Annual Report 2011/2012

Transcription

1 For Fun or Fast

2 Front cover photographs sourced from Sharon Swoboda

3 Table of Contents Office Bearers 2011/ Acknowledgments 5 Staff 5 Affiliated Clubs 2011/ Membership for 2011/ Membership Breakdown 6 High Performance Results 7 Sprint 7 Marathon 8 Slalom 9 Victorian representatives on National Teams 9 Presidents Report 10 Facilities Strategic Plan 10 Budget 10 Paddlepower 10 Disciplines 11 Acknowledgements 11 Last word 11 Finance Report 12 Canoeing Victoria Overview 13 High Performance 13 Membership Review 13 On-line membership 13 Membership services 13 Education, training and safety 13 Come and Try Day s 14 Marketing and Communications 14 Community Development 14 Youth Participation 15 Competition Development 15 Governance / Advocacy 15 Canoe Polo Report 17 Interclub Series 17 Australian National Championships 17 Oceania Championships 17 Junior Development 18 Supporters 18 Canoe Sprint Report 19 Overview 19 Competitions 19 High Performance 19 Development 19 Finances 20 Acknowledgements 20 Marathon Report 21 Committee Aims events 21 Winter Series 21 Financials 21 Summer Series 21 Initiatives for Acknowledgements 22 Wildwater Report Error! Bookmark not defined. Canoe Slalom 23 Financial Statements 25

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5 Office Bearers 2011/2012 Staff June 11 June 12 President Chair Interested Director Interested Director Interested Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Gary Flanigan Tom Hirrschoff Connie Todaro Vacant Vacant Richard Howard Tony Coventry Laurie Chenoweth Executive Officer(s) Andrea Boothroyd & Sharon Swoboda Education Manager Sharon Swoboda Education Development John Moore Manager Equipment Manager John Shields Membership Officer Roz Manester / Cameron Myers Book Keeper Sandra Reaburn Chair Canoe Polo Chair Marathon Manager Sprint Chair Slalom Chair Wildwater Mike Wilson Joe Alia Andrea Boothroyd Mike Lau Gooey Chris Wharton Project Managers Governance and Organisational Development: Junior Participation: (Paddlepower) Indigenous Community Canoeing Sharon Swoboda Andrea Boothroyd Andrea Boothroyd Acknowledgments Canoeing Victoria would also like to acknowledge the strong support provided by the following organisations: Major Supporters VicHealth Department of Community Development (Sport and Recreational Victoria) Australian Government (Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport) Other Supporters / Sponsors: Parks Victoria. YMCA Canoes Plus, Liquid Life Page 5 of 25

6 Affiliated Clubs 2011/2012 Ballarat Amateur Canoe Club Bendigo Canoe Club Canoe Factory Club Canoes Plus Racing Team Cobram-Barooga Canoe Club Echuca-Moama Club Eltham College Canoe Club Essendon Canoe Club Fairfield Canoe Club Footscray Amateur Canoe Geelong Canoe Club Gippsland Kayak Club Ivanhoe-Northcote Canoe Club Kananook Creek Canoe Club Kirinari Kayak Klub Mercantile Kayak Club Melbourne University Mountaineering Club Mildura District Canoe Club Mitta Mitta Canoe Club Melbourne Canoe Club Patterson Lakes Canoe.Club Shepparton Canoe Club Sherbrook Knox Canoe Club Swan Hill Canoe Club Tarwin River Canoe Club Templestowe Canoe Club Victorian Canoe Club Warrnambool Kayak Club Whitehorse Canoe Club Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club Membership for 2011/2012 Membership Breakdown 2011/ /2011 Adult Junior Life 11 6 Lifetime 1 1 Rec Adult Rec Junior School Social Adults Social Juniors 0 78 Volunteers 5 3 Total Page 6 of 25

7 High Performance Results Sprint Sprint National Results Madeleine Batters, Bendigo Canoe Club 3rd - Womens U18 K4 1000m Final Rebecca Mann, Bendigo Canoe Club 1st - Womens U18 K2 200m Final 1st - Womens U18 K2 500m Final 1st - Womens U18 K4 1000m Final 1st - Womens U18 K4 200m Final 1st - Womens U18 K4 500m Final 2nd - Womens U18 K2 1000m Final 3rd - Womens U18 K1 1000m A Final 3rd - Womens U18 K1 200m A Final 3rd - Womens U18 K1 500m A Final Marlena Ahrens, Fairfield Canoe Club 2nd - Womens U23 K1 500m Final 2nd - Womens U23 K2 500m Final 3rd - Womens U23 K1 1000m Final Jennifer Stevens, Fairfield Canoe Club 1st - Womens Open K4 1000m Final George Bradilovic, Footscray Canoe Club 1st - Mens Over 35 K2 1000m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K1 1000m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K4 1000m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K1 500m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K2 500m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K4 500m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K1 200m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K2 200m Final 1st - Mens Over 45 K4 200m Final Ellie Bews, Geelong Canoe Club 1st - Womens U14 K2 200m Final 1st - Womens U14 K2 500m Final 1st - Womens U14 K4 500m Final 2nd - Womens U14 K1 500m Final Emily Bews, Geelong Canoe Club 1st - Womens U23 K1 500m Final 3rd - Womens Open K4 500m A Final 3rd - womens Open K4 200m Final Eliza St Hill, Ivanhoe Northcote Canoe Club 2nd - Womens U23 500m Final Amy Peters, Mitta Mitta Canoe Club 1st - Womens U23 K1 1000m Final 2nd Womens Open K2 1000m A Final 3rd - Womens Open K4 200m Final 3rd - Womens Open K4 500m A Final 3rd - Womens U23 K1 500m A Final Nicholas Byrne, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 2nd - Mens Open K2 5000m Final Jarrad Campbell, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 1st - Mens U18 K4 200m Final 1st - Mens U18 K4 500m A Final 2nd - Mens U18 K2 200m A Final 2nd - Mens U18 K4 1000m Final Kieren Carson, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 1st - Mens U18 K4 200m Final 1st - Mens U18 K4 500m A Final 2nd - Mens U18 K2 200m A Final 2nd - Mens U18 K4 1000m Final 3rd - Mens U18 K1 200m A Final Reid Coutts, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 2nd - Mens Open K2 5000m Final Catherine McArthur, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 1st - Womens Open K4 500m A Final 1st - Womens U23 K1 500m A Final 3rd - Womens Open K4 200m Final Chris Martin, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 1st - Mens U14 K1 1000m Final 1st - Mens U14 K1 500m Final 1st - Mens U14 K1 200m Final Mitchell Pope, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 1st - Mens U18 K4 200m Final 1st - Mens U18 K4 500m A Final 2nd - Mens U18 K4 1000m Final Jessica Silvester, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 3rd - Womens Open K2 1000m A Final Samantha Silvester, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 3rd - Womens U16 K4 1000m Final Kirra Solterbeck, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 3rd - Womens U16 K4 1000m Final 3rd - Womens U16 K4 200m Final Steven Vegh, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 1st - Mens Open C1 5000m Final Nathalie Walkington, Patterson Lakes Canoe Club 2nd - Womens U16 K2 200m Final 2nd - Womens U16 K2 500m Final 2nd - Womens U16 K4 1000m Final 2nd - Womens U16 K4 200m Final 3rd - Womens U16 K2 1000m Final 3rd - Womens U16 K2 2500m Final Kayla Whinray, Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club 3rd - Womens U16 K1 2500m Final Page 7 of 25

