Weekly Update (Archive)

Bulletin No. 19           Thursday 1^st August 2002

Hello all,

What a busy & exciting week this has been!

SO NATURAL Foods & Dragons Abreast have commenced a new working relationship. To date they have provided some sponsorship for Internationally Abreast & are supporting the Inaugural Regatta in Darwin. More details as our relationship with SO NATURAL develops! See also NT photos

NSW - Sydney 10 November will be the NSW Dragons Abreast Regatta. More details will follow shortly - but mark the date in your diary and if at all possible try to be in Sydney for the Regatta!

Central Coast - Linda Dowdall from DBNSW will make a visit to the Central Coast on Saturday to check out the possible site the girls there have lined up. Martine Boughton-Briggs will be in attendance as will Monica Butel - another of our Rome bound paddlers.

DATE CHANGE TO CALENDAR - dates for Chinese New Year races at Darling Harbour are changed from the 15th/16th Feb to 08th/09th Feb - so can you all please amend on your calendars.

NT - We actually won the women's social category of the Sundragon Festival! The publicity was fantastic - ABC news, NT News and on several radio programs including a live interview on Monday.

It was wonderful to meet Valerie Krause from Philadelphia & her family. This is their first trip to Australia & we are delighted that they included Darwin on their itinerary. Valerie very generously brought us all caps from her team in Philadelphia! Valerie is planning to be in New Zealand next March - so more of you will have the pleasure of meeting her.

QLD - the lovely Pat 'Tiger' Hill featured in her local paper - a great article!

Till next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 18                            Thursday 25^th July 2002

Greetings everyone,

The kids are back at school this week & we are in full swing preparing for the next season of dragon boat racing.

The information on New Zealand has generated heaps of interest & due to overwhelming demand will be the major focus for the Australian members of Dragons Abreast in 2003. At this stage, from a Dragons Abreast perspective, it appears New Zealand will outshine the Australian National Titles in Adelaide as members are so keen to meet and interact with our sisters across the waters!

Several members from Busting with Life, Auckland are coming to Australia to compete at the ASPAC Masters Games being held on the Gold Coast in September in a combined team with Dragons Abreast members. If there is anyone else interested in participating please let me know ASAP. Entry fee is $92 per person.

NT - Territory members are busy with the upcoming Inaugural Dragons Abreast Regatta. We have 31 teams entered & are turning teams away almost daily as we just cannot manage any more!

We are also looking forward to welcoming Valerie Krause from Philadelphia to Darwin next week when she will be visiting with her family. We have just signed a sponsorship agreement that runs till December 2004 with the Darwin Sailing Club - a fabulous venue which gives NT members a 'home' for socials and meetings as well other benefits!

ACT - Anna Wellings Booth thinks she may have sourced some excellent 'dragon' greeting cards that Dragons Abreast members may like to utilise. More details on these shortly!

NSW Central Coast - members continue to work towards having a dragon boat in their area. Artwork for their new shirts is almost completed and just awaiting approval from their sponsor, Kath Bowler Real Estate.

Mid North Coast Region, NSW (Pacific Palms - Foster) -  "Weekend on Water" event on the 16th/17th Nov. On the Sunday dragon boat will feature as a new sport into the region. If there are any Dragons Abreast paddlers interested in participating please contact Martine Boughton-Brigg or myself to register your interest. Another to chance to spread our message in a new area!

Till next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 16                        Thursday 11^th July 2002

Hello all,

Thought I'd just recap on a few things this week - the more common questions that are arising!

Sponsorship & receipts - the cheques need to be made out to Breast Cancer Network Australia and sent up to me. I will then deposit into BCNA account & issue a receipt. I send you the receipt, which you give to the sponsor along with your thank you letter. BCNA will then send your group a cheque at the end of the month for the money.

A couple of suggestions for team building that don't involve being in boat.

Session at the pool - take your group along for a session at a local pool (indoors for those in the colder climates!) & have everyone do a 'swim' test with their clothes on - so no need to get bashful about wearing your bathers!! Never mind if they've already done one - it is great fun and encouraging for the newer paddlers. Best of all you can check everyone's swimming ability at the same time!

Photo/video session - have everyone bring along their photo's and videos. The longer serving paddlers can give a short talk on their experiences. As the coordinator you can do a short background on Dragons Abreast making sure everyone know what the team is about, where we started, who our sponsors are etc, etc.

Stickers - are available still. Cost price to you is $2.00 and you on sell for $5.00 each or 3 for $10. The profit is for your group.

Paddles - we encourage everyone who can afford it, to purchase their own paddle as this encourages members to be responsible for them and is not such a financial drain on the groups. It also allows everyone to be creative and 'individualise' their paddles! There are some amazingly decorated paddles out there.

Web Site - keep those stories & photos rolling in. Jan is doing a fabulous job of keeping everything up to date!

Training Manual - I've received a couple of enquiries about whether this is going ahead. I am pleased to say, yes - it most definitely is. It will be quite a comprehensive document, which is why it is taking a while. The target date for its release is October.

New Zealand - apparently Busting with Life have sent out information packages - I'll let you all know as soon as I receive it! I've asked for accommodation details -will let you know as soon as I hear.

Till next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 14                        Thursday 27^th June 2002

Greetings fellow paddlers!

Pam Bell, NSW reports "the new group at Hunters Hill had their first training session was last Wednesday - a day when it was bitterly cold and pouring rain. I sat there thinking dark thoughts about one Michelle Hanton who got me into all of this!

