Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW launched at Parliament House

Paddle NSW, Paddle Australia, Rowing NSW and Rowing Australia joined forces on Wednesday to launch the Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW, at Parliament House in Sydney’s CBD.

The launch was attended by PFG Co-Chairs Karen McKeown OAM MP, Member for Penrith and Eleni Petinos MP, Member for Miranda and Shadow Minister for Finance & Shadow Minister for Sport.

The event was hosted by four-time Paralympic canoe gold medalist Curtis McGrath OAM and two-time Olympic rower Julia Bell OLY, ensuring it was a great celebration of both sporting communities.

Paddle NSW CEO Peter Tate said all Paddlesports in NSW were thrilled with the formation of the Parliamentary Friendship Group and thanked Co-Chairs Karen McKeown OAM MP and Eleni Petinos MP for accepting this important role in community sport.

“Paddle NSW has thousands of members in 40+ clubs across the state. Many paddlers are competitive within our ten different sport disciplines, however, the vast majority are recreational paddlers either enjoying the best seat in the house on the world's best harbour or amongst the many wonderful waterways NSW has to offer.

“We look forward to continuing with the NSW Government and the Parliamentary Friendship Group in enhancing opportunities at existing and new venues and safe access points throughout NSW."

Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane reinforced the statements of Paddle NSW CEO in highlighting the importance of the Parliamentary Friendship Group in connecting both sports to the entire Parliament.

“On behalf of Paddle Australia, I am honoured to stand alongside my colleagues from Paddle NSW, Rowing NSW and Rowing Australia, as well as the Co-Chairs Karen McKeown OAM MP and Eleni Petinos MP, to launch the Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW,” Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said.

“The NSW Government has long been a supporter of our sport, and their continued investment in our key venues at Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) and Penrith Whitewater Stadium have had a positive impact in ensuring that NSW has places and spaces where sports such as paddle can continue to grow community participation, while also being fantastic assets for our pathways and high performance athletes and events.

“In just a few weeks’ time, we will welcome the world’s best down under for the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships – a great opportunity for us to showcase NSW to the world. This is an event not possible without the support of our funding partners the NSW and Federal Governments.”

Rowing NSW CEO Melissa Ashton-Garard said: “The launch of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, held on the 25th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 rowing program, is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when sport, community and government work together.

“Rowing is a sport for life, building physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection, while also delivering real economic benefits for local communities.

“The Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW provides us with an opportunity to work alongside the NSW Parliament to improve health outcomes, protect and activate our waterways, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games.”

Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook OLY said the Parliamentary Friendship Group was the ideal network to ensure both sports continued to flourish in such a critical time for Australian sport as Brisbane 2032 looms ever closer.

"It was an honour to be at Parliament House for this launch. My sincere thanks go to the Co-Chairs, Karen McKeown OAM MP and Eleni Petinos MP for championing this fantastic initiative, and to all the members who have joined,” Cook said.

“This group creates a vital connection between our sports and the policymakers who shape the sporting landscape in NSW, one that includes the world’s best rowing course at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

“Having this dedicated network of advocates in Parliament is incredibly powerful; it ensures that the voices of our rowers, from local club members to our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, are heard when it matters most.

“As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032, the support of our Parliamentary Friends will be instrumental in helping us advocate for the investment in infrastructure, pathways, and community programs needed to build a legacy for the sport.

“With our Rowing Australia Hancock Prospecting Training Centre and our Women’s National Team Squad based in Penrith, we know how vital it is to forge deep connections with communities. This makes us even more excited about the collaboration to come in this important group,” Cook said.

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said, “I am proud to announce the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW, as we prepare to host the ICF Canoe Slalom Work Championships here in Penrith.

“Penrith truly is the home of rowing, with our world-class Sydney International Regatta Centre and Whitewater Stadium providing the perfect stage for athletes of all abilities to perform at their best.

“The Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW represents more than just a support network for athletes, it brings all generations, past and present together, to celebrate our proud history and future in paddlesports and rowing.”

Member for Penrith Eleni Petinos MP said she was also proud to co-chair the Parliamentary Friends of Paddlesports and Rowing in NSW.

“These sports bring people together - whether it’s enjoying a peaceful paddle on our iconic waterways or competing on the world stage. This group will ensure the voices of our paddling and rowing communities are heard in Parliament and that participation is supported at all levels.

“With the Brisbane 2032 Games on the horizon, now is the perfect time to champion paddlesports and rowing. With the right support, these sports can continue to grow into the future—remaining sports of international excellence as well as lifelong pursuits that inspire healthier, more connected communities.”