City Slicker's Dash

Row for the Regions. Race for a Cause.

As part of Outback Rowing’s broader strategy to grow participation and create stronger ties between city and bush communities, we’re looking for support to launch a new (revived) initiative: the City Slicker Dash. An all-schools/club corporate-style regatta with heart.

This event isn’t just about rowing. It’s about building bridges between urban and rural Australia, and giving people a fresh way back or into the sport while supporting children in the outback.

How it Works:

The Program

Each participating school/club will help coordinate up to 3 novice crews to train over five weeks, culminating in a fun, fast-paced regatta event — the City Slicker Dash.

Crews train once or twice a week with support from your school’s rowing program.
Participants can be complete beginners or returning rowers — no experience needed!
Crew participants join Outback Rowing as social members, covered under Rowing Queensland's insurance.

The Fundraising Model

Each crew raises an entry target of $5,000 per boat, with funds split:

$2,500 to your school/club's Rowing Support Group (RSG) to fund local coaching, equipment, or travel needs.
$2,500 to Outback Rowing’s Children’s Program, helping kids in rural Queensland access the sport. In particular it will help fund the Bush Kids program being held in Barcaldine in October and possibly the Distance Education Sports 4 Bush Kids in Mt Isa in November.
More detail on our website: https://www.outbackrowing.com/about/bush-kids

The 2025 Timeline

Stage 1 at school/club boatsheds (Managed by schools and clubs)

1 August
- Marketing starts and crew registration opens
23 August
- Crew registration closes
- Coaches allocated
- Training times and plan finalised
- Crews registered with Outback Rowing
31 August to 6 October
- Crews hit the water

Stage 2 at the West End Hub (Managed by Outback Rowing)

6 October to 19 October

Training commences out of West End hub or continues in school/club sheds
Crews can use Outback boats

11 October (7am to 9am)

Trial regatta on West End reach

19 October (7am to 12pm)

City Slickers Regatta

Why Endorse It:

By endorsing this experience, schools are:

Encouraging service learning through sport
Supporting regional communities and giving back through real action
Providing students with leadership opportunities outside traditional classroom structures
Strengthening alumni and parent engagement by connecting families across Australia
Developing values of gratitude, adaptability, and community among students

More Than a School based Corporate Regatta

We’re working with schools to explore additional ways to develop meaningful connections between students and regional communities. Through an optional Mentoring and Immersion Program linked to the City Slicker Dash.

This experience offers students, families, and schools a chance to see first-hand how rowing is transforming lives in the bush — while building empathy, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

Why Students (and Parents) Will Want to Be Part of It

For students, this is more than a trip. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger:

Build friendships with rural students and understand their boarding experience
Mentor young kids in towns where access to sport is limited
Contribute meaningfully through clinics, games, and storytelling
Grow personally by stepping out of comfort zones and into communities full of heart

For parents, it’s a rewarding travel opportunity that goes beyond the usual sideline cheering. It is a chance to explore the Outback, meet local families, and see the difference rowing can make.

Why Get Involved in the City Slicker Dash?