On the bright side it's great to have somewhere accessible to train and they're a nice group of people. It's great for my morale as I'm just about the most experienced there.

Melanie Cantwell said nice things about Dragons Abreast when we took delivery of the boat - we also have a coach Greg someone but he's not saying anything different to what I learned from you in my rapid introduction to paddling up in Darwin. Still it's good to have the reinforcement."

Illawarra - Melanie Cantwell from DBNSW went down there last Saturday & met with Leonie James. She reports that the site they have is fantastic! Entry to water is a sandy beach and it is a fairly protected part of the bay, with very limited motorised water traffic. Port Hacking club will take it in turns in coaching them to start with and getting their sweep accredited. 

TAKE 5 Magazine - issue 3^rd July - which is now on the news stands has an article on Glenis Wright from South Australia Dragons Abreast. Glenis tells the story of her diagnosis and how she ended up dragon boat racing!  There are some lovely pictures of Glenis & her little boy. It's a really great story of positive outcomes!

Reading the article has brought home a point to me - something that I have been remiss in reminding people of.  In the article Glenis mentions that Dragons Abreast is fairly new in Australia - this made me realise that many of the newer paddlers are unaware of our history. So I'd like to ask all coordinators to please make sure members know our history. The important bit is that we started in 1998 and we need make sure that credit is given to Dr. Don McKenzie & Abreast in a Boat, Vancouver as being the first ever survivor team in the world. If not for them Dragons Abreast would not have come into existence. The other team that shares the name Dragons Abreast is Toronto, Canada.

WA - Yvette reports it is very hard to crawl out of bed to go paddling when the weather is so cold! However, Vivienne Wigg was so inspired at the Nationals that she is now learning to sweep & will be the first female sweep for Dragons Abreast Amazons! Well done Vivienne!

NEW ZEALAND - I received following details from NZ yesterday. "Our committee is working with a hotel negotiating a great rate so all the teams can stay together .The hotel is looking at transport needs and it has a gym, pool and a small lake/basin in it's back yard so it's a restful spot .About 15-20 mins from the Harbour where we race. We are also looking at providing all paddles so you don't have to fly with them.A travel co here is working with us now on accom, transport for all to Wellington so can you leave that one with us till after 9th July02 when we next meet as a committee.We would like to offer 1,2,3 day trips for the week between regattas so the travel co are looking a options for you all to suit all tastes etc. I will be in touch ASAP post 9/7/02."

Qantas (which means Frequent Flyer Points!!!) have given us a group fare. This means we can fly out from all over Australia & still be part of the same group booking. The bookings will all need to go through one travel agent but I do not see that as a problem.

You can fly into Auckland and return from either Wellington or Christchurch for the same fare.

Booking together means we receive bonuses on airfares and accommodation bookings and these will naturally be shared across the entire group to reduce prices!

We are also looking into Air New Zealand and other ways of saving costs - the above figures are just to give you a starting point! I envisage things will get cheaper rather than dearer.

Please circulate details to your paddlers and lets try and get a firmer indication of numbers. The above fare just requires a deposit of $100 per person, within 21 days of confirmation,  to secure the price of the fare and the seats. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. Names required 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation fee of $100 per person.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS -is attached with this bulletin, you'll notice some of the dates clash. It is the best I have been able to manage based on the information received.

WEB SITE - lots more photo's have been added recently. Don't forget to keep all those new clippings, poems and stories coming in! Everyone loves to share in the joys and celebrations!

The photo below is courtesy of Linda Dowdall, of the Flowers on the Water at the Nationals - there are more on the web site for viewing! I think this shows a completely different angle to all the others - apparently Linda gave her camera to the sweep - clever Linda!

 

QLD - Pat "Tiger" Hill has penned a lovely little poem!

Moggil - a Dragon Boat.

Moggil is her name, a bright pink dragon boat,

There's nothing 'round you can compare, that's ever been afloat.

Her name means water dragon who lived in this domain.

With her dragon head and flying tail , we're off in her to train.

Sun streaming on the water, sparkling with a silver shine,

Ladies all decked out in pink, all paddling and in time.

Sandra sitting on the bow and counting 1-2-3,

While Gary standing on the stern, sweeps against the sea.

With paddles high and outstretched arms all listen to the guide,

They're all in there to do there best, bums jammed against the side.

These ladies have a common bond, they've all survived B.C.

They show that there's a future for all like you and me.

You might say "This is not for me, I cannot even swim."

There's life jackets for you to wear in case you may fall in.

So come along and have a try, you may even be surprised.

You'll never know what you can do until you've had a try.

Back to the ramp all glowing and energies all spent,

Their smiles all tell a story of the paddle where they went.

Then giggles in the coffee shop, companionship all round.

Nothing can compare to this to bring you back to ground.

© Patricia "Tiger" Hill, Dragons Abreast 22 June 2002

Till next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 13                        Thursday 20^th June 2002

Greetings fellow paddlers!

Some exciting news! Dragons Abreast have been given the wonderful opportunity to act as the Australian Distributors for the world's first consumer magazine devoted to the sport of dragon boat racing, Dragon Boat World, launches with its première issue on June 22, 2002. The debut coincides with the 14th Annual Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, the largest in the world, along with Vancouver's Alcan Dragon Boat Race Festival and the National Capital Dragon Boat Race Festival in Ottawa.

