What's VOWA?
The Purpose of VOWA, The Victorian Oarsmen and Womens Association Incorporated, is to promote, maintain and renew old associations, and to enhance the spirit existing amongst those who have participated in the sport of rowing, as well as to foster, improve, and perpetuate the sport of amateur rowing and sculling in all legitimate ways, including the assistance of amateur rowing and all interstate and international crews and scullers.
History Overview
On Thursday, 9 September 1937, at the Amateur Sports Club, a group of 21 former oarsmen, members of Victorian rowing clubs, met at the suggestion of the Victorian Rowing Association committee to form an association similar in character to those which has been in existence several years in two other states. On 14 October 1937, also at the club, an inaugural meeting was held, and a constitution and rules were presented and adopted. The Old Oarsmen’s Association was formed. Go to the history page for more details.
Tom Rodda Award
Annually, we pay recognition to a member whom has presented excellence in service to the sport of rowing, by awarding The Tom Rodda Award. The nominee is expected to have made a lasting and significant contribution to the sport of rowing.
