Vale Robin Poke
The ACT Rowing Community was saddened to hear of the death on 12 December 2025 of former Rowing ACT member, competitor and Board Member Robin Poke AM.
Robin’s association with rowing in the ACT commenced in the 1980s when he came to Canberra to pursue opportunities in television journalism. He quickly immersed himself in a variety of roles in rowing at the State and National level.
In Canberra Robin is best remembered for leverage of his journalism skills to promote key events in the growth of ACT Rowing. These included selection of the first World Championship crew from the ACT – the junior pair of Galloway and Thompson coached by Peter Shakespear. Robin’s media strategy created a sustained lift in the profile of rowing across the board in the ACT and that of representative rowing.
The ACT crew’s victory in the 1997 Kings Cup provided him with an opportunity he had only dreamt of. He was able to call the editor of the Canberra Times and say “hold the front page, ACT has won the Kings Cup”. The publicity and events associated with this success provided a strong stimulus in ACT clubs and schools for increased participation in the National Rowing Championships and Interstate regatta.
Robin generously lent his expertise to Clubs and the Association for diverse promotional projects including business sponsorships and facility openings.
In the mid-nineties Robin took on leadership roles as Chairman and then President of the ACT Rowing Association at a time when statehood was the first item on the agenda. Working with proponents David Butt (Chairman) and Leon Bower, Robin contributed to the careful assessment of financial and administrative implications that lead to separation of the administration of ACT and NSW Rowing.
In 1992 Robin joined Canberra Rowing Club continuing his association with rowing competition that began on the Thames and later the Mosman Rowing Club. He successfully competed in regattas at the Club, National and International level.
ACT Rowing will miss Robin’s contribution to so many aspects of the local rowing scene. We thank Robin for his lasting contribution and legacy he leaves behind in the ACT Rowing community.
Article prepared by Patrick Davoren and David Bagnall
