The staff and officials at Rowing NSW would like to extend their congratulations to Howard Croker, who was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia at the weekend.

It came to Howard Croker as quite a surprise when he was nominated for an OAM this Australia Day. “I was extremely honoured and overwhelmed to hear of the award,” said Howard. As well as his OAM, Howard was also awarded as the Manning Valley Australia Day Ambassador for his contribution to the Mid North Coast for oar manufacturing and his contribution to sport.

With well over 50 years of making oars for stillwater and surfboats, Howard remains to be a large part of Croker Oars and continues to travel around Australia and the world to follow the rowing arena.

During the 1960’s Howard won State and National rowing titles followed soon after becoming a coach in Sydney. It was a natural progression to move onto manufacturing oars in 1962 when Croker Oars was born. Croker Oars currently employs 17 employees on the banks of the Manning River near Old Bar in NSW. 

Howard continuous to coach when he can and still enjoys a morning row on the family’s  river front property. The official OAM award ceremony will be held later in the year.

Congratulations Howard, and thanks for the many years of commitment to our fantastic sport!

Picture courtesy of the Manning River Times