It is with much sadness that we advise members of the death of Rosemary Richardson.

Rosemary was a life long supporter of rowing having being imbued with the sport through he famous rowing father Ron March of the Richmond Rowing Club.

She married Club member Ron Richardson and they enjoyed a long and happy marriage until his death in 2017.

Most recently she showed her generosity to the Club by donating an Empacher boat and oars which will arrive later this year.

Rosemary is best remembered by the sport for her work for the Australian Henley regatta and turning it into an international event. 

She organised the first World Sculling Cup sculling in 1993 on the Yarra River, Melbourne as part of the regatta – an unimaginable feat. This event over 5 days brought great fame to rowing including a televised event.

To state the obvious, it took enormous effort over a decade to achieve and influencing people both here and at FISA. It was remarkable. It was a great example of how a combination of her high skills, great influencing ability, determination, persistence, imagination, financial expertise and superb organisation, can achieve the impossible.

Rosemary Richardson speaking with Sir John and Lady Young with husband Ron Richardson on the right hand side at the 1992 regatta

Her member profile can be found at: Richardson, Rosemary - Australian Rowing History (rowinghistory-aus.info)

Her funeral is planned for 2pm Friday 15th March at St Josephs, 45 Stanhope Street Malvern followed by refreshments at the Kooyong Tennis Club. Confirmation of these details will follow on Tuesday. All members are of course welcome.