Dry lake catalyst for regatta research

THE SLOW decline of Lake Wendouree over the past five years has been disheartening for many Ballarat's residents. The lake's sporting value vanished along with the once plentiful water supply. For Kate Elliott, passionately involved in rowing for more than 30 years, it has been a devastating time in Ballarat's history.Compelled by the plight of her beloved sport, she began a research journey that would consume her life and lead to the publishing of The History of Ballarat Regatta _ Australia's inland Henley.The Ballarat Rowing Association Regatta has been synonymous with Lake Wendouree since 1973, yet until now its complete history remained disjointed and, for the most part, untold.For the past three years, Elliott has worked tirelessly to compile the intriguing records and stories of one of Ballarat's oldest and most influential sporting events."Once the lake dried up, I felt if the Ballarat regatta was never held again then no one would ever know about its history, traditions and the characters that kept the event and the sport of rowing thriving for over 100 years," Elliott said "Its been over five years since the regatta was held in the Ballarat district, which is the longest interruption in the race's proud history since World War II".Elliott was first inspired by the event as a 17-year-old, competing on a warm March afternoon and seeing the effect it had on the community. For more than three decades she has been involved in rowing and a proud member of the Ballarat City Rowing Club.She refers to the regatta as Australia's inland Henley, the famous English equivalent which is still an important social occasion in Britain. "In its early years the Ballarat regatta was more than just a rowing race. It was a significant date on the calendar, an important event that would bring the community together and usually celebrated with a public holiday," Elliott said. "Thousands would line the banks of Lake Wendouree as clubs from across Victoria came to compete in one of the nation's major competitions."It was also the one day of the year the three local clubs, Ballarat, Wendouree and Ballarat City could show case their credentials and raise much-needed money to fund rowing in the region."As part of her research Elliott discovered numerous previously untold stories and former traditions that had been long forgotten."In the 1880s a small cannon was used if a race needed to be halted. They would leave the lighting powder for the cannon uncovered on the shore, while men stood smoking pipes close by. I don't think the they'd get away with such a safety hazard these days," Elliott joked.Elliott first tried her luck as a sports historian, self publishing a complete history of the Ballarat City Rowing Club in 2004.Knowing just how long and expensive the process was inspired her to seek a local history grant from the Public record office Victoria. The grant was subsequently awarded and allowed Elliott to fund the costly printing of her second book.Despite the grant and the support of Ballarat Rowing community, with members providing what records they did have along with access to trophies and memorabilia, the long process took its toll."Working full time and trying to look after my family, ensured completing the book had its challenges," she said."But my family were a great support throughout and I just wouldn't have finished it with out them."Everyone pitched in at some stage and my Mum trawled through 140 years of newspapers, copying reports." Elliott hopes the book will act as a catalyst to prompt peoples memories so that further stories are uncovered about one of Ballarat's oldest sporting events. More than 150 copies have been printed which will be sold from the Pleasant St Market, held on the fourth Sunday of every month.Kate Elliott can also be contacted personally at Des Elliott Machinery