Illawarra
Pink Warras
General contact
tel: 1300 889 566
or nsw@dragonsabreast.com.au (Regional Representative)
and illawarra@dragonsabreast.com.au
PO Box 161
Keiraville NSW 2500
see blog entry February 2008
Paddling in paradise (July 2006)
by Truus Ford (ACT)
Dragonboating is different in Eden… there are big sharp rocks that suddenly poke out of the water, and there are mussel farms to avoid.
But the swell of the sea was exciting, and the beauty of the pink/red/golden cliffs was breathtaking. The surrounding hills and bushland sounded with carillons of bellbirds, and the sea smelled of fish…..
Twelve Canberrans stayed in the cabins at Quarantine Bay, where Susie the huge friendly and noisy Alsatian welcomed us. Susie shares the running of the place with two other dogs (one of which hopped into a dragonboat hoping for a paddle) and the very hospitable Marge and Mike Snijder.
On the first afternoon we paddled a good few kilometres from Quarantine Bay to Snug Cove, where we admired the resurrected Ukrainian topsail schooner the 'Batkivschyna'. Local sweep Charles Helmore gave us an interesting commentary on Eden as we went.
Food?? … Christmas in July in Eden, at the Lamplighter restaurant … a mountain of roast meats and vegetables, followed by Christmas pudding.
Santa Claus appeared, to give us each a gift, and the one-man-and-a-bit rock band had us on our feet for hours.
On the second day we paddled on Top Lake at Merimbula. This time there were oyster farms to avoid, and a navigation channel to follow. The water was beautifully clear, the day glorious. A barbecue was organised on the shore while we paddled, and there was a coffee shop close by …. what more does a person need?
And for those of us who stayed a second night …... a quiet(?!) Sunday night at the pub bistro, with two tables of dragonboaters and another of water police plus a few other stragglers ended a happy weekend with friendly generous folk in a beautiful part of the country.
CANBERRA AND ILLAWARRA DRAGONS ABREAST TEAMS COME TO THE SOUTH-EAST
by Pat Helmore
There is a lot more to Dragon Boating than racing other teams along a carefully measured course for the honor and glory of winning, accompanied by the huge adrenalin rush that comes with competition.
It is also about team work, forming bonds with other paddlers, and forging friendships along the way. For those people who have survived breast cancer treatment, and for those who have watched loved ones undergo the varying medical indignities that cancer involves it is this side of the sport that is so important.
Thirteen members of Illawarra DA Club and sixteen members of ACT DA visited Eden-Merimbula last weekend for the sole purpose of strengthening the bonds of friendship that have been growing since the Sapphire Water Dragons and SWD Abreast teams began competing 18 months ago.
Arriving on Friday night and Saturday morning, the first activity was two paddling sessions on Twofold Bay, from Quarantine Bay to the wharf and return. For some of the Canberra ladies this was their experience of ocean swell and the challenges to both sweeping and paddling styles that this involves.
Mike and Marge Snijder coordinated afternoon tea on the beach following the voyages, and everybody had time for a brief "nana nap" before going out to dinner at Edens' Lamplighter Restaurant, where Chris and Deane Bibby and their staff had gone to a great deal of trouble to produce a "Christmas in July" theme for the evening.
There was a roaring log fire, Christmas lights, a tree, table trimmings, a three course traditional Christmas dinner, and entertainment by Cadillac Jack (Rod Bryer), accompanied by Chris, who had arrived from the USA that afternoon.
The Sapphire Water Dragons and Dragons Abreast members again showed once again that they really know how to party, and the restaurant was soon pulsating to the beat of "That Old Time Rock'n'Roll"
Luckily, the log fire had died down!
Santa made a brief appearance and distributed fun presents to all, regardless of whether they were with the Dragon party or not, and the bus took everybody back to their homes by 1a.m.
The festivities didn't end there, as the three clubs met again at 9a.m. Sunday morning at Merimbulas' Top Lake for another couple of paddling sessions, followed by a BBQ breakfast-come- lunch, and birthday celebrations for Tina Bingham.
The visitors to the area took the opportunity to explore the Boardwalk, Merimbula shops and some of the nearby National Parks before fronting up again for another dinner out at the Great Southern Inn in Eden, and by Monday afternoon they had all returned to their homes in the Illawarra and Canberra.
One of the aims of Dragons Abreast Australia is to demonstrate to newly diagnosed women and the general public that there is quality of life following breast cancer. This last weekend proves it!