8 Marathon National Marathon Vic Results Open Men K1 1 st Michael Leverett Mitta, 2 nd David Cole PLCC, 3 rd Trevor Murray, PLCC Under 23 Men K1 3 rd James Campbell FCC Under 18 Men K1 2 nd Tom Hedditch Mercantile Veteran 45 Men K1 1 st Cameron McGill, PLCC Veteran 50 Men K1, 1 st George Bradilovic,FACC 2 nd Peter Currie, GCC 3 rd John Young INCC Veteran 60 Men K1 1 st Terry Poole GCC Under 14 Boys K1 2 nd Callum Gosbell INCC Under 16 Boys K1 2 nd Edward Lovick INCC Open Women K1 1 st Tegan Fraser Bendigo, 2 nd Amy Peters Mitta Mitta Under 23 Women K1 1 st Marlena Ahrens FCC Under 18 Women K1 1 st Nell Cuthbertson INCC, 2 nd Penny Young INCC Veteran 35 Women K1 2 nd Emma Croser FACC Veteran 50 Women K1 3 rd Sally Miller INCC Veteran 55 Women K1 1 st Suzanne Lipe INCC, 2 nd Debbie Bennett INCC, 3 rd Adele Walker FACC Veteran 60 Women K1 1 st Maggie Vegh PLCC, 2 nd Gayle Burke FACC, 3 rd Terri Hynes, FACC Under 14 Girls K1 1 st Stephanie Langley INCC, 2 nd Sally Ng INCC Under 16 Girls K1 2 nd Kayla Whinray YMACC, 3 rd Chloe De Highden INCC Open Men K2 1 st Michael Leverett Mitta/ Angus Campbell FCC 2 nd Daniel Ryan PLCC / David Cole PLCC, Under 18 Men K2 2 nd Tom Hedditch Mercantile / Tim Arnold Mercantile 3 rd Christopher Grundy / Christopher Smith, FCC Veteran 35 K2 1 st Peter Currie GCC / Tanya Beacham GCC Veteran 40 Men K2 1 st George Bradilovic FACC / Cameron McGill PLCC Veteran 50 K2 2 nd Chris Alger / Steven Vegh PLCC Veteran 60 Men K2 1 st Terry Poole GCC Under 16 Boys K2 1 st Ed Lovick INCC / Alexander Neilson INCC, 2 nd Hamish Young FCC / Peter O'Leary FCC Open Women K2 1 st Catherine McArthur PLCC / Amy Peters Mitta 2 nd Tegan Fraser Bendigo Under 18 Women K2 1 st Penny Young INCC / Nell Cuthbertson INCC Under 14 Girls K2 1 st Stephanie Langley INCC / Sally Ng INCC Under 16 Girls K2 1 st Kayla Whinray YMACC / Kelly Ng INCC 2 nd Chloe De Highden INCC / Maddy Sloan INCC 3 rd Isabella Jenzen INCC / Monika Tencic INCC Veteran 40 Men TK1 3 rd Andrew De Highden, INCC Veteran 50 Men TK1 3 rd Rodney Gange GCC Veteran 60 Men TK1 3 rd Tony McElroy GCC Veteran 45 Men TK2 3 rd Gregory Parker / Rodney Gange GCC Veteran 60 TK2 1 st Tony McElroy GCC / John Lidstone GCC Veteran 50 Women K2 3 rd Maggie Vegh PLCC Page 8 of 25

