Congratulations to Club members Hon Pat McNamara AM and Andrew Guerin OAM on receipt of their awards today in the King's Birthday Australian Honours.

Patrick has been a towering presence in rowing in Australia for many years being past President of both Rowing Australian and Rowing Victoria. He has been recognised with Membership of the Order of Australia for significant services to rowing, to the Parliament of Victoria and to the community through a range of roles. Pat was pivotal in developing the rowing course at Nagambie, increasing government funding to Rowing Australia, and even making his local rowing club in Nagambie a commercial success through the acquisition of a hotel and gaming licence. Pat has an uncanny ability to be able to get things done and persuade governments to assist the sport. The sport was very successful during his time as President. Pat was also Deputy Premier in Victoria for about eight years during the Kennett years. We are fortunate to have had his services as Rowing Australia President for nine years and also for his work at Rowing Victoria. Well done Pat.

Also another past RA Director Andrew Guerin, who also chaired the RA Umpires Committee, was past President of both Rowing Victoria and Mercantile Rowing Club, and also is our (and Australian rowing's) historian, was also acknowledged with a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to rowing and sports history. He was a succesful rower, Club coach, Club Captain (and every other executive post), and is current chairman of the Club's Foundation which has grown enormously under his guidance. 

2009 Interstate Championships - Patrick presenting the Rowing Australia Cup to Andrew Guerin as President of Rowing Victoria