#ARC25 Volunteer of the Day: Vanessa Morris and Brook Teale

Meet Vanessa Morris and Brook Teal, partners, dedicated rowing parents and Saturday’s Volunteers of the day. The couple from Hobart have been involved in rowing and volunteering since their eldest daughter Phoebe signed up in year seven at St Mary's College, ten years ago.

When Phoebe was in U17s, she represented Buckingham Rowing Club at #ARC19 (20219 Sydney International Rowing Regatta). Travelling with her daughter, this was Vanessa's first experience volunteering at a regatta by assisting with boat holding and spectator services. Following her positive experience, Vanessa wanted to continue helping out, so when the Australian Rowing Championships (ARC) came to her home state, Tasmania, in 2021, she put her hand up and was joined by her husband, Brook. 

#ARC21 saw Vanessa stationed on presentations, where she has remained ever since. Vanessa thoroughly enjoys this role, particularly working with Steph Dorrstei, assisting her in organising and ensuring the correct medals and trophies are passed out at their respective presentations. Working in presentations means Vanessa gets first-class views to the finish line, allowing her to watch the end of all races. 

While Brook also helps out wherever needed, such as in the car park and boat holding, he also often helps with presentations. Spending this week working together is special for Vanessa and Brook as Phoebe is competing in multiple races for Sydney University Boat Club. They make sure to watch the end of each of her races and are always the first to congratulate her when she wins a medal, of which she has won many. With Phoebe now living in Sydney, these moments are especially meaningful for the family.

By volunteering, Vanessa and Brook have been able to watch both their daughters grow and succeed on the water, learning lessons they have taken with them beyond the sport. Vanessa genuinely appreciates being involved in her children's sports and having the opportunity to contribute to a program that has facilitated their growth.

The couple both appreciate working with, and meeting new people who have all united together from across Australia, with different levels of knowledge and connections to support this incredible event. The way all volunteers come together to support each other and the rowers associated as described by Vanessa, is a unique experience that makes volunteering for #ARC25 special.

Stay connected and immerse in the action at #ARC25. For real-time updates and live results, click here. Don’t miss a moment – watch the action on our live stream as it unfolds on our YouTube channel. For more information, visit our official #ARC25 Website. 

#StrongerTogether | #ARC25