Sustainability

We believe in the transformative power of rowing. It builds community, drives personal development, nurtures diversity and fosters belonging, a foundation for growth. Transformation takes vision, commitment and drive for the long term. That drive sits behind everything we do, including our critical focus on sustainability.

We deliver our mission by sustaining our people and our planet, with a careful eye on performance.

One strategy, three commitments

01 People. Better, together.

Sustainability starts with a community that everyone can join, belong to and grow in, whatever “better” means to you.

• Inclusion and belonging. Programs and spaces designed for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. No experience needed to start.
• Youth pathways. Learn to Row programs for years 7 to 12 that build confidence, teamwork and lifelong healthy habits.
• Health and wellbeing. Rowing, training, recovery and connection in one place, supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
• Our people. Investing in the staff, coaches and volunteers who make Red Shed what it is, so they can find their better too.

02 Planet. A better way to care for our place.

Our lakeside setting is the heart of everything we do. Sustaining it is not a side project. It’s how we protect what makes Red Shed better.

• Energy and emissions. Reducing our footprint through on-site renewable energy, efficient equipment and smarter use of our facilities.
• Waste and circularity. Cutting single-use items across the site and cafe, prioritising reusables, recycling and responsible procurement.
• Water and lake stewardship. Caring for the water we row on: responsible water use, and protecting the lake’s foreshore and habitat.
• Sustainable food. A cafe philosophy built on wellness and low-waste operations, with local sourcing wherever we can.

03 Performance. Better for the long run.

Lasting impact needs a strong organisation behind it. Performance is how we make sure People and Planet endure.

• Strong governance. Clear accountability and careful stewardship of Red Shed’s assets, run as a purpose-driven not-for-profit.
• Measuring what matters. Tracking our progress on people, planet and performance goals, and reporting honestly on how we’re going.
• Partnerships. Working with community, government and local partners to amplify our impact beyond our own site.
• Reinvesting in better. Surpluses go back into facilities, programs and the community, building a Red Shed that lasts.

Be part of it

Delivering all three underpins growth and performance for our athletes and our community.