Women Prepare to Converge on Dimboola

Hordes of women are set to invade the northwest Victorian town of Dimboola in December, as part of the second National Lesbian Rowing Camp. Organised by the Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Association, the event is expected to attract women from across Australia. Argonauts vice president Michelle Gee said the December 3-5 camp would involve a full program of weekend rowing, social activities, and hopefully strengthen interstate ties between the gay and lesbian rowing communities.

About two dozen women took part last year — including friends of rowers who enjoyed the perfect weather and lazing on the banks of the Wimmera River. “It’s open to all women,” Michelle said. “The camp is not only going to be great fun, but for those thinking about going to the 2006 Gay Games, it is also a great opportunity to link up with other women rowers.”

Dimboola Rowing Club facilities have been booked, and camp participants are already signing on. Many bunked down in the Dimboola clubhouse last year, while some hired nearby cabins. Dimboola, which has a population of about 2000, is located on the tree-lined Wimmera River, 334km northwest of Melbourne, near the Little Desert National Park.