Outback Rowing is making a splash in Nyngan with the formation of its own local club under the guidance of Club Captain Jim McLaughlin.

Following the acquisition of a quad, double and single boat, purchased from Kinross Wolaroi School and delivered by Murray Stewart and his daughter Georgie from Outback Rowing in Brisbane, club members are hitting the banks of the Bogan River ready to have a row.

The Club's formation comes about after an initiative entitled ‘The Outback Rowing program’ which invited country communities to take possession of an eight boat and learn to row - with the aim of competing in the Australian Outback Rowing Regatta held in Barcaldine, Queensland on the October long weekend.

There are already boats based in Cunnamulla, Chinchilla, Bourke, Moree and various other outback communities and Outback Rowing representative Dr Toby Ford says he is hoping small communities with access to a river will take part.

Australian Outback Rowing Regatta - crews lined up for the start - Image Abigail McLaughlin.

“Our overarching vision is to improve the wellbeing of rural Australians by encouraging them to participate in organised sport. This takes a multipronged approach with five overlapping actions,” Dr Ford said.

“First, we founded the regatta series in 2021, with two unique racing styles - a sprint and head racing held over two consecutive days in the two rivalrous communities of Longreach and Barcaldine in western Queensland.

“The regatta itself is growing in numbers, with an increase in boats coming to compete year on year. We have clubs bringing their nominated crews, alumni crews reuniting for the event and of course, our orphans who are individuals wanting to come and be involved.

"Everyone is welcome," said Dr Ford.

“Our event being held in Longreach and Barcaldine is unique, as both towns are a long way from anywhere, with competitors and friends travelling some 1,300 km from Brisbane by train, plane or automobile to get there. Last year’s Sydney crews drove 1800 km to bring their boats to the show.

“We now have three great convoys, travelling to our event from across Australia, learning about our rural communities on the way, meeting the locals and participating in social rows along the way.

“Our third action has been forming outback rowing clubs that sit under the ORA mantle of administration.

“Last year we formed our first four rural town rowing programs in Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Cunnamulla and Longreach. Using our own heavy-duty trailer donated by the David McTaggart Foundation, we transported a bank of boats to the clubs to ensure access to quality craft.

“Our Outback Crew, made up of our bush town program members went on to compete in the prestigious Head of the Yarra, proving ‘the bushies’ can compete with the best of them."

Australian Outback Rowing Regatta taking place this October weekend - Image Abigail McLaughlin.

Nyngan Club Captain Jim McLaughlin who previously rowed for his school and at Sydney University before returning home to the farm, has assisted with the delivery of the boats and is now looking for community members interested in having a go.

“Nyngan is now looking to purchase an eight boat, which is what crews competing at Longreach and Barcaldine use,” said Mr McLaughlin.

“A lot of schools and boat clubs who have rowing programs regularly upgrade their boats, so we are hoping to get our hands on one which is being retired.

"Until then we have a four boat as well as a single and double scull which we are using to train up those wanting to have a go.

“Now that the footy season is over, we’ve had a lot of people keen to try rowing. 

"We’ve had all ages and abilities and it’s been a lot of fun working it out as we go."

Local Crew taking to the Bogan River - Image Outback Rowing Club Nyngan.

“A few rowed at school or Uni but haven’t had the opportunity since and have really enjoyed getting back into it. 

"They’ve been helpful in assisting beginners get started. 

“We’ve had some funny experiences. 

"One lady, who will remain un-named, got the oars stuck behind her back. 

"She was sitting behind me, so I didn’t see it, and she was too embarrassed to tell me it had happened," said Mr McLaughlin.

While the Club has around 20 members so far, they are also looking for sponsorship to help cover the costs of purchasing boats and getting them to Nyngan with the aim of competing in next year’s regatta.

“We’ve been meeting every Sunday morning at the Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park for a row, and just about every weekend we get a few new people.

"Some of them have really taken to it and we are all looking forward to eventually getting a crew or two together to go on a road trip to Longreach.

“We didn’t feel ready to go to the regatta this year but will definitely get a crew up there in 2026. 

"The regatta is a lot of fun. They get crews from everywhere and it’s all about having fun on the water,” said Mr McLaughlin.

“If you are interested in taking part in Outback Rowing Nyngan visit the dedicated Facebook and contact us."