The following statement has been issued by Rowing Australia.

Last year, Rowing Australia (RA) committed to confirming the status of the 2021 Aon Australian Rowing Championships (ARC) by no later than 18 January 2021.

Given recent developments with COVID-19 in Australia and the evolving situation with interstate travel restrictions, the Board of RA has deferred the announcement on this decision by two weeks, to Monday 1 February 2021.

RA CEO, Ian Robson explained, “This was not a decision we took lightly, as we know our community is desperate to put their plans in place for the event that is due to be held from 22 to 28 March 2021 at Lake Barrington, Tasmania.

“However, the Board of Rowing Australia, in consultation with our Member Associations and Councillors, requested we postpone the decision for additional fortnight in order to rigorously explore all the options available to us to host a National Championships this year.

“We are committed to staging the Australian Rowing Championships, in Tasmania, given the importance of this event to the broader rowing community. However, should the situation surrounding public health and border restrictions make it impossible for us to host the event at Lake Barrington, we will explore the option of relocating the event, subject to border restrictions and public health advice allowing us to do so.

“With the ever-changing landscape we find ourselves in, we owe it to you, our community, to explore every option, including proceeding with the event as planned or alternatively relocating the event. This additional two weeks will provide us with the opportunity to explore all avenues, in full, before we make a final decision.

“As always, we are focused on safety and will be guided by public health advice.  On behalf of the organisation, I apologise for this delay, but believe it is in the best interests of the sport and the event as a whole.”