Manning River Rowing Club has had a Gatsby Glamour-themed official opening of its long-delayed rebuild after the original 1971 clubhouse had its roof ripped off in wild winds in 2019 and was then inundated by floodwaters in 2021 during construction.
For the Taree rowing club, established in 1957, the new build means all-modern facilities for the rowing club downstairs, including boat storage, while upstairs there is The Boathouse at MRRC, an air-conditioned reception hall and spacious veranda featuring uninterrupted views across the Manning River and Manning Valley. The new clubhouse is also fully accessible with both lift and ramp access.
The very top level has also been reconfigured, with a professional-standard commentary tower for aquatic events and a 10-person boardroom on the level below for race officials and board meetings. The rebuild of the main hire area offers a very spacious fully-equipped events area with a cafe bar and new, fully fitted-out kitchen to be operated by an in-house caterer. This area, which is unsurpassed on the Mid-North Coast, seats up to 140 people with room for a band and seating on the two outside deck areas.
The latest rebuild is the culmination of four years of dedicated work by members and local tradespeople, the club said.
“The club and myself are excited for the future of the rowing club. I can only see our facility getting used more and more,” club president Tony Beeton told Club Management. “This would be a plus for the whole community as we attract more water sports to the area.”
Alongside the local boating fraternity, Manning River MP Tanya Thompson also attended the launch.
“I was honoured to be invited to the grand opening of the new Manning River Rowing Club, along with my husband Ben,” Thompson told Club Management. “It was wonderful to see the club on its feet again after the challenges it has faced, and to see the community come together to support it.
“The club looks fantastic and it’s clear to see all the hard work that has been put into the re-opening by everyone involved. I very much look forward to visiting again.”
One of the earlier floods that partially destroyed the Manning River Rowing Club. 
Wild winds ripped off the roof in 2019 requiring temporary repairs. 
The clubhouse was inundated again in 2021 during the rebuild. 
Rowers get ready, removing sculls from the storage area under the new clubhouse. 
The newly expanded function space. 
The rebuild of the Manning River Rowing Club features a large outside deck with expansive views of the river and valley.
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Is the Rowing Club open for breakfast on Sunday morning?
Hi Carol, it certainly is a cracking venue. All catering and dining inquiries are going though hallhire@manningriverrowingclub.org.au.