The Board and Staff at Paddle Victoria are so very sad to have lost a great friend and advocate of paddling – Joe Alia.
Joe was a Paddle Victoria Board Member from 2016 – 2018 and has been a member of the canoeing community for over 40 years. He had experience in virtually all the roles within the community, from paddling to coaching, volunteering, club committee work and officiating. He was very involved in marathon competition but also appreciated the role recreational paddling plays in building the presence of canoeing across Victoria.
On a more personal note, Joe was a friend to all on the Board and in the Paddle Vic Office. We all have so many happy memories of Joe popping in to the office to discuss the state of the Marathon tinnies, the latest update on Membership queries and his home renovations. Joe would always leave us with a smile and a good story.
His energy and enthusiasm for paddling was infectious. He even managed to get the non-paddling members of the office out in kayaks to do some training. We won’t forget Joe on the loud hailer behind us telling us to paddle faster and raise our elbows!!
Our heartfelt condolences to Connie and all of those in the greater paddling community at Fairfield Canoe Club and the Marathon Discipline.
Paddle Victoria Board and Staff members
