Rowers’ return marks turning point for SA flood towns

Community has been front of mind and on the lips of Riverland residents coming together to rebuild after a flood peak in the South Australian leg of the Murray River. 

Receding floodwater has revealed a region eager to begin the recovery process. 

The Renmark Rowing Club took to Lake Bonney to spend a day out on the water at the weekend.

The event was headlined by three of the Riverland’s mayors and the SA Water Minister Susan Close.

Renmark Rowing Club president Tony Townsend said the river was closed when rising levels forced them off their usual rowing spot.

“We haven’t been able to row since late November, today has been an opportunity for us to take a row on Lake Bonney,” he said.

“Which to my mind and information, is the first time in the club’s history.”  

Mr Townsend welcomed the mayors and deputy premier.

“This is pretty special for us, we’re obviously centred in Renmark but we are as one,” he said. 

“To have the three mayors come and join us for a little bit of fun and to show unity across the Riverland, and to have Dr Susan Close come along as well was a great opportunity for us to showcase rowing.” 

Ms Close said she welcomed the opportunity to find a moment of fun with the community.

“Making sure there’s an opportunity for fun amidst all of these challenges — that was what made it really beautiful,” she said.

Meanwhile, a football club used a levee dismantling day as part of its pre-season schedule.

About 300 meters of DefenCell was erected along the Renmark riverfront to protect vulnerable assets and to safeguard the traditional levees without completely restricting access to the area. 

Renmark Rovers Football Club president Robbie Bonner said it was an opportunity to give back to the community-owned club and allow it to operate at full capacity. 

“The club is one of the Rovers’ sponsors so I thought it would be good to get the boys to come pitch in and help remove the cell,” he said.  

“Many hands make light work.”