06 June 2025
The sun shone brightly over St Peter’s College on Friday, setting the tone for a remarkable afternoon as the School welcomed Olympic Champion Kim Brennan AM and 110 guests to the inaugural Quick Start Rowing Community Lunch. The event began with guests gathering in the Big School Room, spilling into the cloisters of Big Quad, before descending into the historic grandeur of Da Costa Dining Hall. With white linen tables, an arch of oars and boats on display, the scene was set to celebrate the strength and spirit of our rowing community.
From Foundation representatives to “rowing mums,” Year 9 parents, “Dads and Lads,” and old crew mates reuniting after decades (including some returning to the School for the first time in forty years), the gathering reflected the rich and diverse community that supports the sport of rowing at St Peter’s College. Guests were captivated by a screening of Kim Brennan’s gold medal race at the Rio Olympics, followed by her powerful keynote. Silence fell as Kim shared her experience of calm on the Olympic start line… “I have done all I can; I am ready”. A moment of quiet reflection that resonated deeply in the room. Her message was a poignant reminder of the clarity that follows preparation and purpose. Kim’s observation that “rowing is made up of so many more people than those in the boat” set the tone for a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by old scholar Tom Guthrie (FRR 1995).
The panel featured Kim alongside our coaches, Brigette Carlile and Lucy Stephan and parent and business leader Jamie McClurg, who together offered wisdom, encouragement and humour in response to audience questions. On behalf of the SPSC Foundation, a proud supporter of the event, Foundation Chair Rick Sawers AM expressed sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed. “This collective opportunity for the entire rowing family to share time together and celebrate the sport of rowing in the off season, is destined to become a high-profile annual event,” he said.
The event also celebrated the success of the Quick Start fundraising campaign, which has accelerated progress on the School’s 15-year plan to replace the rowing fleet. Thanks to our generous community, including a three-year boat commitment from Nigel Clarkson, we are already tracking 12 months ahead of schedule – a truly outstanding “quick start” in every sense. From the warmth of the welcome to the depth of the conversations, the inaugural Quick Start Rowing Community Lunch was an afternoon to remember. We are grateful to all who contributed to its success and look forward to its return in 2026.
Wade Hall-Craggs
Head of Rowing