Dragon Boat World is meant to appeal to all levels of paddlers, from novice to veteran.

The publishers are supplying the magazine to us at a very special rate so that we can use it as a fundraiser for Dragons Abreast!

I had not intended to make this announcement until we had firmed up the prices but due to overwhelming interest I've had to go public with it now! I have emailed the various dragon boat clubs with the details  - so they well approach you. Please advise me if you are happy to handle the sales in your area!

Visitors to Darwin this week - We had the pleasure of meeting Sheena Short from Hobart. It looks like Tassie will be welcoming us all in the not too distant future! Elspeth Humphries from ACT was also briefly in town & enjoyed a couple of paddles with us in the warmer climate, as well as a social dinner down at the Darwin Sailing Club.

Paspaley Pearls have today shown me the beautiful pearl pendant that will be the first prize in the 2002 raffle - it is valued at just under $4,000 and absolutely fabulous! I am just firming up a 3^rd prize. Tickets are anticipated to go on sale on 20^th August - watch this space!

Inaugural Dragons Abreast Regatta for 25^th August 2002 in Darwin is proceeding fabulously! Flyers only went out on Monday and we already have 15 teams entered!

Central Coast NSW girls continue to gain momentum. Qld is taking it easy at the moment although Kylie Bade from QDBF is keen to see the Gold Coast develop further. WA and VIC are very quiet too - guess it's that cold weather!

New Zealand - numbers for this trip continue to grow. We are still waiting on prices but hope to have something for you all to look at in the next week.

Until next week - happy paddling!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 12                   Thursday 13^th June 2002

Greetings fellow paddlers!

Things are fairly quiet out there - I hope you are not all too frozen in the cooler southern states! We are having glorious weather up here in tropical Darwin! Paddling at Cullen Bay each evening is a real pleasure, with fabulous sunsets & gentle breezes.

The lovely Kellie Murphy from Qld Dragons Abreast has joined us this week, as she's on holiday here visiting her parents. Her verdict is that Cullen Bay doesn't smell as bad as the Brisbane River!

I've had a very brief conversation with Gil Paulsen today and wonder of wonders, they got her into a dragon boat in Victoria, Canada and she paddled in a race! I've told Gil that we all expect a full report & photos - so watch this space! I believe it was an accident that she got in the boat but sounds like she had a ball!

Dragons Abreast NT are looking forward to welcoming Sally Redman and eagerly awaiting the NBCC workshop happening this Saturday, even if it means we are having to give up our Saturday morning paddle and chat session! A sacrifice indeed!!!

ACT - have received a donation of $300 towards their team from the girls at St Francis Xavier College. While Elspeth was in the Northern Territory she paddled with NT Dragons Abreast, and came back with some paddling tips for the ACT team.

Until next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

See special Post Nationals edition of newsletter May 2002

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Bulletin No. 11                              Thursday 6^th June 2002

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."  Helen Keller

Hello girls,

The article on Dragons Abreast in the Connections Magazine by Amoena has been a great hit! I received several phone calls from across Australia enquiring about our paddling groups! These have channelled to the respective area coordinators.

Calendar of Events - this is almost finalised. If you have anything happening in your local area that Dragons Abreast may like to participate in & you'd like to see included on the calendar, please email me details asap.

Qld - had a ball participating in the Relay for Life last weekend! I believe it was rather chilly but understand that the girls of Dragons Abreast did us all proud as they giggled their way around the damp track alerting everyone to the presence of the PINK LADIES and PINK POWER!

As we do not have a great deal of news this week, I am sending you a little story, that you may or may not have seen before, but I feel it is very powerful. You may like to share this with your fellow paddlers as it so clearly demonstrates what tiny little gestures of kindness can mean to people & how it can so influence their lives!

Dr. Frank Mayfield was touring Tewksbury Institute when, on his way out, he accidentally collided with an elderly floor maid. To cover the awkward moment Dr. Mayfield started asking questions, "How long have you worked here?"

"I've worked here almost since the place opened," the maid replied.

"What can you tell me about the history of this place?" he asked.

"I don't think I can tell you anything, but I could show you something."  With that, she took his hand and led him down to the basement under the oldest section of the building. She pointed to one of what looked like small prison cells; their iron bars rusted with age, and said, "That's the cage where they used to keep Annie."

"Who's Annie?" the doctor asked.

"Annie was a young girl who was brought in here because she was incorrigible - which means nobody could do anything with her. She'd bite and scream and throw her food at people. The doctors and nurses couldn't even examine her or anything. I'd see them trying with her spitting and scratching at them. I was only a few years younger than her myself and I used to think, 'I sure would hate to be locked up in a cage like that.' I wanted to help her, but I didn't have any idea what I could do. I mean, if the doctors and nurses couldn't help her, what could someone like me do?

"I didn't know what else to do, so I just baked her some brownies one night after work. The next day I brought them in. I walked carefully to her cage and said, 'Annie, I baked these brownies just for you. I'll put them right here on the floor and you can come and get them if you want.' Then I got out of there just as fast as I could because I was afraid she might throw them at me. But she didn't. She actually took the brownies and ate them.

"After that, she was just a little bit nicer to me when I was around. And sometimes I'd talk to her. Once, I even got her laughing. One of the nurses noticed this and she told the doctor. They asked me if I'd help them with Annie. I said I would if I could. So that's how it came about that every time they wanted to see Annie or examine her, I went into the cage first and explained and calmed her down and held her hand. Which is how they discovered that Annie was almost blind."