9 Slalom Slalom National Vic Results 2012 Warwick Draper MCC 1st Mens C1 Open Jaxon Merritt MCC 1st Mens K1 23yrs 2nd Mens C1-23yrs 2nd MC2-Open (Tim Hobbs) Tim Hobbs, MCC 2nd Mens C2-Open (Jaxon Merritt) 2nd Mens K1 23yrs Alastair Anderson - ECC 3 rd Mens K1 23yrs 3rd Mens C1-23yrs Timothy Anderson -ECC 2nd Mens K1 18yrs Chris Fegan -MCC 2nd Mens K1 16yrs Tristan Carter 1st Mens K1 14yrs 1st Mens C1-14yrs Ashley Hobbs 2nd Mens K1 14yrs 2nd Mens C1-14yrs Benjamin Marriott 3rd Mens C1-18yrs Sarah Grant MCC 1st Womens K1 - Open Dita Pahl - CPRT 3rd Womens C1 - Open Maggie Webster - MCC 2nd Womens C1-18yrs 2nd Womens K1-18yrs Eliza Singleton - Bendigo 2nd Womens C1-16yrs 2nd Womens K1-16yrs Victorian representatives on National Teams Australian Slalom Senior / Under 23 Team Warwick Draper K1 Sarah Grant K1 Leanne Guinea C1 Jaxon Merritt K1 ( 2011 Australian Marathon Team Amy Peters James Campbell Angus Campbell Robert Aardoom Tegan Fraser Michael Leverett Trevor Murray 2011/12 Australian Canoe Polo Team Matthew Moore Steve Porter Brooke Honeyman Megan Bishop Mike Wilson Andrew Shearer John Moore Hamish Dugdale Jay Burgess Rebecca Jennings Lori Mills Adele Dave Pillikers Matt Farrington Liam Farrington 2012 Australian U22 Canoe Sprint Team Amy Peters Emily Bews Catherine McArthur 2012 Australian Junior Canoe Sprint Team Rebecca Mann Kieren Carson 2012 Australian Junior Olympic Hopes Canoe Sprint Team Kieren Carson Rebecca Mann Nathalie Walkington VIS Scholarship holders Warwick Draper Sarah Grant Leanne Guinea Jarrad Campbell Madeleine Batters Chris Wharton - FCC 3rd MK1 Grand Masters Page 9 of 25

10 Presidents Report Life is always interesting! The office is busy, busy, busy, administering Canoeing Victoria for the good of our expanding membership and taking advantage of the great support from the State and Federal governments who via funding enable us to achieve aims and objectives beyond our basic membership income. To reiterate however, before we apply for any particular government grant, it is always tested against our stated strategic objectives to ensure that, whilst all grants will bring a level of perceived distraction to our executives and staff time, all grants must align with our objective to increase participation in our sport and to increase club membership. Our projected budget for 2012/2013 assumes, with respect to our income in general and from government Grants in particular, that we will enjoy the same if not higher grant income in the current year as compared to 2011/2012. In 2011/2012 some 50% odd percent of our total income came from government grants. This is attributed to both the excellent submissions that Andrea puts together as well as a high regard for Canoeing Victoria and the ability to deliver from the government departments. For those new to the reality of government support, provided by way government grants, all the government money must, and I say again, must be spent only on achieving those contractually agreed KPI s for which the grant is designed to support. We have no discretion or flexibility to use the funds provided in any one grant to cross subsidize any other activity other than what has been agreed. Facilities Strategic Plan One of our more recent successful grant discussions is aimed at developing a facilities strategic plan with a major emphasis on the development of the river area at Westerfolds Park into a combined Canoe Polo, Sprint and Slalom facility. There is much yet to be done before any funds for construction of the facility might become available but, we are now in the final stages of securing funding (quite considerable really) to engage a consultant for the preparation of the plan and recommendations. To complement this activity, a combined partnership between Canoeing Victoria, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water will see a feasibility study completed in the new financial year for the development of the slalom course at Westerfolds Park. This study will feed directly into the facilities strategic plan and if necessary be implemented in parallel with the broader objectives within the park. The Affiliation Fee issue with Australian Canoeing has finally been resolved. This is a great result but, in truth, the outcome had little to do with any objections or protests that CV made to AC albeit contributing to the growing unrest by all the states to revisit the status quo. The result was achieved by an AC Board member designing a funding model that seems to achieve the desired results. From me personally, well done AC! Budget As always it is no mean achievement to balancing the budget but an action that gives all a great sense of comfort none the less. As budgeted, we again made a slight profit. Our changed financial situation is due, in no small part to the abundance of water and the related increase in membership numbers. Another reason for our improved finances was the effort by Board members to run various fundraising events and I thank those members who had the time and energy, to actively assist with those events. Canoe Polo, on the day of the AGM, staffing a Bunnings stall sausage sizzle with the purpose of raising funds for the Polo discipline in general but, more specifically, to offer some financial assists to our international competitors, to attend international competitions. Paddlepower Speaking of becoming financially self sufficient, CV have, as was reported last year, acquired a program Paddle Power - from the UK equivalent of AC. This program, which is designed to increase participation by young persons, is being trailed up at Mildura but, it needs additional staffing support to expand the spread and penetration. Only time will tell whether it lives up to expectations but, we have high hopes for the program. Page 10 of 25

11 Disciplines Andrea will once again be managing the Sprint Discipline in the forthcoming year. It is a high priority for the Board that the Sprint discipline is developed, becomes a strong and viable discipline and one that has pathways from grassroots through to the elite. While it is only one discipline of many and constitutes small membership numbers, it is a high profile discipline to which we need to both provide the opportunities for as well as leverage off the high profile. Other disciplines seem to be operating well but we would, of course, very much like to be able to offer funding to assist with their activities. We do provide administrative support to the disciplines but our ability to provide direct financial support is and will remain limited, until (if ever) we are able to create some profitable income producing activities. Acknowledgements Speaking on behalf of the Board, I again express our combined thank you to our excellent support staff (Sandra, Roz and Cameron), our Education Officer (John Moore) our Joint CEO s (Andrea and Sharon), plus our many members who make up the various Discipline Committees, the many coaches who give of their time to run our courses and the come and trys, and finally, the members of the CV Board. I would also on behalf of the Board, like to thank outgoing independent board member Ric Howard who served on the Board for nearly 7 years bringing financial expertise to the meetings. His inputs into discussions were always with vigor and passion and his contribution to the office was immeasurable. My heartfelt thanks to all our members - who collectively make-up Canoeing Victoria for simply being members of CV, and to those others who actively run the clubs and infrastructure, for their time, their devotion to our association, their knowledge and their collective experience; thank you all. Last word Finally, the period of my tenure as President of CV is drawing to a close. Last year I indicated that I would not be standing for the President s role this year but have agreed to remain for one more year. If I am reappointed at the 2012 AGM 2012/2013 will be my last year on the CV Board. Keep paddling and may we all have a great and prosperous time over the balance of the year. Gary Flanigan President Canoeing Victoria Page 11 of 25

