AFTER years riding a wave of popularity associated with powerboats – including hosting what was Australia’s richest race at the time for the machines – the Mount Gambier Aquatics Club will wind down its operations.
Dwindling membership and rising insurance costs associated with powerboat racing has signalled the end to the club after seven decades in the region.
The club now plans to donate $20,000 accumulated over its journey to four charities, but has not ruled out a comeback should interest in the water-based sport return.
Founded in 1948, the club originally called the Valley Lake home, hosting a number of powerboat races and promoting other outdoor aquatic activities.
The crater lake precinct was a newer development during that time, with the club playing a key role in developing facilities at the site through working bees and collaboration with Mount Gambier City Council.
Throughout its history the club’s members have volunteered many hours of work and supplied equipment to develop the lakes area for water sports, including a diving tower, beach area, boat ramp and swimming area.
The club’s first regatta was held at the lakes in 1949 which included boat races for both men and women and motorcycle stunts.
Since that inaugural community event, the club has expanded to host events around the district, including Lake Leake, Nelson, Edenhope and Horsham.
Club member Jeff Lawson said interest peaked during the 1980s when competitions attracted strong entries and were considered big social gatherings.
“We started running some pretty big meetings where we ran the richest race in Australia for a number of years which had a $1000 prize for those who won,” Mr Lawson said.
“No other club had done that so there was then a standard to follow.”
Mr Lawson said this led to the club becoming highly-recognised during its peak, with many involved during the golden era disappointed by the decision to cease club operations.
“We have not been out to race and even if we had been able to race the insurance would have limited us to one,” he said.
“We used to be able to host around nine gatherings a year, four at the Valley Lakes and five at Lake Leake.
“But as well as insurance, the lakes have also lowered and it is a shame to close down.”
Development of the Lake Leake precinct was a feather in the club’s cap and led to the introduction of the Lake Leake Classic.
The event grew in notoriety as it attracted powerboat crews from across the nation.
Since 2001, the club has hosted infrequent racing with water level decline at Lake Leake also among the issues.
The club plans on donating its $20,000 in accumulated funds to charity later this month.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group and St John Ambulance Service have all been nominated as recipients by the club.