The Sapphire Water Dragons would like to thank all those who helped to make the weekend a success, especially David from Goodalls Quality Meats in Merimbula who kindly donated the sausages for the Sunday BBQ, Mavis Wasley who donated the Teddy Bear for the raffle, Kevin Turnbull for sign writing "Sukha Yana" and Quarantine Bay Beach Cottages and the Helmore Family Trust for providing accommodation for all the visitors at "mates rates"
2005 Healthy Cities Award Citations - Community Aid and Services
DRAGONS ABREAST ILLAWARRA:
Promoting understanding about breast cancer
There is no stopping a group of 20 breast cancer survivors as they paddle their way to prove their point – there is life after a breast cancer diagnosis. This posse of powerful paddlers formed Illawarra Dragons Abreast as a way of getting some exercise, rehabilitating their upper bodies and having some fun. The group trains most Saturdays and compete in the annual Shellharbour Festival of Sport Dragon boat races and have done so for the past three years. This group has provided important support and positive energy for women recovering from breast cancer and are to be congratulated for their efforts.
more at http://www.healthycitiesill.org.au/hci/projects/awardslist2005communityaid.htm
Shellharbour Festival
of Sport - Dragon Boat Challenge
Saturday 6 March 2004
Shellharbour - Nicki's First Race !
By Nicki
Endt (ACT team)
The
day dawned cloudy. I know coz I was there to see it dawn. The clan gathered
in the early light for the battle ahead. We realised
at this stage in the strategy that we were missing one of our soldiers
but we later collected them on the way to the battle field.
Half
way to our destination the heavens opened up and stayed open even after
closing time at the pub. But never mind.
When
we finally arrived at the field of battle the tents, flags and standards
were erected. The trumpets called and the challenge laid
down.
The
war ships clashed many times and apart from a single beaching of the
mighty vessel (oops) due to some enthusiastic paddling, yelling and
general mayhem, an outstanding day was had by all.
Two
divisions of tired soldiers made their way home pausing to sample to
fruits of victory, some very excellent cake and hot chocolate, before
finally arriving to the adulation of loved ones for a battle well fought.
All
in all an epic adventure was had by all.
Har
de Har...did you know that some members of
another team competing at Shell
Harbour
actually thought that we were Drag Queens from Sydney!
Beautiful (Misty & Wet)
Shellharbour
By Lorraine Owens
Our trip to
Shellharbour to participate in the Shellharbour Festival of Sport started very early Saturday
6 March 2004 with most participants
awake around 4.30 am
for the 6 am departure from the Southern
Cross Yacht Club. Jan, Katherine, Lenyss,
Lyn B, Lynn H, Maggie, Mavis, Nicki,
Patty, Rosemary, Sylvia and myself, as well as Jan's husband Alex &
mother in law Zora, and Rosemary's husband
Bob, commenced our journey in a Toyota minibus and Tarago
rented from Eurocar. After stopping for a
quick cuppa and breakfast at Macca's we then
followed the Illawarra Highway to the coast.
This usually scenic trip via Macarthur's Pass was rather bleak, with
low level mist from Robertson to the outskirts of Oak Flats.
We eventually found our
way to Skiway Park, Oak Flats,
Shellharbour where
we were greeted warmly by our other teammates
Amelia, Margaret Q, Robyne, Megan and Megan's
husband. However, the weather that greeted us did not look so inviting
and I immediately wondered if I had brought enough spare clothes. Thanks
Mavis for suggesting we take our raincoats. Our tent was quickly erected
next to our sisters from Illawarra Dragons
Abreast and immediately christened by salt air and rain. Our table
was also put to good use when the Illawarra DAB ladies set out a lovely array of fruit, warm
scones & sandwiches in our tent.
Whilst the sky
was permanently overcast with waves of showers, the waters of Lake Illawarra were like a
millpond. Where were those 'HUGE' waves Patty kept telling us about!
Before the races began
at 11 am our team managed
a quick practice on the water, after which we were promptly told by
one of the locals that we had a real chance. Apparently we looked so
coordinated and 'in time' compared to the other teams who had practised!
The races then began in
earnest and, with our team in the 2nd race at 11.15
am, it was soon time to line
up. Our first race was against 2 mixed teams - Shelly's and Hatch-white.
Unfortunately we had a slow start and, although we improved halfway
through the race, we came 3rd with a time of 1.07.
With our next race not
until 12.45 pm,
race tactics proved a popular discussion point. Rosemary & Megan's
husbands were enlisted for our next race against the mixed Hatch-blue
team, where we greatly improved our start and almost came 1st
with a time of 1.08. Then, due to our lovely sweep Robyne's instructions to aim for a particular garage in the
distance, we found we had travelled too far and were stuck fast on the
bottom. Our drummer and some of our crewmates came to the rescue, jumping
overboard and pushing the boat free. We then further entertained the
spectators lining the shoreline when our crewmates haphazardly re-entered
the boat - almost a rollover!
Our last race for the day
came sooner than expected only 3 races later when we lined up again,
this time against our sisters from Illawarra
Dragons Abreast. Sylvia took over the sweep duties for this race and
we came away with a convincing 1st placing and a time of
1.09.