12 Finance Report As a not for profit organization, the aim is not to make money, nor be in a position to invest except in infrastructure and programs that will benefit the members and paddling community. With that in mind, the organsiation has posted a surplus across the board of a mere $1474. While concerning considering last years surplus of $37000 a number of infrastructure investments have been implemented during the year. One of the significant practices changed during the year was moving from a diminishing deprecation method to a straightline method. All disciplines accounts and the administration therefore showed an unusual increase in depreciation during the year as adjustments were made. This had a significant impact on the profit and loss raising the overall deprecation from $9000 to $ Slalom finally realized the repairs on the Goulburn river slalom site which amounted to over $11,000 which attributed to the loss of $8000 overall. With the Nationals being hosted in 2013 on the Goulburn it was timely the repairs were finally completed. In addition, any significant surplus the discipline might be holding will be reinvested into the sport in renewing old infrastructure such as bibs and timing systems that also will be required for the up and coming Nationals. Hosting the likes of the Nationals and investing in future infrastructure is exactly what the disciplines need to do and the Board fully supports this type of investment as long as it planned and budgeted for. Canoe polo made a modest surplus during the year with an increase in income with expenses in-line with the budget and last year. Although Marathon posted a loss this year, it was mainly due to the unusual increase in depreciation and unexpected trailer repairs that made the difference. The discipline as a whole is still financially secure and was able to contribute $250 to each Victorian on the Nationals Marathon team to assist with expenses. The sprint committee continues to be supported by the administration as it posted a loss of $2,428. This will be covered by the administration this year as well as a required investment in the new financial year. While the Board fully supports the investment into the sprint discipline, this is not a sustainable model into the future. The Administration revenue was again up from last years $302k to $370k. This was due to the substantial support received from VicHealth and we thank them for their ongoing support for our Indigenous initiatives as well as all the other funders. Membership income remained constant but we saw a decrease in education income. The president once again did a sterling job in raising untied funding from Bunnings BBQ s increasing his contribution from $4000 last year to $12000 this year. This is not a repeatable income for future years however, but the result of exceptional circumstances that led to a number of extra opportunities. In general the organization still remains in the position of heavily relying on funding from State and Federal governments to meet our strategic goals and objectives. As long as the organization and the funders continue to have mutual objectives, funding may still be available in the future, but we are mindful that should circumstances at the government level change, it will have a dramatic affect on what can be delivered by the organization. In saying so however, the state and federal funders have realized the perilous position they put the likes of state sporting associations when they fund for only 12 months at a time, hence they have changed their funding models to be the likes of 2 or 3 years of committed funding. This allows the state bodies to plan for the future and future programs and attract and employ the right staff for right projects. In summary, the organization still remains strong and viable. Growth is required in all sectors both in membership numbers and income and each year brings its own new challenges. Thank you to Sandra Reaburn who has taken on the management of the accounts for almost all the disciplines which enables easier reporting and auditing at the end of the year. Thank you also to Ric Howard who has been the Board member analyzing the accounts and recommending changes and improvements. Sharon Swoboda Page 12 of 25

13 Canoeing Victoria Overview Members Members Members. That has been the chant in the office all year. After forums with members and clubs to discuss the strategic direction, membership services and in particular the recreational pathway, the office has had a clear direction that if there is no benefit for the member, question why was it being done. High Performance Heading into an Olympic year there was much focus on selection races, national teams and tours.. Peter Gargiulo continued on with the NEPD Sprint program which moved into the next phase this year. Membership Review To ensure that the organizational membership structure is best practice, in line with other sports and meets both the needs of the membership and the organization, a membership review was completed during the year comparing canoeing against other like sports and other membership models. One major recommendation was to address the junior membership decline and reduce the financial barrier to our under 18 members and students to promote growth in the area. As a result, a youth membership with limited competition will be introduced and the age of full competition students raised to provide a cheaper option for the university age students. In addition, both the youth and a recreational adult membership will be available direct from Canoeing Victoria to capture those new paddlers who have yet to determine the club that s right for them. It will however be limited to their first year. In general the conclusion was our membership model was in-line and accepted as the model to move forward with. On-line membership The Australian Canoeing database which manages the membership for all states and clubs has an online membership feature that was introduced to all clubs this year after Essendon Canoe Club piloted the system last year. The system is designed to reduced the overheads and administration of the membership at the club level and streamline the process for renewing members and reduce the barriers for new members joining. Membership services Membership Trends While we started to see a trend in adult members moving from competition to the recreational category, this trend seems to have not come to fruition this year with adult members increasing from 725 to 936. Without any major nationals championships being held in Victoria during the year, which is usually the reason for the spike, we are pleased with this reverse in trend. More concerning however, is the decline in junior membership down from 244 to 117. We have definitely seen a move away from schools participating in a kayaking activity which has also been verified by the reduction of schools participating in the murray marathon. It appears from our limited analysis that the schools that have participated in the past are losing their inschool champions to drive the school into the sport of kayaking. All the best equipment and programs in the world won t overcome a complacent attitude within the school. The future challenge is how to get schools back on board. Education, training and safety Education and the delivery of the ACAS system still remains a significant priority for the organization. With over 70 programs again delivered by the organization the major challenge is finding suitable instructors and coaches to assist in the delivery. Safety will become a major issue into the future, as sit on tops and even the new whitewater sit on tops, lower the entry level for the general public to get involved. Our role as educators and state body is to promote and ensure that all Victorians have the opportunity to learn the skills and be educated in being safe on the water, no matter what the craft. Paddlepower will also become a key program within the education area as we use it to both skill and recognize the junior participants and provide them with the pathway to continue their paddling journey. Page 13 of 25