After they'd been working with her for about a year - and it was tough sledding with Annie - the Perkins Institute for the Blind opened its doors. They were able to help her and she went on to study and became a teacher herself.

Annie came back to the Tewksbury Institute to visit, and to see what she could do to help out. At first, the Director didn't say anything and then he thought about a letter he'd just received. A man had written to him about his daughter. She was absolutely unruly - almost like an animal.

He'd been told she was blind and deaf as well as 'deranged'. He was at his wit's end, but he didn't want to put her in an asylum. So he wrote to ask if we knew of anyone - any teacher - who would come to his house and work with his daughter.

And that is how Annie Sullivan became the lifelong companion of Helen Keller.

When Helen Keller received the Nobel Prize, she was asked who had the greatest impact on her life and she said, "Annie Sullivan." But Annie said, "No Helen. The woman who had the greatest influence on both our lives was a floor maid at the Tewksbury Institute."

History is changed when one person asks, what can someone like me do?      - Source Unknown

Until next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 10                               Thursday 30^th May 2002

Hello girls,

This week I received an email from a Valerie Kraus who is a member of the Philadelphia Women's DB Team and a member of the Breast Cancer Survivor Team, Against the Wind. She will be in Australia July 24 - August 10 and would love to paddle with a team. The coordinators in the areas that she will be visiting have been given her details and we are looking forward to putting on a warm Dragons Abreast welcome!

RAFFLE - I have some very exciting news! We have been donated a very special prize -a quilt called "Rosebuds for Recovery". I believe it is valued at around $1600. I am told that this is, what will become, an "heirloom' as it is of a quality that will outlast us and our kids!

SINGAPORE - as part Singapore Dragon Boat Festival, there will be a display on the survivor teams around the world. I have sent across copies of various press cuttings from across Australia. This includes pieces from ALL States in Australia where we have Dragons Abreast established - so don't be totally surprised if someone mentions seeing you all in Singapore!!! The driving force behind this is a Canadian woman and it is her dream to see a survivor team established over there - a big mission given that breast cancer is not talked about a great deal - this display will go a long way to bring it "out of the closet." I have assured her that should Singapore decide to host a race, Aussie Dragons Abreast members will, no doubt, be very willing to participate!

NEW ZEALAND - lots of interest in this one with many already booking their holidays and starting to save! Quite a number are talking of spending a month in New Zealand - so if anyone is interested in forming a group, I am sure group rates will apply. Several members are looking into the finance side of things - we'll feedback and exchange information through the weekly Bulletins as it comes to hand.

NSW - Sydney -continue to receive new enquiries. The girls are training at Port Hacking once a week as it is too cold!

Illawarra - are expressing great interest is joining the group for New Zealand!

TAS - Enthusiastic emails continue to fly back and forth between Tassie & myself. Things are moving along very nicely!

ACT report from Anna Wellings Booth - What a nice man the photographer was who shot us for the Canberra 2004 Calendar.  He heard me expressing disappointment that Sylvia wasn't there on the day and said he'd come back in the Spring.  Sylvia is doing well and has a chemo companion who has joined the crew.  Lynn very bravely bared her hairless head and Jan Skorich had her long, long locks cut in support of Lynn and Sylvia.

Saturday mornings we undo the good we've done physically and indulge in scones, cappucino's and chatter to feed the soul!  This Saturday to mark the beginning of icy mornings we're having a smorgasbord breakfast. 

Most of the crew will be donning the pink and walking in the Terry Fox Fun Run organised by the Canadian High Commission in support of the ACT Cancer Council later in June.

Our 'Poet Laureat', and one of our sweeps, Robynne Kellett, is always urging us on and has penned another motivational poem:       

  "The Cupboard Ironwoman"

Who is the cupboard ironwoman?

Come on give us a shout

You hide your steaming power

Come on GIRL - LET IT OUT!

You keep it in the cupboard

And mostly tucked away

We need that full aggression

Let us see it every day

Those crews of men will tremble and quake

As they see you power on

"Where did she get that power?

That woman is really strong!"

Don't be a cupboard paddler

Let your style reveal your soul

Display your strength before us

We all gain because you're bold.

Who is the cupboard ironwoman?

We all wonder who

Don't look too far beyond yourself

For maybe it is you!

NT - our wine tasting on Saturday night was extremely well attended. We were delighted to see all the sponsors actually turn up - quite rare that they all come!  The latest issue of Territory Business Magazine has just been published and there is a 2 page spread devoted to Dragons Abreast NT - with us in glorious colour! This magazine goes north to Asia - to various governments and many of the big businesses that the NT Government deals with - so once again - Dragons Abreast are taking the message far and wide!

GOLD DRAGONS - more have been ordered and should be available in a couple of weeks. There are still some silver in stock. $55 for gold and $30 for silver.

Until next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No.9                                    Thursday 16th May 2002

Hello everyone!

Another week has whizzed by with the stories & photos from the Nationals still rolling in! I am sorry that the Bulletin has been missing for the last few weeks but we have all be occupied with the National Titles and then much needed R & R !!

You'll see that the web site has been updated and includes the photos received to date!  Some appear under the heading of National whilst others appear by their respective States! Please keep photos and news rolling in as we love to be able to paste them on the site so everyone can share!!!

Special thanks to our fabulous, very efficient web master - Jan Skorich from ACT!

