The club had many returning special guests including Jodie Skipper and Andrew Barnett who spoke across the weekend.
Multiple generations of several families were in attendance, showcasing the club’s importance.
There were several high-quality ski trick performances ahead of Moomba in Melbourne this weekend.
Tiger Macknight also did an impressive job as MC throughout the day, as well as conducting the Deni Boat Club raffle.
Complementing the celebrations was an 80 years of the Boat Club display at the Peppin Heritage Centre, which opened in January with the support of Edward River Council.
Many other businesses and organisations were recognised for their contributions, and a key highlight of the celebrations was the awarding of three life memberships.
Long-serving members Marg Tait, Deb Macknight and Craig Druitt were each presented with life member badges, and helped cut the 80th anniversary cake.
Citations for each of the life members are as follows:
Marg Tait
In being given the honour of inducting Marg, fellow life member Mick Summers said she has been involved as a volunteer for more than 20 years.
This included many years involved in Ski School.
“Since joining the Boat Club committee, Marg was almost immediately a part of volunteering with the ski school and has been constantly involved outside small breaks from volunteering,” her citation read.
“Marg has been a key part of the program that has been about progression, from four‑year‑olds having their first go, to older juniors mastering singles, doubles and more advanced skills.
“Marg’s kids learnt to ski through the Deniliquin Boat Club, and now her grandchildren are also learning in ski school.”
Deb Macknight
Deb’s association has also lasted 20 years, with fellow life member Julie Lowe also praising her for her significant role in planning the anniversary event.
During her tenure with the boat club, Deb served as Boat Club secretary for more than five years, since 2020, and a stint running Ski School.
“While having had a brief break to have kids, Deb has been consistently around the club with her family and very involved by attending working bees and on the club committee,” her citation read.
“As secretary, Deb has been the backbone of the club.
“For the 80th anniversary she did a lot of the official paperwork, liaising with different organisations as well as organising the schedule of the day.
“She was also key to the project of refurbishing the Deniliquin Boat Club outside toilet and bathroom facilities.
“Known for being tirelessly on her laptop completing administrative duties for the boat club, Deb has made sure things get completed with her exemplary work ethic and commitment.”
Craig Druitt
Current club Commodore Craig Druitt was presented with his life membership by fellow life member Craig Lowe, marking more than 15 years of dedication to the club.
This has included eight years as Commodore - a position equal to a club president or chairman.
“Craig (Druitt) has been instrumental in seeing through a lot of the structurally foundational behind the scenes projects at the Deniliquin Boat Club, including, reinforcing the riverbank and filling gullies that have developed,” the citation read.
“He has generously donated a lot of time, effort, equipment and expertise into the construction ensuring everything has been done safely and correctly.
“Spending a lot of time by the river at the Deniliquin Boat Club along with his family, Craig’s leadership as Commodore has been outstanding.”
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