14 Come and Try Day s One major initiative this year was to get rid of the paid come and try sessions at Westerfolds park and make it a free open season session. Two days were held outside the Canoeing Victoria Education centre within the park, one in November and one in February. Both days attracted over 150 participants each ranging from small children to adventurous adults heading to Alaska or other exotic areas paddling. We had a great conversion rate to Basic Skills which is where the paddlers were really going to get the education they needed to be safe on the water, however the come and try day s emphasized the importance of being prepared and skilled so hopefully they won t just go out and buy a sit on top and think all will be well. It was a great exercise for the staff and instructors to undertake and the processes and paperwork will be the basis of running more of these mass participation community days and broaden the exposure of a paddling activity. Marketing and Communications The main form of communication with members and the paddling community still remains the web site and digital media. The Administration has embarked on the social media, however like all forms of marketing and communication, a structured and consistent approach is required. The new financial year will have a clear focus on this communication and reaching new and diverse markets. Community Development Murray Marathon The Murray marathon continues to be a major priority for the board as it recognizes that the event is the entry level for many in the community that have never paddled before or been exposed to the diverse opportunities to participate. With this in mind, the organization is represented on the Management Committee as a key partner with a major focus on developing the opportunities to participate. Once again they are suffering the effects of the schools reducing their interest in the sport and event as a whole which has a major impact on participants. With a number of initiatives underway such as inclusion into a National Ultra Marathon Series and an ICF series, an extensive campaign to raise the profile is underway. Indigenous Canoeing Program: Canoeing Victoria s activities to develop locally managed, safe and sustainable opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in canoeing continued with five Victorian communities involved in the program. Six participants have been upskilled to Flatwater Guide level (five are now members of the Mildura Canoe Club) and are already running canoeing programs for two local communities, with several more participants in training. To date, more than 40 participants across the five communities have achieved their Australian Canoeing Basic Skills Award. The partnerships Canoeing Victoria has formed with several support agencies and particularly with the Mildura Canoe Club have contributed to the strong growth and achievements of the program to date. We look forward to continuing the program during 2012/13. Canoeing Victoria thanks VicHealth (through the State Sporting Association Participation Program) and the Australian Government (through the Indigenous Sport and Recreation Program of the Office for Sport) for funding support to deliver these programs. Page 14 of 25

15 Youth Participation Increasing junior participation is one of the six strategic goals of Canoeing Victoria. Our research over the previous year identified that a youth focused participation program and award scheme suitable for all types of canoeing is a significant gap in our product offering. After an international search for a suitable product, Canoeing Victoria purchased the rights to develop and introduce the British Canoe Union s Paddlepower scheme to the Australian market. Paddlepower is aimed at attracting 8-14 year olds to come into and to stay in paddlesports (and has a very successful 15 year track record in Britain to demonstrate this). In preparation for the launch of Paddlepower Australia in 2013, this year we have been focused on tailoring Paddlepower to suit the Australian market, and on identifying the resources, infrastructure and pathways that will be required to support the product and a significant increase in youth paddling members. This has included introducing a costeffective introductory youth membership category, as well as developing an informal but strong relationship with the ASC Active After-school Communities (AASC) program, and piloting a AASC canoeing program (as a potential introduction-to- Paddlepower) partnering with Mildura Canoe Club. Thank you Sport and Recreation Victoria for funding support to deliver this initiative. Competition Development Discipline Vic Champs 2011 Vic Champs 2010 Vic Champs 2009 Canoe Slalom Wildwater N/A 12 DNR* Marathon Sprint Canoe Polo *Did not run due to water levels and race volunteers ** Approx based on 20 teams with 5 in each team Governance / Advocacy Outdoor Recreation Centre / Outdoors Victoria As a member of the Outdoor Recreation Centre, Canoeing Victoria has been involved in a review of the organisation and has watched with interest as to the result and to the future of the organisation. The conclusion is that a new representative body will rise from the ashes of both the Outdoor Recreation Centre and the Victorian Outdoors Education Association with a different board structure and mission statement. This new body will take on an active representative role for all those involved in the outdoor and recreational sector. Canoeing Victoria look forward to partnering with such an organisation to enhance conditions, access and information for those recreational paddlers. Water Safety Council Canoeing Victoria was invited to participate in the informal Water Safety Council, a group of water based interested bodies that are keen to reduce the water based incidents in Victoria. Hosted by Life Saving Victoria, Canoeing Victoria has been included especially with the perceived increase in canoeing fatalities in recent times. The Victorian Water Safety Master Plan (VWSMP) was been developed by key aquatic industry stakeholders in consultation with related government departments to provide an overarching approach to water safety and drowning prevention in Victoria. The document sets out a four-year blueprint for preventing accidental deaths and injuries for all participants in water-related activities. As a working document, Canoeing Victoria will continue to be involved with the council and the developments to improve water safety into the future. Participation Numbers: Schools events (Vic Champs) Discipline Canoe Slalom Wildwater Marathon Sprint Canoe Polo Not Run Not Run Not Run Page 15 of 25

16 State Office Staffing. Board Members Amazing that such a small staffed organization has attracted such long serving staff. Sandra Reaburn has diligently managed the accounts for 11 years and has successfully taken on all the discipline accounts except for Slalom as well. This means the accounts are streamlined for the audit and consistent making reporting and understanding of the financial situation of the organization simple at any point of time. This year the Board welcomed Catherine GardnerGaskin to the table who brings with her marketing experience and a background in Scouts Victoria. Both backgrounds will serve the organization well. Roz Manester has settled into the organization brilliantly taking on the Education Service Delivery role, membership as well as project tasks. John Moore and John Shields manage the instructors and the equipment respectively and with new programs, and a greater demand for instructors plus more and more equipment needed to be housed and maintained, the two John s do a great job. Both Executive Officers, Andrea and Sharon have also clocked up 10 years with the organization. Both having started as project managers and while many things have changed over 10 years, the challenges never seem to cease. The Board have embraced the new strategic plan and projects that have been undertaken and with Vicsport s assistance in the new year, the Board will undergo a review of roles and purpose to continue the development and growth of the Board and good governance. The association cannot work without a board but, the association cannot grow or develop without a good board. Andrea and Sharon would like to extend their thanks for the support and dedication to those that have served on the Board this year and given up precious time in doing so. Members and Clubs Last but not least, the Executive Officers would like to extend their thanks to the 1871 members and the 30 Clubs that support the Association and the objectives. Andrea Boothroyd and Sharon Swoboda. Page 16 of 25