Dragons Abreast participated in the Mothers Day walks in both Sydney & Melbourne & once again were a great talking point with the crowd & everyone wanting to know about those "pink tops"!!!

HENLEY ON TODD  - Alice Springs 21^st September 2002. It is teams of 4 and 8 -  you pick up the "boat" and run in the sandy river bed! Should be a very interesting experience and a great promotion for breast cancer & the BCNA! The local Alice Springs Bosom Buddies & Zonta group are working with us. If you are interested in joining in this fun event please let me know. We need to get numbers confirmed asap as apparently accommodation in Alice is at a premium at this time!

NEW ZEALAND -confirmed dates of 15^th -16^th March 2003 for Auckland and 22 -23^rd for Wellington. Busting with Life will be our hosts! I have advised Heather that Dragons Abreast Australia is hoping to send at least 2 teams- so pass the word around your group and lets start to get some names & numbers happening!!! I suggest we need to look at arriving in New Zealand no later than 12 March, so we can get in a little practice in the local conditions!

Central Coast, NSW -are holding a meeting on 21^st May which will be attended by Martine from Newcastle and Linda Dowdall from DBNSW. The Central Coast girls hope to get a boat located on the coast so they no longer have to travel to Newcastle to train.

TAS - have formed two working parties - north and south - to work out the local issues and logistics of establishing teams there! Sheena from Hobart will be in Darwin in June, so NT Dragons Abreast will be catching up then & allowing her to experience dragon boat first hand!

ACT - lovely article in Canberra Times last week! I have also just heard from Anna that a professional photographer was so impressed by the PINK LADIES in all their "get up" that they have been invited to be part of the 2004 Canberra Calendar! WOW!!!!

QLD - an article on Otto - our brave male paddler, appeared in the Courier Mail. We have also had a request for a speaker from Dragons Abreast to talk to the Toowoomba Support Group.

LOST - one pink rashies at the Nationals belonging to Judy Smith from NT - if anyone picked it up and discovered a spare when they got home can you please let me know.

Until next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 7                                               Thursday 10th April 2002

Dragons Abreast forging ahead!

  What an exciting time these last few months have been for Dragons Abreast! Our crews continue to grow in numbers with new enquiries on a weekly basis from across the country.

  Qld and NT are fortunate enough to have been donated boats. Thanks to the generosity of Southbank & Madeleine Luck respectively.

   NT Boat Sunshine on the magnificent double trailer donated by Department of Correctional Services

The newly formed Dragons Abreast team in South Australia is flourishing and sending a full crew to the National - great work girls!

Formally Adopted by the BCNA - In February Dragons Abreast was formally adopted as a Project of the Breast Cancer Network Australia. This is absolutely fantastic news & all members should be thrilled that we are part of such a wonderful organization as the BCNA!

  The project brief is very exciting and will ensure that Dragons Abreast continues to go from strength to strength!

The flicker that flamed- By Hayley Coutts - Dragons Abreast Vic

Let me tell you a quick history, and yes I mean quick history about my life over the last nine years.  I was diagnosed in 1993, at age 25 with a lobular carcinoma in my right breast.  I had a two and a half year old daughter. I had seven weeks of radiotherapy, politely declined the offer of chemotherapy and got back to my life.  Two years later my son Lewis was born.  I breast-fed him, with many trials and tribulations from my left breast only.  Life was good and normal and cancer very rarely raised its voice in our home.  We had moved to the country and I was working as a special education teacher.  In 1998 I attended the launch of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia conference, held in Canberra.  It was here that I was made aware of the existence of Dragon boat racing.  I heard Michelle talking about dragon boat racing and sat in my chair thinking how completely irrelevant the whole sport was.  I really just didn't see the point and I couldn't see the attraction.

In March 2000 a very dear friend of mine was re-diagnosed with a new primary, this rocked me to my core and made me realize that I would never really be "out of the woods".  I began to question whether I had done enough to ensure my survival.  Perhaps a support group would have given me a better chance of survival, who knows? I really began to question my commitment to the breast cancer cause.

    Just three short months later, I too would be re-diagnosed with a new tumour in my right breast.  That journey is something you can read about in my autobiography if I ever get to publish it, but basically, I required a mastectomy and opted for an immediate re-construction.  This surgery and in combination with the chemotherapy (no options this time as standard treatment for women under 40 had been designed) I was left spiritually, emotionally and physically destroyed. 

    I searched desperately for the "thing" that would help me get through the trauma.  Again, I was met with support groups offering coffee and biscuits and brochures.

     The fact that I lived rurally didn't help either.  I was thirty two years old with two young kids and I was very isolated apart from the support of my husband and family.  With the failure of my TRAM flap reconstruction, I was faced with prospect of a Latissimus Dorsi flap reconstruction in September 2001, a mere 12 months later.  I decided to give it a go knowing full well that I would again be physically challenged as a result of the surgery.

     In December 2001 I saw an advertisement for Dragon boat paddling in Victoria.  "Ah the old dragon boat thing," I said to myself.  Maybe I could give this a go.  I rang Pamela Williams and was welcomed warmly, the info' arrived in the post the next day and I waited excitedly for the safety swim. I was worried that I might not even make the swim (even though I was once a competition swimmer) and asked, begged, and guilt tripped my husband Lawrie to swim with me.  He begrudgingly obliged.  I made the swim easily, so step one was out of the way.  My first training session was great.  The women were fantastic.

   The next session saw me have concerns about my ability to compete as my back, at the surgery site was very sore.  It was the third training session however that made me realize that dragon boat paddling was my THING.

