success felt within the club happens in a vacuum. Every rower, coxswain and coach plays a part in keeping the whole program progressing, and the drive and effort of one has a ripple effect across the squads.
Every athlete has shown that they embody the MGC Rowing qualities of passionate but patient, driven but supportive, enthusiastic and empathetic. Each person has given up at least 260 hours this season, and that is a huge commitment. I hope that this season of rowing has given every athlete a glimpse at what hard work can lead to, and I hope that whether you return next season or not, you take these lessons throughout your lives.
It is also important to mention that without the tireless effort of Toni Prime and the Rowing Parents’ Committee, all our major fundraisers, events and just general ‘aura’ at regattas would be significantly reduced or limited. Toni and the Rowing Parents’ Committee see to the preparation, organisation and delivery of all our major events, and the additional support provided to rowers at them. From food at the Ergathon, to the awesome decorations at the HOSG Parents’ tent, the Parents’ Committee is across it all. Toni has been the glue that has kept the parents going and is constantly pushing for this program to be better, from a community perspective, and from a student support perspective.
I would also like to thank Kate Nicholls, Raewen Orpen, Ivan Wang, Kate Marshall, Nancy Sandilands and Beth Barrass, who have been helping throughout the season in different ways to keep the program moving.
MGC Rowing Presentation Night 2025
On Friday 15 May, the Melbourne Girls’ College rowing community gathered to enjoy our annual Presentation Night. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the achievements of our talented rowers.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie as we recognised the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaches. It was a night to remember, highlighting the spirit of teamwork and the passion that drives our rowing program.
Season Awards
At the conclusion of each season, it is a tradition to honour several members of the rowing community with awards based on votes from their fellow athletes and coaches. This year, the recipients were:
Intermediate of the Season: Ella Moulton
Junior of the Season: Winnie Wilson
Cox of the Season: Eve Howie
Most Improved: Heidi Quinlan
Head of the Yarra and Club Spirit Award: Eleanor Scoullar
Crew of the Season: Senior Division 2 Eight
New Coach of the Season: Anna Byrne Coach of the Season: Amelie Lay
Learn to Row
Learn to Row has officially started for our Year 8 students, kicking off the rowing calendar. Pre-season training for our Inters and Seniors will begin later in Term Two. We are excited about the upcoming season and the camaraderie that comes with representing our school. Our dedicated rowers continue to inspire us with their passion, and we cannot wait to support them as they aim for new achievements on the water next season.
Graham Smith
Director of Rowing
MGC Rowing Parents Committee
The MGC Rowing Parents Committee wrapped up the 2025/2026 rowing season with our annual Rowing Raffle during Rowing Presentation Night. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for their amazing support, with many rowing families and local businesses generously donating prizes.
The raffle has now been drawn, and most winners have already collected their prizes. Don’t forget to check the link for the published list of winners: https://rafflelink.com.au/mgcrowing26
A huge thank you to the wonderful families and businesses that helped make this raffle such an exciting experience for everyone. We also greatly appreciate everyone who purchased tickets. Your support truly makes a difference to our program, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on our athletes in the upcoming season.
A great season is not just about what happens on the water; it is also about the incredible support from our community behind the scenes. We would like to take a moment to recognise and thank our parent community for their invaluable contributions.
A huge thank you to our Director of Rowing, Graham Smith, for his unwavering support this season. His passion and commitment have helped create a fantastic sense of community within the squad.
The Rowing Parents Committee would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who volunteered at our events, from baking croissants for the Ergathon to setting up marquees at regattas. This season has been filled with a wide range of activities, and the energy and encouragement from everyone involved have made it truly memorable.
We are excited to welcome new parents as their Year 8 students begin the Learn to Row program. If your child continues with rowing, we invite you to join our Rowing Parents Committee. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents, enhance your school experience and help build a strong community. Be sure to check Compass for updates on our season launch and the first Rowing Parents meeting for 2026.
We are excited to follow the incredible journey of our dedicated rowers. Their hard work and passion are truly inspiring, and we look forward to supporting their progress and achievements on the water next season.
We look forward to meeting you.
MGC Rowing Parents Committee