The Melbourne Argonauts is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. Established in 2011, it is Australia's first LGBTIQ+ rowing club and one of only a few independent LGBTIQ+ rowing clubs in the world. The club is dedicated to creating a friendly and inclusive environment for individuals who are interested in rowing socially or competitively.
At the Melbourne Argonauts, people come together to connect, grow, and participate in a nurturing and positive environment. The club values diversity, fun, openness, inclusiveness, and an active lifestyle. They strive to provide opportunities for individuals to engage in the sport of rowing, regardless of their background or skill level.
The club offers two main programmes throughout the year: Learn to Row and Return to Row. The Learn to Row programme is designed for beginners who are interested in trying out rowing for the first time. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the sport, both on and off the water, and offers participants the chance to meet the club's coaches and members.
For experienced rowers, the club offers a range of opportunities, from social and fitness rowing to senior competitive level rowing. There are weekly social rowing sessions where experienced rowers can come and join the club, meet the crews, and experience the club's fleet. Additionally, the Return to Row programme is specifically tailored for those who have taken a break from rowing and want to refresh their skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.
The Melbourne Argonauts is proud to have The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, a former High Court judge and renowned human rights activist and LGBTIQ advocate, as their patron. In 2018, they named their new Hudson Eight addition to the fleet after him to show their pride and appreciation.
The club is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all its members. They adhere to COVIDSafe Settings and have implemented a COVIDSafe Plan to ensure the well-being of their members and the community. Public events and programmes, including the Learn to Row and Return to Row sessions, are operating, and registrations are open.
The Melbourne Argonauts are grateful for the support they receive from their partners and supporters, and they acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, past and present.
To join the Melbourne Argonauts, individuals can choose from four membership pathways that suit their rowing level and participation. The club welcomes anyone who shares their passion for rowing and supports their values of diversity, inclusiveness, fun, and an active lifestyle. They offer affordable annual memberships for active rowers and provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to the club's training programme as coxswains and coaches.
For those new to rowing, the club's Learn-to-Row programme is the perfect choice. It is a four-week programme that teaches the basics of rowing and introduces participants to the club, coaches, and members. It is a great way to learn a new sport, make new friends, and kick-start a rowing journey.
With its dedication to inclusiveness and creating a supportive environment, the Melbourne Argonauts provides a unique and welcoming place for individuals to connect with others who share a love for rowing. Whether someone is a beginner or an experienced rower, they will find a home at the Melbourne Argonauts.