Sarah Heard, who represented Australia at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing and was a member of the women’s eight that won the World Championship in 2005, will head up the Bendigo Bank Academy of Sport rowing program.

Now based in Shepparton, Heard competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

She made her Australian rowing team team debut in 2005 competing in the stroke seat of the eight, winning a World Championship at her first attempt.

Heard later stroked her Victorian team to three consecutive Australian Championships in 2006-2008 and was then chosen in the eight at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. 

Academy of sport executive officer Graham Gordon said the organisation was delighted to have Heard on-board to lead the Central and North Central Victoria squad.

"She's very well credentialed, having trained at the elite level and represented Australia," he said.

"She's already done plenty of coaching, and has plenty to offer talented rowers across our region.

“There’s a few rowers already coming through that we are hoping to one day develop into state representatives and even national down the track.”

The program is being backed by Rowing Victoria and Bendigo Rowing Club.

Applications to join the squad are now being accepted from athletes aged 12 to under 18 as at December 31 this year.

An information session will be held at the Bendigo Rowing Club on Tuesday, October 6, from 6.30pm-8pm.

Heard will be in attendance.