Strategic Plan

Introduction

 

The Barwon Rowing Club was established in 1870. In 2017, it is one of the largest, senior competitive rowing clubs in Victoria.

The Barwon Rowing Club must adequately plan for the rowing infrastructure, facilities and opportunities for members. The strategic priorities for the next three years (2017 to 2020) are set out in this document.

In 2015/16, assisted by Leisure Networks, the club undertook a governance review and engagement process with members. The input gathered from members in that process underpins this strategic plan.

The Barwon Rowing Club already has excellent facilities in both the boat shed and the fleet. It is vital to recognise that the Barwon Rowing Club exists as a result of the membership; including their personal effort in rowing and also what they give back to the club in the other areas necessary for the operations of the Barwon Rowing Club.

This plan looks at the needs of the current membership and the forward vision to further Barwon Rowing Club’s leadership in rowing.

Our Commitment

This strategic plan was consulted on with the Barwon Rowing Club membership through face-to-face consultation sessions and the opportunity for comment via the website.

The Barwon Rowing Club committee endorsed the Strategic Plan on XXX (INSERT) with a commitment to review the action plan component annually and report on progress via the President's report at the Annual General Meeting.

Our Vision

 

It is our vision that Barwon Rowing Club will be recognised in Geelong, Victoria and nationally as an enjoyable rowing environment and competitive club. Along with maintaining the excellent facilities, the Barwon Rowing Club will have strong governance and an inclusive culture that will be recognised as a benchmark amongst the rowing community.

The Club needs to adequately deliver infrastructure, participation and competitive opportunity for the large and diverse membership, and must be prepared to dynamically approach the services mix as the membership demographics vary.

The club will actively build pathways and provide the facilities for rowers to compete for Barwon Rowing Club in competition at state, national and international levels. We will champion rowers that are competing at their greatest potential.

Rowing at Barwon Rowing Club is performed at all levels. Barwon Rowing Club will support each rower to improve their performance each season. The club will provide an environment that will build rowers to perform at their highest level, from beginners to open competition. While the open competition section is expected to be the smallest group in numbers, the club will recognise and support an individual member's goal.

 Strategic Plan Objectives

We believe the existing members, volunteer effort and athletes already creates a great environment for rowing. The club will continue to grow. This growth will welcome new members, strengthen the on water performance and keep the administrative systems up to date with regulatory requirements and technology advancements.

The club will continue day-to-day operations and the required governance throughout the implementation of this plan. Further to this everyday activity, this plan identifies the prioritisation of effort sets out the priorities to inform committee decisions, prioritisation of spending and engagement of the available volunteer effort The Barwon Rowing Club will continue operations in training, competition and the day to day running of the club (administrative systems, communication and liquor license etc...) for positive and sustainable growth.

The implementation of the strategic plan objectives will improve our rowing performance, membership engagement and responsible operations. The objectives are:

We will:

  1. Provide rowing programs for rowers at all levels, acknowledging individuals’ goals.

  2. Maintain equipment that meets the requirements of club members.

  3. Strengthen member services and increase member engagement.

  4. Continue to be recognised as the leading Victorian rowing club for governance and administrative systems.

  5. Be recognised as the leading rowing club in the local community.

  6. Develop a strong financial position by diversifying income streams.

What Success Will Look Like

We will know this strategic plan has been successful if:

  • Members mostly agreed that the shed, gym and boat fleet are in good condition and well maintained.

  • Our members are rowing in age/commitment level programs led by volunteer BRC coaches.

  • Our members have opportunity for general fitness programs and cross training.

  • Our members are competitive and we maintain a strong presence of success in Rowing Victoria regattas and at the national level. This will include an increasing number of rowers at State and National Championships.

  • We have a range of social activities on a weekly basis that promote connection between BRC members.

  • The fleet (including oars) and off water training facilities adequately meets the needs of members.

  • We are confident and consistent in our fundraising and spending efforts to enable all of the above.

Action Plan to Deliver

The strategic plan priority objectives will be delivered through measurable activity key activities over the next three years.

The objectives will remain set for the life of the plan. The expected actions, resources and timeframe will be reviewed annually by the Barwon Rowing Club committee and reported on to members by the President as part of their report to the Annual General Meeting.