17 Canoe Polo Report The year has been another solid year for Canoe Polo in Victoria. We have seen a slight growth in both our Melbourne competition and in regional Geelong. This growth can be directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of Dave Pilllikers and Megan Bishop in Melbourne and John Yacoub and Ian Neville in Geelong. Without people like them our great sport would be suffering a distinct decline. The year began with the continuation of the Spring Competition that reached its conclusion with the finals in September. This season was shortly followed by a Come and try night at Richmond Recreation Centre. Over the last few seasons these nights have been the main way we have obtained new players for our Melbourne competition. Once these people have been given a taste at the come and try they are invited to take part in the informal Cocktail Summer Competition as a lower cost and less intimidating option to get them involved in our competitions. This competition was very successful. This year saw the addition of Tuesday nights to the Cocktail Competition where A & B grade players were teamed with some up and coming C grade players to try to improve the overall standard of our competition while also having lots of fun. The first half of 2012 saw the Autumn season run and won, once more being the mains basis of Canoe Polo in Melbourne. Interclub Series During the summer months the Victorian Inter-club Series (VICS) was run again. This year it consisted of 6 single day competitions between October 2011 and April The focus this year was in developing groups of people within each club that were capable enough to organise and run one of these events. Assistance was provided by VCP to develop the resources within the clubs with the aim that in future years the clubs would be able to run the events independently. These events also provide an income stream for the clubs that hopefully will mainly be directed back into canoe polo in some way. At the very least it will improve the profile of the polo section in each of the clubs. This series is definitely having an effect on the canoe polo community as there is more emphasis being placed on belonging to and being part of a club and not just being a paddler. There is still a lot of interaction between members of the different clubs but they seem to identify with their own club more often. This series is still in its infancy and I hope that over the next few years it will become a larger and more significant part of our competition structure as the clubs vie to produce the best event of the calendar. They will also hopefully act as a stepping stone for players wanting to take teams to the Australian Summer Series events. Another sign of this continued development was Canoes Plus Racing Team organising the Cold Water Cup which was a 5 round series played at their home venue at Yarra Bend during the winter months. Apart from having to change venues a couple of time due to excessive water levels this new competition was quite successful and I hope it will be run again in the future. Australian National Championships At the National Level the Australian National Championships were held at Penrith in Sydney over the Easter holiday period. Victoria was well represented with 6 teams competing (see team lists below). We also had several teams that competed in the Australian Summer series, travelling to Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide and then playing in the Melbourne Invitational (which was again hosted by Essendon Canoe Club). All of these events were selection events for the Oceania Championships or the World championships Oceania Championships The Oceania championships were held in Palmerston North in New Zealand during December Victoria was represented by the following people: Mens A : Matt Moore, placed 1st Mens B : Jay Burgess, Steve Porter, placed 3rd Womens A: Rebecca Jennings, Brooke Honeyman, placed 1 st Womens B : Lori Mills, Megan Bishop, Adele placed 5 th Veterans 35+ A : Mike Wilson placed 2 nd Veterans 35+ B : Dave Pillikers, Andrew Shearer, Matt Farrington, placed 4 th Masters 45+ : John Moore placed 2 nd U21 Men : Liam Farrington, placed 2 nd. NZ Veterans 35+ A : Hamish Dugdale placed 1 st. Page 17 of 25

18 Congratulations to all those who competed. The National Championships was the final Selection event for the teams to compete at the 2012 World Championships being held at Poznan, Poland in September. Nathan Moore (VC) and Matt Moore were selected into the men's team and Rebecca Jennings was selected into the Women's team. I wish them all the best for the up coming event. Junior Development Junior Development has proceeded mainly at two locations during the year. Firstly a group coordinated by Matt and Louise Farrington along with Andy Waters have been training at Yarra Bend where we now have the ability to suspend goals for training and competition. The second group is being developed by Geelong Canoe Club via its contacts at a couple of schools in their local area. Both of these groups supplied junior teams to compete in the VICS. As expected, these groups flourished during the summer months and diminished as winter approached due to cold weather and the reduction of daylight hours. It is however anticipated that these groups will become larger and more focused when the warmer weather returns later in Supporters Victorian Canoe polo is pleased to acknowledge the contributions of the following organisations: Richmond Recreation Centre Essendon Canoe Club Canoes Plus Racing Team Parks Victoria. Finally I would like to give a huge thanks to all of the volunteers that have made this year of Canoe Polo possible. We are a totally amateur sport that depends on it members providing their valuable spate time to keep our sport alive, without them it would not exist. This is a fact that far to few people appreciate or acknowledge. So I will say it again, thank you one and all for your efforts. Mike Wilson Chairperson Canoeing Victoria Canoe Polo Technical Committee Page 18 of 25