    It had been a sultry day and threatened rain.  The hour and a quarter trip to the city was dark and onerous.  As we got onto the water, lightening crackled around us.  The sky was dark and then down came the rain.  It was the horizontal rain that hits you hard in the face and I was smiling.  I was smiling that smile that says, "bring it on".

     The flicker of life I had been hanging onto for fifteen months had burst into flame.  I haven't felt so alive in many years.  Here we were, a boat full of challenged women, on the Yarra, paddling with heart and soul.  We were alive and we were living and I had finally found my thing.  As thunder boomed and lightening cracked, we paddled as one.  We were wet and tired but happy.  We were here and we were making a difference.  I was enjoying the company of fellow breast cancer legends, some were well, others not so well, but we were together and we were flying the flag for life after breast cancer.

   With forty or so personalities on the boat, dragon boat racing can be trying.  We are all passionate women with ideas' of value to offer.  Sometimes it can be frustrating, at one point I was in tears of frustration with the whole thing but then you remember why you are there and it all seemed to fall into place.  It certainly beats coffee and cake.

    A most memorable moment for me during my dragon boat experience was to hear the roar of the crowd as we paddled past the bank in our first heat at the festival.  The applause was huge and I had tears in my eyes when I realized that is was for us.  Not because we were winning (because we weren't) but because we were there.  We were on the water flying the flag for women with breast cancer.

   Other teams congratulated us as we walked past after our race. (They loved our rashies, someone wanted to buy one, I told them they had to earn the very special pink rashie and it could only be paid for in blood, sweat and tears!)  I didn't feel pitied I felt respected and sometimes, that's all you need.

    Perhaps the most rewarding thing about Dragon boat racing for me is that I've learnt to accept my own mortality.  Something I have spent countless amounts of energy on and refused to do for 9 years. Then I met Judy Costello. 

   Jude was our drummer.  Even though she was very unwell during our training time, she still showed up every week and when she couldn't paddle anymore she took on drumming with gusto.  Drumming is not easy (I've had a go) but Judy was fantastic.  Judy taught me that you don't live forever but you should make the best of what you've got.  Judy passed away three weeks after the Melbourne Dragon boat festival.  Her funeral was a celebration of her life.  Dragon boat paddling was acknowledged as a big part of the last months of her life.  I am proud to have been a part of that.  Next time I'm on the river and I hear thunder, I'll think of Judy drumming the beat for that special dragon boat team in the sky.

  Yes, dragon boat paddling sure beats coffee and cake. 

Have a go, you won't regret it.

Paddles up!

                                  Hayley Coutts

AusDBF 2002 National Titles 19/20 April.  This is the biggest calendar event in the sport of Australian dragon boat racing! It is also the place where Dragons Abreast has our very own division of racing & the fabulous perpetual trophy is up for grabs. The NT Team had the honour of being the winners for the inaugural race in 2001 but this Nationals competition will be hot with Dragons Abreast SA, NSW and Qld all competing against Dragons Abreast ACT/NT!!

  Dragons Abreast Qld is looking forward to welcoming competitors. The national fund will provide buses to transport paddlers to and from official functions and will host a welcome dinner at the Broadwater Room, Sea World on Tuesday 16^th April.

    A full wrap up of the Nationals will be in the next newsletter.

Celebrity Dragons Abreast Paddlers!

Dragons Abreast Vic - featured on ABC Health Dimensions during National Lymphoedema Week & Pamela Williams was interviewed on the radio whilst Jeannie Betts featured in the Moorabbin Leader. Bettina Woodburn also from Vic - winner of the "Get Up & Go" Award by the Seniors Card featured on Good Morning Australia.  Dragons Abreast SA - featured on the national news during their first race & it's wonderful to hear how many people across Australia caught that segment! Lyn Hill, Sally Russell, Lyndal Outram and Margaret Lynch have all featured in their local Adelaide papers. Dragons Abreast Illawarra received extensive media coverage in their local papers. Dragons Abreast Qld featured on ABC Radio breakfast show that went out to 54 stations.

    Undoubtedly, there are several other celebrities in our midst but we have not received any details - remember to send those press clipping & notifications to the National Coordinator for inclusion on the web and in our newsletters!

Where the Australian breast cancer survivor dragon boat team began - 1998 at the First National Breast Cancer Conference for Women in Canberra. One of the guest speakers was Canadian journalist Sharon Batt who mentioned breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams in Canada - this immediately caught my attention & I resolved we should have the same in Australia.

I contacted the Canadian Abreast in a Boat Society who were most generous with their information & help. These ladies were the first ever survivor paddlers in the world! Under the expert eye of Dr. Don McKenzie they set about attempting to prove that repetitive upper body exercise was not harmful and would not cause lymphoedema. From those 26 brave women in Vancouver who volunteered to be 'guinea pigs' has grown as world wide movement! Today there are over 40 breast cancer survivor teams across the globe - Dragons Abreast is the Australian team.
  Abreast in a Boat continue to be leading lights and shining examples of what a survivor team should be about.  I am eternally grateful to them and Don McKenzie, who is a most wonderful human being and very modest!

                                    Michelle Hanton

The Shellharbour Festival 10^th March - our newest Pink Ladies from the Illawarra Support Group. 

