Minister for Sport and Recreation and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres today said that world-class rowing will remain in Penrith, with the NSW Government announcing it has secured the Sydney International Rowing Regatta (SIRR) for the next three years.

“I am pleased to announce that the Government has secured Australia’s premier rowing event for Western Sydney from 2015-2017, through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. The event will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith, a international quality rowing facility,” Mr Ayres said.

“This is fantastic news for Western Sydney, with competitors and spectators travelling from interstate and overseas to take part in the Regatta, staying at local hotels, dining at our restaurants and visiting our attractions.

“Last year the event attracted over 8,000 visitors, with a total visitor expenditure of over $9.8 million. With similar results expected this year, SIRR will provide a boost to the Western Sydney visitor economy once again,” he said.

SIRR 2015 will be held from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 March, and will feature the King’s and Queen’s Cups Interstate Regatta as well as the Australian National and Schools Open Championships.

Rowing Australia Chairman, Rob Scott, said that he was delighted to be able to utilise the world-class facility of SIRC, a legacy venue from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, for the next three years.

“This announcement represents the continued support from the NSW Government for Rowing Australia, which hosted the inaugural 2013 Sydney International Rowing Regatta and also last year’s event. With the SIRR 2015 just a few weeks away I would like extend my gratitude to the NSW Government and Destination NSW for their ongoing commitment to the sport of rowing,” Mr Scott said.

“We look forward to welcoming the Australian Rowing community to Penrith from later this month and right through to 2017.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said that this result demonstrates the commitment to securing a great line-up of sporting events for the State.

“The Sydney International Rowing Regatta is an important feature in what is a packed 2015 events calendar for NSW. As well as the Regatta, this year the State hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the Netball World Cup, the Touch Football World Cup in Coffs Harbour, Bledisloe Cup and many more,” she said.

Tickets for SIRR 2015 are available now at www.ticketek.com, by calling 132 849 or via any Ticketek agent.