Home > Rowing Profiles > Oakley, A W (Wal)

A W (Wal) Oakley

Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)

A W (Wally) Oakley, son of member Gus Oakley brother of members Michael & Tony.

Wal was a great personality of the sport and more importantly, a great journalist for the sport. In the 1990s, his work enabled rowing to remain in the media with good coverage.

Member 1961/62 - 1993/94

Died 2012

Committee 1963/64 - 1966/67, 1968/69, 1969/70

Wins recorded:-

1965 - International regatta (Ballarat), maiden eight (bow)

1965 - Dimboola regatta, maiden eight (bow)

1965 - Upper Yarra regatta, maiden eight (bow)

1966 - Albert Park regatta, maiden four (bow)

1966 - Wentworth regatta, junior eight (bow)

1966 - Metropolitan regatta, open eight (bow)

1969 - Universities regatta, Veteran eight (3)

From the Club newsletter 'Yarra Yabbie' 20/9/2012

It is with great sadness that we note the recent passing of Wal Oakley and John Castle.

Both contributed much to our club, notably, John recently donated the two oars that are displayed upstairs.

We extend our condolences to both families.

1964 photo Wall engaged in shed renovations.

1963 Easter camp Mildura Wal on the right

Jim Skidmore
June 2024

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
These contents of this history are copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. However given that the purpose of the history is to assist rowers and rowing clubs, written permission is not required for non-commercial usage by rowers and rowing clubs provided acknowledgement is made.

Disclaimer: Whilst extensive efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied, the editors take no responsibility for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from inaccuracies contained in this work.