  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.  Robin Gregory

A paddler's perspective of the day

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

DRAGONS ABREAST RAFFLE

This is our major fundraiser for the year - tickets are $2.00 each. The money from the sale of the tickets is divided between the National fund and the State group that sells the tickets i.e. $1.00 from each ticket sold goes back to your local group. The first prize is a fabulous piece of pearl jewellery courtesy of Paspaley Pearls. Tickets will be available in mid August. If you wish to register to sell tickets please contact your local coordinator or the National Coordinator on (08) 89418923. Email: hanton@ozemail.com.au

Dragon Boat History & Traditions

Dragon boat racing is a sport steeped in tradition. It has a 2000-year history and is widely believed to have started in Yue Yang, China where the legend of Qu Yuan started.

  Qu Yuan was a popular Chinese statesman and poet who fell from grace and drowned himself in the Mi Lo River as a protest against political corruptness.

  The local fisherman rushed out in their boats to try and save him.

  They thrashed the water with their paddles and threw rice dumplings into the river to appease the water spirits & ensure his body was not eaten. This is how dragon boat racing began!

   Today dragon boat racing is a colourful and spectacular sport with the dragon's head, tail and drum attached for ceremonial purposes and regattas.

   It is traditional that all new dragon boats be blessed by Buddhist monks prior to taking to the water for the first time. This is to ensure good 'karma'.

 "The Third Eye" - is the wisdom eye. It is located in the center of the dragons forehead, between the other eyes.  The third eye should always be 'opened' as part of a new boat being launched. Indeed, it is considered very bad luck not to have a boat traditionally blessed before putting it on the water.

Opening the third eye gives the dragon, ergo the team, clarity & focus, as without wisdom there is nothing. This is done by painting, in red paint, a line down the center.

"Dotting the eyes" - the eyes of the dragon are traditionally dotted at the beginning of each Festival. This is to open the dragons eyes so they can see far and clearly. This task is considered to be an honour and dignitaries are often asked to perform the task.

"Rice dumplings" - parcels of rice wrapped in banana leaf. These are tossed into the water to appease the water spirits.

Chanting by the monks - to ask the spirits to watch over and bless the competitors, ensuring no harm befalls them & to ask the spirits to allow the Hungry Ghosts mouths to open so they can eat the offerings.

    Whilst chanting the monks will often ring a bell, this is to 'wake up' the water spirits, to let them know the boat is coming into their territory - the boat should not enter without 'permission'. The monks also toss rice grains into the water to appease the hungry water spirits so they will not be tempted to rock the boat!

    At the end of the blessing ceremony the monks usually tie blessing bands on each paddler. This is considered a 'lucky charm' and should not be cut off but worn until it falls off naturally.

   You may read of 'flag catching' in some dragon boat write-ups. This is the Taiwanese style of dragon boat racing and does not occur in Chinese style. Basically the flag catcher has to crawl up onto the dragons head & lean out to snatch the flag from the pole at the finish line!  A boat is not a winner unless the flag has been caught - even if they are first across the line. No flag, no win! This is a real skill as often it is just the guts of the flag catcher, reaching out that bit further that makes the difference!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!

2002 World Club Crew Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Rome - Italy 4 - 8 Sept.

   Dragons Abreast will be competing under the banner of Internationally Abreast with our Canadian sisters from Abreast in a Boat, Chemo Savvy, Dragons Abreast Toronto and Waves of Hope. We have entered the Premier and Senior Divisions as well as the Cancer Survivors Race. Dragons Abreast SA are entering the Cancer Survivors Race.

Henley On Todd - 21 September, Alice Springs, Northern Territory.  A different sort of race! This is run in a dry riverbed. Events require paddlers to run along carrying their "boat" (not a big heavy thing!). It is an absolute spectacle & will be even more of a spectacle with the PINK LADIES there! Dragons Abreast plan to have at least one team of 4 to 8 "paddlers" entered.  Any interested entrants or supporters contact Michelle Hanton.

New Zealand - Breast Cancer Survivors Regatta - Dragons Abreast will have at least one team entered.  This regatta will be held in conjunction with the Auckland Dragon Boat Festival which will take place in the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland mid-March 2003 immediately after the conclusion of the America's Cup.

The Regatta will be a weekend event commencing with an Opening Ceremony and Breast Cancer Teams Dinner on Friday evening, followed by two days of competition, camaraderie and fun with an 'after match' function on Sunday evening.

   During the next week we will provide you with some very interesting workshops with ample leisure/sightseeing time included before we all bus down to Lake Karapiro for our seasons final regatta which is a 'Saturday only' competition followed by an end of season function.  Busting with Life, NZ

    AusDBF 2003 National Titles - April 2003 in Adelaide. Details to follow.

WEB SITE - contributions welcomed & encouraged! Each State has a tab that you click on and that then takes you to information for your State.

   A national bulletin is posted each week under the heading of 'Weekly Updates'. Jan Skorich from ACT must be congratulated for all her hard work & doing a fabulous job as Web Master!

   To reach the Dragons Abreast site go to www.bcna.org.au - click on Projects and under Dragons Abreast click on web page.

TASMANIA CALLING  - Tassie ladies are getting restless and anxious to have a team on the Apple Isle! We have received several enquiries from Tassie in the last month & are hopeful that something can be arranged and they can join us next season!

2002/2003 Dragons Boat Season Calendar - We are currently compiling details of upcoming regattas that Dragons Abreast may want to enter next season. If you have any details for your local area or events you would like included please forward details to your local or National Coordinator. 

