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. He also was a well known rowing commentator.

Wal in a typical pose at a regatta - this time National Championships 1985

Wal and Roger Wilson commentating at the 1985 Natiponal Championships

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

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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
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