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australian rowers profiles and history

James Hannell

Newcastle Rowing Club (NSW)

Hannell, is a name synonymous with rowing in Newcastle. Over more than half a century, as either competitors, promoters administrators or officials the Hannell family played a pivotal role in ensuring Newcastle was a major rowing centre at a time when rowing was the predominant Australian sport. 

James Hannell (1813-1876), Newcastle's first Mayor (1859) and Member of the NSW Parliament (MLA), was instrumental in establishing the Newcastle Regatta as a major annual event serving as its President from 1857 until 1877. Not content to just be President of the committee, he often carried out the duties of either starter or umpire. 


Colin Charters - extracted from his book Just Add Water, the times and tide of Newcastle Rowing Club published by Seaview Press in 2009


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