19 Canoe Sprint Report Overview An exciting year for Victorian sprint racing! Participation and performance is on the increase at all levels. The highlights included: 138 participants registered for Victorian School Sprint Championships (up from 74 in 2010/11). 109 individuals entered Victorian Sprint Championship events (65 in 2010/11) 33 Victorians raced in final events at the Australian Sprint Championships (13 in 2010/11). 9 Victorian sprint athletes selected to Australian Canoeing s National Elite Development Program squads. 8 Victorian sprint athletes selected to represent Australia on the world stage. Competitions Sprint racing began this year in September 2011 with the Bendigo Canoe Club s Bendigo Cup regatta, and was followed by a season of five Canoeing Victoria regattas including the state and school championships. 5&10km Championships, Patterson Lakes, 30/10/11, 53 participants. Sprint Regatta 1 (200&1000m), Nagambie, 27/11/12, 30 participants. Victorian Sprint Championships (200m), Essendon, 21/1/12, 78 participants. Victorian Sprint Championships (500&100m), Carrum, 19/2/12, 78 participants. Victorian School Sprint Championships (200m), Essendon, 24/3/12, 138 participants. For the first time in many years, Australian Canoeing held a national level event in Victoria. AC Sprint Grand Prix was held March 2012 on the reinstated racing course on Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. This provided a fantastic opportunity for Victorian athletes to participate in a national championship event. It was heartening to see so many Victorians volunteering to assist in the on-the-day running of the event. The Canoeing Victoria regatta scheduled for Geelong in March 2012 was cancelled due to a clash of dates with the AC Grand Prix. High Performance Victoria s representation at the Australian Sprint Championships boomed this year with 34 athletes participating in this year s event (up from 28 in 2010/11) and 33 racing in final events (13 in 2010/11). On the international stage, the presence of Victorian athletes in national teams is strengthening. Amy Peters, Catherine McArthur and Emily Bews were selected for the Australian U22 Canoe Sprint Team Kieren Carson and Rebecca Mann were selected for the Australian Junior Canoe Sprint Team, and Kieren Carson, Jarrad Campbell, Rebecca Mann, Madeleine Batters and Nathalie Walkington were selected for the Junior Olympic Hopes Canoe Sprint Team. Nine Victoria athletes were selected for Australian Canoeing National Elite Development Program (NEDP) sprint squads Catherine McArthur and Amy Peters to the NEDP Elite Squad, Emily Bews and Eliza St Hill to the U23 Development Squad, Madelaine Hurst and Rebecca Mann to the U18 Development Squad, and Kieren Carson, Madeline Batters and Nathalie Walkington to the Talent Squad. Development The AC NEDP Talent Identification Program continued at Carrum under Coach Peter Garguilo. Congratulations to Patterson Lakes Canoe Club who achieved certification as a Canoeing Victoria Sprint Certified Training Centre. The certification means the club meets minimum requirements set by Page 19 of 25

20 Canoeing Victoria to deliver quality coaching and training sessions to sprint athletes. The certification brings a club focus to sprint racing and encourages the development of athletes, coaches and officials as well as improved safety risk management of coaching & training activities. The Goulburn Murray Kayak Instruction and Development Squad (GMKIDs), an initiative of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club to bring together our clubs in northern Victoria for coaching and training sessions, is showing some great results. While initially established to focus on marathon racing, this year the squad branched out to include sprint racing. As part of the squad, paddlers from Yarrawonga Mulwala, Cobram Barooga, Mitta Mitta, Bendigo and Mildura Canoe Clubs participated in several sprint regattas. The Canoeing Victoria Board recognises the importance of providing opportunities at all levels to our sprint racing members, and therefore continued to support sprint at this time of rebuilding. The highlights above demonstrate the very positive results of the Board s current strategy. The focus and challenge over the next year will be on establishing financial sustainability for sprint while continuing to offer a wide range of sprint opportunities to members. Acknowledgements It takes more than 20 volunteers to effectively host a sprint regatta and I thank the many people who volunteered to help with the running of this year s sprint regattas. In particular, thank you to Eric Alger, Sharyn Alger, Joe Alia, Predrag Bradilovic, Gary Flanigan, Terri Hynes, Kevin Johnson and Connie Todaro who volunteered at all (or almost all) regattas this season. A special thank you to our first aid team of Glenn Cullen, Scott Mansfield, Kim Trotter, Leo Worley and Vicki Worley; to Chris Alger for managing the website; and to Jenny O Shea and Matthew Mann for managing the Victorian Team at national regattas. Andrea Boothroyd Manager, Canoeing Victoria Sprint Finances This year the sprint discipline has made a significant loss that has been covered by Canoeing Victoria State Office. There have been three main influences on this financial result. The discipline continues to be managed in part by a paid administrator which has increased overhead expenses; and the cancelling of the Geelong regatta and the splitting of revenue from the 5&10km Championships with event hosts Marathon and Patterson Lakes Canoe Club have decreased potential income. Page 20 of 25

21 Marathon Report Committee Aims The aim of the CV Marathon Committee has been to provide a series of marathon events over the whole year. We do this by via our winter series race races which culminate in the Victorian Marathon Championships. We aim to provide a standard of competition that caters for all levels from elite to novice paddlers and junior paddlers. Prior to the start of the winter series we endorse a summer series of race which are run by clubs events The premier event held by Canoeing Victoria Marathon Racing Technical Committee in 2012 was the the Victorian Marathon Championships held at Geelong on the Barwon River. This event was the last state event held prior to the Australian Marathon Team s departure for the World marathon Championships held In Rome. Winter Series This year eight races we held four of which were held in regional areas; namely Warnambool, Yarrawonga, Ballarat and Geelong. Financials The committee is still in the black and for detailed financials refer to the treasurer s report. This year will be the last year that a printed Marathon Diary will be produced but an online version will be produce and available free of charge to all members. The advertisers will be given online advertising and naming rights to individual races as an incentive to continue advertising with us. I would to express my thanks to the editorial committee of Chris, Sharon and Tom. Summer Series In the summer months we will sanction a 4 race series known as the Summer Series or Grand Pix races that are held by clubs throughout Victoria which culminate with the Summer Finale. This is the selection race for the Victorian state team the will represent the state at the Australian Championships. This event will be held at the Footscray Canoe Club in 2013 Initiatives for 2012 Participation in the winter series this year has increased slightly from last season but we need to do more work in trying to increase participation numbers throughout the year. The race calendar this year made better provision for accommodating school holidays but we still need to do more as most schools do not travel to country areas for logistical reasons. This year Ballarat Canoe Club held it s first winter series race and has applied for a race in 2013 and the Victorian Championship in 2013 We will continue to promote a wider usage of the on line entry system and online payment. Our online entries are now up to 40% of all entries Publish the events calendar 12 months in advance on the CV website. Review our current ranking system of paddlers with a view of making it more relevant to paddler s needs and expectations. Encourage a higher participation from all levels of paddler competency by promoting marathon racing at the club and school level. Page 21 of 25