As the weather had taken
a turn for the worse and we were not entered in any further races, it
was decided to pack up and head for home after changing out of our wet
clothes. During this time one of the other teams managed a rollover
further entertaining the crowd.
With everyone now heading
for home (except Megan and Amelia who were staying longer), it was decided
that a hot cuppa would be in order. Due to the Sutton Forest Inn unable
to provide any refreshments, a detour was made via the Bundanoon
Bicycle Café where most enjoyed hot drinks & expensive cakes! The
final leg to Canberra in the Toyota proved very
interesting and at times rather hilarious when Lynn H. requested help
with collective nouns for a number of objects. We certainly stretched
our minds and imagination, not to mention our voices!
However I'm
pleased to report that everybody arrived back safely at the Southern
Cross Yacht Club many thanks to our expert drivers Nicki
& Lynn H. A very big thank you to Mavis and all
those who helped in the organisation of such a wonderful day.
We certainly achieved our aim to have fun, even though we all have a
competitive streak and love to win.
October 2003
From the Dragon's Lair
Hello fellow
"Dragons",
Well, the Dragon
Boat racing season has begun and we certainly started it off on a memorable
note. On Sunday 14th September we held our Open Day to demonstrate
and promote Dragon Boating to new members and interested parties. Steve
Davidson and his wife Pam, both very experienced Dragon Boaters, came
down from Sydney to guide us with our training. There were several people
who turned up on the day for a paddle in the boat or just to have a look.
We went out in two
shifts, firstly the more experienced people so that the newer ladies could
see what it was all about from the shore. Leonie and Pam were there to
answer their questions and to talk about the sport in general. The second
round saw a core of experienced paddlers in the boat with the new ladies.
Unfortunately, by this time the wind had really come up and the lake became
quite rough. The inevitable happened and over we went.. Yes, our first
capsize! Steve and Pam made sure that the proper safety practice was followed,
and on the whole people handled it very well.
We all now realise the value of the safety drill that we
practice. Each time we go on the water we count off, and everyone teams
up with a "buddy" who looks out for them in the (unlikely) event of a
capsize. That's also why people who are poor swimmers are required to
wear a safety vest. Capsizing is not a usual occurrence,
and in 13 years in the sport Steve said that's only the 4th
time he has overturned. In a way it was a valuable lesson for us. We now
realise that we are quite capable of dealing with a situation like that
should it occur again (however we don't plan to make a habit of it).
A small raffle was held on the day and was well patronised.
Some "pink lady" badges from the BCNA were also available for sale.
Collecting for our major raffle is now under way. Thanks
go to Marina and Peter who started us off with their donation, and to
the generous ladies from the Kiama group who have also provided us with
some goodies for our hampers. We are looking for non-perishable food items
or items with a long expiry date for the food hamper, and other small
gift items for the second hamper. So any of you paddlers or supporters
out there with things in your cupboards that you can spare, please see
one of the committee at training, or at any of the meetings or events.
A reminder
to registered paddlers that the fees for the next year will soon be due
and should be handed to Leonie (or another of the Dragon Boat committee
if you can't find me) sometime during October. Fees are $22.00 for individual
membership of DBNSW and $6.00 for personal insurance. Total cost of $28.00).
This will carry you through until November 2004.
Paddles are supplied
for use during training and races but some of you have expressed interest
in buying your own paddles. There will be an order going in soon for some
of the quality "Grey Owl" paddles at a cost of $70.00 each. Please let
Helen know soon if you want to place an order.
21st of
September saw a few of the team travel to Sydney for the Ryde Aquatic
Festival. We teamed up with some others in the "hot pink" of Dragons Abreast
who had come from Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast. It was a little
cooler than we had hoped for but it didn't dampen our spirits.
Coming up soon (19th September) are races at Dobroyd,
near the Iron Cove Bridge. Get your names in early so that we can organise
our team for this event! I never knew until I participated in Dragon Boating,
just how many beautiful and interesting waterways there are in Sydney
and nearby.
The Australian Masters Games are fast approaching and we
are very excited, not just about the Dragon Boat racing, but the other
events associated with the Games. There will be a breast cancer forum,
a reception at Parliament House, a dinner and wonderful opportunities
to mix and mingle with other breast cancer survivor teams from around
the country. Can't wait!!!
Don't forget training each fortnight on Lake Illawarra, launching
from the Rowing Club on Northcliffe Drive at Berkeley at 8am. Next one
is 12th October, then 26th October, then 9th
November (Masters Games), 23rd November, 7th December
etc.
