The Dragons Abreast Gippsland Waratahs Dragonboat Club recently had a wonderful day celebrating its 15th birthday, with past and present members, along with supporters attending a high tea.
Debbie Kennedy, founding member and first club president gave an account of the Waratah’s history, which commenced as a support group for survivors of breast cancer.
However, with the identification of the benefits of dragon boat paddling for breast cancer survivors, Anne Verdelini and Linda Lake started a prepare to paddle exercise group.
“We didn’t have a boat, however, a leaky old wooden boat was donated to us, and it was lovingly restored by members of the Paynesville Men’s Shed. We had no idea how to paddle at the beginning, but we just had so much fun, and provided so much support for each other,” Ms Kennedy said.
The club had humble beginnings and has grown from having the boat stored outside on the properties of various members of the club, to now being garaged in the shed at Howitt Park, along with three other boats.
Lindy Crawford, current president and founding member of the Waratahs, spoke about the middle years and the growth of the club.
“We had so much support from the community, including the Breast Care Support Group and the Metung Bloodhounds, to purchase a new boat,” Ms Crawford said.
The club has had many major supporters when they were building the shed, including East Gippsland Shire, Howitt Park Management Committee and the Paynesville Op Shop.
They have also cooked thousands of sausages at Dahlsens and Bunnings barbecues, hosted film nights, and applied for grants to raise money.
Leonie Taylor, the club’s immediate past president, spoke of the club’s achievements over the past six years, and included members travelling overseas to Italy, New Zealand, the Masters Games, and interstate to participate, including the 58km paddle down the Ord River.
“A number of our members are going to the International Breast Cancer Games in France next year,” Ms Taylor said.
A highlight of the day, was the unveiling of the new honour board by Margo Bond, the Waratah’s oldest member and longest-standing paddler.
The club’s new boat Victory was on display, and members were touched to see the little gold plaques on the inside of Victory with the names of much-loved members who have passed, but who are “in the boat” with the paddlers each time the boat goes out.
To complete the celebration, Ms Crawford, Ms Kennedy and Lynne Whelan (first Secretary), all shared cutting the birthday cake.
It was an amazing day, celebrating the history and importance of the Dragons Abreast Gippsland Waratahs in the community.
The club always welcomes new members to join them to paddle in the Mitchell River.
“You don’t have to have had breast cancer, but we are such a support for those who have had cancer or are going through treatment. However, we couldn’t exist without our supporters, and we welcome anyone who would like to have a go at dragon boating,” Ms Crawford said.