22 Acknowledgements The Marathon Committee welcomes John Young as Treasurer. John has already instigated major changes in that department. We now have a central payment system for our invoice done though CV. In conclusion I would like to thank all the people that have competed in our event and I hope that they will return in 2013 for more fun and competition. I would like to express on behalf of the marathon committee a very special thank you to all the people that helped in staging the events in This year saw the inclusion of CV first aid volunteers that are now available to CV for use at CV endorsed events. The First aid people have become members of CV led by Leo Wortly and responsible to Alan Opie marathon safety officer in charge. Last but not least, a personal thanks to my committee with a special mention to Alan Opie, Michael Baird, Tom Hirrschoff and Connie Todaro for her patience. I would also like to announce that Victoria has been awarded the 2014 National Championships to be held at Ballarat Joe Alia, Chair CV Marathon Page 22 of 25

23 Canoe Slalom Highlights 2011/12 proved to be a wet year with good paddling conditions for much of the Yarra Series and Country Series. Other STC highlights for 2011/12 included a period of low flows below Eildon Pondage which allowed much needed river works at the slalom site, and a new Melbourne Canoe Club training initiative to challenge and support our junior paddlers as the Rapid Recruits program finished. Both of these are foundational activities for Victoria s hosting of the nationals in January Thanks to Sharon Swoboda CV Co-Executive Officer who acted as chair of Slalom Technical Committee for most of 2011/12. The STC would like to thank the many volunteers, both parents and paddlers, for their efforts in supporting and delivering events to an excellent standard. Yarra Series As usual the clubs were key contributors to delivering a successful race program, This includes Melbourne Canoe Club, Canoes Plus Racing Team, and Eltham College Canoe Club. The 2011 race program (falling into the 2011/12 reporting period) saw three successful races at Griffith Park Reserve, Warrandyte and Finns Reserve. These races averaged 77 entries across all classes and included teams races at Griffiths. The 2011 series results were announced at the 2011 Victorian Championships. Entry numbers have remained constant going into the beginning of the 2012 Yarra series. State race program The Victorian Schools Championship was successfully held at Warrandyte and included a wild water race before the slalom race. The slalom race had 117 entries across all classes, plus teams races. Ivanhoe Grammar School continues to field strong teams and is supported by a very active parent support group. Many volunteer hours go into running this event for which STC is grateful, thanks in particular to Ordette Webster for her leadership role in coordinating this event. The Victorian Championships were well attended with 88 entries across all classes plus teams racing. As always, this race marks the end of the local season with presentations for the year s Yarra Series and as a selection race for the Victorian team. National Championships In January 2012, Victoria was well represented in Tasmania at both the Australian Schools Championships held on the Forth River and the Australian Championship held on the Mersey River. Congratulations to the Melbourne Canoe Club who retained the "Amateur Canoe Association of Western Australia (ACAWA) trophy" for the club winning the most gold medals. The first place winners being: Sarah Grant WK1 Open, Warwick Draper MC1 Open, T Hobbs / J Merritt MC2 Open, Jaxon Merritt M K1-23 years, Tristan Carter MK1-14 years, and Tristan Carter MC1-14 years Many other fine performances by Victorian paddlers contributed to Victoria winning three trophies: the Canoes Plus State Trophy, the Whitebrook State Team Trophy, and the Galloway, Linden, Woodward Junior State Team Trophy. Country Series Country races were run on the Big River and King River this year with 28 and 24 entries respectively. The Canoes Plus Goulburn River race was well attended with 50 entries. The lower attendances at the Country Series reflect both the additional travel and the increased paddler skills requirements. Many thanks to volunteers and paddlers who support these races. High Performance 3 Athletes were awarded VIS Scholarships this year, Warwick Draper, Sarah Grant and Leanne Guinea. All performed well at their international competition with the other members of the National Team. Excellent paddling performances from Warwick Draper at the Australian Open and Oceania saw him selected to represent Australia in the K1 slalom event at the London Olympics. This will be Warwick s third Olympics after Athens and Beijing. Page 23 of 25

24 Victorian athletes continue to contribute to national slalom team. The Senior Team included: Leanne Guinea (WC 1), Sarah Grant (WK 1) and Warwick Draper (MK 1). The Under 23 Team: Jaxon Merritt (MK 1). In the Junior Team: Maggie Webster (WK 1 and WC 1), Anton Ivkov and Anton Rajic (MC 2) and Tim Anderson (MK 1) The strong National Junior squad includes many paddlers who started in the Talent ID program run by Warwick Draper. The third phase (Rapid Recruits) finishing this year. To challenge and support our junior paddlers as the Rapid Recruits program finishes, the Melbourne Canoe Club has started a training initiative. Infrastructure Reduced releases from Eildon Pondage allowed significant repairs to the Goulburn Slalom course. This addressed the damage resulting from flooding a number of years ago. STC thanks the numerous volunteers who prepared the site prior to the works and is especially grateful to Roy Farrance who planned and oversaw the implementation of the work on the river. Unfortunately Dights Falls continues to be unavailable for slalom which is most unfortunate for the sport. The works to implement a fish ladder and repairs to the weir are likely to keep slalom from the site until A feasibility study to develop the Westerfolds Park site as a community whitewater training and event site continues. Canoeing Victoria and the STC are working with the relevant stakeholders to develop the area further. Slalom Committee I would like to thank the Slalom Technical Committee members for their ongoing dedication to Slalom in Victoria. Chris Wharton (Treasurer), Graham Hobbs (secretary), Roy Farrance, Andrew Fegan, Warwick Draper, and Kate Slater, Mike Lau Gooey and Sharon Swoboda Page 24 of 25