Cheers
and "paddles up"
Leonie
Shellharbour Festival of Sport, 18th March
2003
For the second year the Shellharbour Festival of Sport held Dragon Boat
racing on beautiful Lake Illawarra as part of its showcase of sport to
the community. Last year 3 teams entered (Dragons Abreast was the first
team to enter) and this year that tripled to 9. What will happen next
year? All (except us) were novices, but the team spirit was wonderful
and we were blessed with wonderful weather. As usual with new paddlers,
there was a lot of the "caterpillar" look, with teams finding
it difficult to stay in time with each other.
Although far from the strongest, Illawarra Dragons Abreast intimidated
the opposition with our impeccable timing and our hot pink "uniforms".
We haven't broken the drought yet (i.e. we haven't won a race) but we're
still in there having a go, and more importantly, having fun.
Next year we would love to have some of our Dragons Abreast sisters from
Sydney, ACT, Newcastle, Central Coast and anywhere else join us. It would
be great to have a special Dragons Abreast Challenge like the one that
was arranged for Chinese New Year.
The competition season is winding down now, but we plan to keep training
through the winter and we'll be a "well-oiled machine", a force
to be reckoned with by the time the competition rolls around again.
NSW - SHELLHARBOUR
FESTIVAL - DRAGON BOAT RACE.
Well what a day we had! Twenty odd brave ladies bared the elements -
dressed in pink lycra rash vests. We took on the opposition, which was
made up of two teams, the Red and the Orange. And let me tell you, the
opposition included some fairly hefty gentlemen with broad shoulders and
powerful arms. That didn't stop us!!! We paddled our little hearts out.
As a last resort we challenged to other two teams to combine force and
make up an all ladies team, and we prepared for our last race. And what
a race it was. I'm not sure if we won but it was extremely close. As usual
our girls had the appropriate accessories, namely 2 pink wigs and a pink
boa-scarf. They really stole the show. A great day was had by all and
the support crew were very supportive and very much appreciated. It would
be great to be able to fill a regular team and if enough ladies were interested
we would be able to compete all over the place. Please don't feel you
have to be physically fit - cause we aren't! It's just a lot of fun and
a great chance to get together and enjoy good company. Great to catch
up with old friends. Gay Bates
On March 10th, as part of the
Shellharbour Festival of Sport, approximately 22 of our ladies from The
Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group made up a team and competed in the
Dragon Boat Racing. We arrived all bright, slightly nervous but enthusiastic
and ready to have a go and help promote Dragons Abreast in our community.
Myself and a few of the other ladies had a little experience but most
had not. However, after our practice run, we were all about as experienced
and still enthusiastic. Also the Dragons Abreast bright pink shirts plus
the wigs and feathers gave us confidence and made us look good! We participated
in three races where we came a close second!! The final race against an
all women team, even if they were a lot younger than most of us, was the
closest and most exciting. I felt that we improved with each race and
that with practice and more experience we will improve even more. All
the ladies seemed very keen to have a go at making up our team to continue
participating in this fun sport. Thanks to everyone who helped organise
the day, especially to our Sweep who was a great help, to Baker's Delight
for the energy food and to the families and members who came along for
support. We all had an enjoyable, fun day.
Helen Bent
Well what can I say! The day of our first Dragon Boat Race in the Illawarra
finally arrived, so everyone who could race had a go and many others came
to watch and cheer us on. We might not have been the winners but we were
certainly the biggest GRINNERS. The weather was very kind to us and all
the enthusiastic rowers, family and friends had a great day. Thanks to
all for attending. Linda Paget.
P.S. Can't wait for the next race.
I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Dragon Boat racing at Shellharbour
last Sunday. The racing was fun and physically challenging, but I pulled
up fine. I really enjoyed being part of a team, as well as the camaraderie
of the other women. I am happy that the Illawarra Support Group will be
getting their own Dragon Boat, and look forward to taking part in more
races in the future. Santa
Perri.
Well I am sure everyone will agree what a great day it was for our first
Dragon Boat Race, with all our ladies in pink paddling together from the
Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group. We competed in four boat races
and the winning spirit was always there in our team of paddlers. It was
wonderful that so many ladies who did not paddle still came along to join
with other family, and friends, to take part in cheering us along and
giving lots of support through the day. I really enjoyed the day taking
part in the paddling, which is good exercise and good fun. I encourage
any other ladies in the groups to become part of our Dragon Boat Team
in the future. Roslyn Switzer
"Pink power, pink power,"
The chant went out.
Friends working together,
That's what it's all about.
Twenty-two women,
All paddling in time,
Showed the world what we can do,
And man, did we look fine!
All ages, shapes and sizes,
It really didn't matter.
We had such fun, a great day out.
You should have heard the chatter.
So come along and have a go,
As a paddler or supporter,
You'll be amazed, "pink power" is strong,
On land and on the water.
Leonie
James
Media coverage October 2002
This page last updated:
June 22, 2008
