Rowathon raises oar-some funds for Rescue Helicopter

Emma Pritchard

The Grafton Rowing Club’s annual Rowathon, held on June 26 in support of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, raised more than $1000 for the invaluable community service.

More than 80 rowers and paddlers in 31 boats took to the waters of the Clarence River and completed their choice of an 8km or 18km course around Susan and Elizabeth Islands respectively.

Grafton Rowing Club Treasurer and event coordinator Don Noble said entrants participated in single, double and quad rowing sculls, canoes, kayaks and a dragon boat, and helped to raise $1020 for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in total.

Describing the money as a substantial amount, Mr Noble was thrilled the event was able to go ahead after being cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Photo 1: The Grafton Rowing Club’s annual Rowathon raised $1020 for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. Image: Contributed