MEDIA RELEASE Michelle Hanton, founder of Dragons Abreast Australia, was awarded an OAM in the Queen's Birthday honours for services to women's health.  2008 is the 10th year of the organisation she founded and this award is a particularly significant acknowledgement of her determination, passion and belief in women with breast cancer. This amazing woman received the news of her award at the World Conference on Breast Cancer in Winnipeg, Canada, where she was presenting a workshop on Dragons Abreast Australia. Michelle related that it was quite surreal in that she was away from home, her family, her support network and she secretly shared the news with a longtime Canadian breast cancer survivor.  As a result, women being women, an announcement was made to the jubilation of all participants.  Michelle said she was completely overwhelmed and thanked those responsible for her nomination, which I humbly accept on behalf of all women with breast cancer. Diagnosed herself with breast cancer in 1997, Michelle brought dragon boat to Australian breast cancer survivors and from that first group in Darwin in 1998 there are now 37 groups across the length and breadth of the country with many more waiting in the wings. Michelle has great foresight and vision and has not only coordinated this organisation since its inception but organised many events, the highlight being an international regatta on the Sunshine Coast in September 2007 when 2,000 women came together to celebrate.  Another milestone was her publication of A Dragon's Tale graphically portraying the history and development of Dragons Abreast.  Michelle has been a very active breast cancer advocate involved in many organisations.   She also raised the profile of the sport of dragon boating for breast cancer survivors at a national and international level by her commitment as the Executive President of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission on the International Dragon Boat Federation, and is the Marketing Director for the Australian Dragon Boat Federation. Michelle's extraordinary achievements are well documented and include: Telstra Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year 2004 Hudson Community and Government Award, 2004. Avon Spirit of Achievement Award, 2003. Chief Minister's Women's Achievement Award, 2001. NAB Community Link Award - Health Category, 2001. Dragons Abreast Australia receives no government funding and is actively seeking corporate sponsorship. There are many unpaid dragons beavering away in kitchens, on dining room tables, lofts, happily sharing computers with family and working with dedication and passion for women with breast cancer.  The psychosocial benefits of this organisation are immeasurable as women with no previous experience of a sport are warmly welcomed into a caring community. But none of this would have eventuated without the drive of its founder Michelle Hanton. Michelle is currently organising a corporate regatta in Sydney on 19 October 2008 and may be contacted for interview on 0418 898 082 Members of Dragons Abreast Australia are absolutely delighted that Michelle's dedication and drive has been acknowledged by an Australian honour. Anna Wellings Booth (founder, Dragons Abreast ACT & Region) Jan Skorich (Webmaster and Regional Representative, Dragons Abreast ACT & Southern NSW) tel: 02 6241 8061 On behalf of Dragons Abreast Australia www.dragonsabreast.com.au

 

NT News, 9 June 2008

This page last updated: June 12, 2008