Argonauts celebrate in style
The Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Club celebrated 10 years on the water in a glitzy gala in Albert Park on Saturday.
The anniversary at the Power House saw members old and new celebrate alongside special guests and the christening of a new boat for the popular organisation.
Former High Court judge Michael Kirby, who also serves as the group’s patron, was on hand to offer his congratulations and give a speech at the birthday bash.
Argonauts president Tim Hewitson told the Star Observer that he was grateful Kirby could take part in the celebrations.
“He’s been a supporter of the Argonauts for six or seven years at least and he’s so in demand despite being retired . He’d just returned from a conference on HIV/AIDS in South Africa but still managed to find a few hours for us,” he said.
As well as giving a speech, Kirby named a new boat for the Argonauts as part of the night’s proceedings.
“We’ve now got a fleet of about 12 boats and the latest is a double, it takes two rowers, and Michael Kirby named it ‘Jason’ – as in Jason and the Argonauts.
“It’ll be a welcome addition to the fleet and we’re looking forward to putting it to work in the weeks ahead,” Hewitson said.
Formed in 2001, the Argonauts are now one of Victoria’s largest rowing clubs with 80 members, and one of only three LGBT rowing clubs in the world.
See photos from the gala here.
