Episode #34
The Ripple Effect: Rowing, Belonging and the Bush
What happens when you take a sport traditionally associated with city rivers, school boat sheds and fiercely competitive regattas - and put it in the middle of the Australian outback? You get something that is about far more than rowing. In this episode of Letters from Home , Amanda speaks with farmer, former Brisbane Grammar boarder and President of Outback Rowing Australia, David Counsell. David shares how rowing first captured him during his final year at Brisbane Grammar, how the Vikings Rowing Club helped spark the idea of taking boats west, and how a recreational lake at Barcaldine became part of an ambitious movement to make rowing accessible across rural and remote Australia. They talk about the extraordinary benefits of rowing for physical and mental wellbeing, the friendships and sense of belonging that grow around a crew, and why rowing doesn't have to end when a country child leaves boarding school and comes home. David also puts out a challenge to boarding families: if you love rowing, bring your kids and their mates west during the school holidays and become part of the Australian Outback Rowing Regatta. And if your own country town has a suitable stretch of water, perhaps your community could be next. The 2026 Australian Outback Rowing Regatta and Convoy runs from 30 September to 5 October, combining the journey through regional Queensland with racing at Barcaldine and Longreach. Outback Rowing describes its mission as improving health, wellbeing and social connection in rural and remote communities by making rowing accessible, inclusive and community driven. LINKS Outback Rowing Australia — website, events and getting involved Churchie — Anglican Church Grammar School Brisbane Grammar School To find your nearest Outback Rowing community - or to put your hand up to help establish one - Outback Rowing also welcomes enquiries from first-time rowers, returning rowers, schools and supporters.
