Perth hosts nation's top rowers for championship event

• Perth is hosting thousands of athletes, supporters and fans for the Australian Rowing Championships
• Week-long event kicking off on 27 March, set to inject millions into the WA economy
• First time in 11 years this elite event has been held in Perth
  

Perth is set to welcome thousands of visitors and competitors when it hosts the nation's premier rowing event next week.

The Australian Rowing Championships is taking place from 27 March to 2 April at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, one of only two purpose-built water sport centres of its kind in Australia.

The week-long event is supported by the McGowan Government, through Tourism WA, and includes the Australian Open Rowing Championships, the Australian Open Schools Rowing Championships and the King's Cup Interstate Regatta and Queen's Cup Interstate Regatta.

The event will significantly lift the profile of the State in the rowing community while also attracting thousands of visitors to Western Australia, including about 1,500 interstate competitors.

The Australian Rowing Championships is the largest rowing event in Australia and is taking place in Perth for the first time in 11 years.

The Championships have been held in WA five times between 1975 and 2012, at the Canning River, Wellington Dam, and most recently at Champion Lakes.

Read more on the Australian Rowing Championships website: rowingaustralia.com.au.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook:

"Events such as the Australian Rowing Championships provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase our State to thousands of visitors.

"Securing mass participation events for WA is a priority for the WA Government, as these events support the growth of tourism in our State and provide a clear economic benefit for local tourism and hospitality businesses.

"This championship event will attract thousands of competitors and visitors to WA, providing a multimillion-dollar boost to the economy and supporting local jobs.

"The Championships are a great example of a mass participation event that raises the profile of WA as a sporting capital and meets tourism objectives to increase visitor numbers to the State."

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:

"This is a fantastic national event that will showcase the exciting sport of rowing to thousands and thousands of people, including young children who will no doubt be inspired by seeing the best of the best.

"I will be heading out to Champion Lakes to take a look at the event and encourage others to do the same and cheer our athletes on."

Tourism Minister's office - 6552 6500
Sport and Recreation Minister's office - 6552 5400