     We will have the list ready to publish in the next issue of the newsletter. This will allow everyone plenty of advance notice and the opportunity to decide which events they prefer to enter - since we cannot go to everything!!!

 L A T E   N E W S F L A S H ! !

Central Coast, NSW has just received word from Wyong Shire Council that they are to receive $3,000 towards their own dragon boat!!! They are purchasing a second hand boat from the Newcastle & Hunter Dragon Boat Club! Well done girls - Congratulations!

State Contacts for Dragons Abreast

National Coordinator and NT

Michelle Hanton

Tel: (08) 89418923 Mob: 0418 898082

Email:hanton@ozemail.com.au

ACT

Anna Wellings Booth

Tel: (02) 6247 8470

Email: wbfamily@ozemail.com.au

NSW

Hunter Region 

Martine Boughton-Briggs

Tel: (02) 4933 2466

Email: martine.boughton-briggs@hunterlink.com.au

Sydney Area

Caroline Bommer Tel:(02) 9531 6375

Email: carolinebommer@bswip.com.au

Wollongong Area

Dianne Chellew Tel: (02) 4234 1702

Email: chellew@tpg.com.au

QLD

Janelle Gamble

Tel: (07) 3353 4151

Email: janelle@kedrononthebrook.com.au

SA

Ginny Bullock

Email: virginia.bullock@homenurses.com.au

VIC

Pamela Williams

Tel: (03) 9592 6352

Email: nwilliams@arc.net.au

WA

Yvette Libregts Tel: (08) 9305 2818

Email: amazons@iprimus.com,.au

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Bulletin No. 6                                               Thursday 4^th April 2002

National Titles

The biggest calendar event of the year! The place where we have our very own Dragons Abreast Division race & a fabulous trophy is at stake!!! Countdown has begun - two weeks today and we will all be gathered together in Queensland! I know I am excited & I hope everyone else is!

Dragons Abreast nationally are providing the buses to transport paddlers to and from official events & will host a welcome dinner on Tuesday night.

Congratulations to Lyn Swinburne who was recently recognised for her significant contribution to community action in the field of women's health, specifically breast cancer.  Lyn was announced as one of 20 Victorian women to be included in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. 

The announcement was made at a special event in Melbourne held on the 8th March.  This was a very significant recognition of Lyn's work which is of course the BCNA of which we are all a part!

Please pass this news on to your paddlers & we should all feel very proud of Lyn's achievements & being part of such a wonderful organization!

Around the States - this week I am dedicating lots of space to the Illawarra ladies who participated in their first ever dragon boat race just recently. I personally love hearing about new women discovering "PINK POWER" & experiencing the special magic that is created by being part of a Dragons Abreast team. I hope you will all enjoy reading this extract very kindly supplied by Robin Gregory & I am sure it will bring back happy memories of how we all started!      

NSW - Please see our new report on the Illawarra region - the rest of NSW is very quiet- no doubt madly practising for the Nationals!

SA - Ginny Bullock is confirmed as the new State Coordinator & Chair.

QLD - are heads down & bums up organizing what will be a fabulous week for all our Pink Ladies! The team of Dragons Abreast Qld are eagerly looking forward to welcoming the hordes of Pink Ladies who will shortly descent on Qld!

VIC - It is with regret that we announce the passing of Dragons Abreast member Judy Costello.

We were all moved by Judy's courage and determination to throw herself into the 'paddling' and we were all so relieved when she took on the less strenuous task of 'drumming'. And she did that so well.  What a terrible loss.   Gerda Evans

Dragons Abreast Victoria are hoping to walk in the Mothers Day Classic - what a wonderful promotional tool & how appropriate!

BCNA T-shirts,Pink Lady Badges & Stickers - will be available for sale at the Nationals!

Till next week!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 5                                                  Thursday 28^th March 2002

As we count down to the Nationals interest in Dragons Abreast continues to grow! The latest issue of the Beacon has resulted in more enquiries - primarily from NSW. It's just so wonderful to see everyone keen to embrace this wonderful sport & enjoy the camaraderie that being part of such a fantastic group of women brings!

The other day one of our newer paddlers made the comment "When I was diagnosed I felt there had to be something positive come out of it and now I have found "IT"! She was talking about Dragons Abreast & it is due to the wonderful efforts of all the State & regional coordinators that we are able to boast such a fantastic movement! You should all be very proud of yourselves!

National Titles

Dragons Abreast are boasting 90 paddlers at this event! Absolutely fantastic! Janelle Gamble will be forwarding out details of the official program very shortly - it's going to be a fabulous few days with lots of chances to renew and make new friendships!

Around the States

ACT - played host to visiting Canadians friends made through the Dragons Abreast worldwide network! Here is what Anna Wellings Booth has to say about their visitors!

The 3 Canadian back-packers were here at the beginning of the week and we had a great time.  I overheard Lorisa (Julie's daughter) saying "Didn't I tell you these women were amazing - the Vic's were so welcoming to us it was mind-blowing"  That just about sums us up eh girls?  I dragged them out of bed early on Tuesday am (after a bit of heavy partying on Monday night) to go training.  Elspeth, one of our members and a Canadian and Sweep to boot gave them a Lakeside Tour which put to shame all the Aussies.  We recited a few poems and sang all verses (aren't you impressed?) of Waltzing Matilda.  It was sunrise when we set out and on cue two hot air balloons rose overhead with a magnificent pink sunrise .  I had to go to work so two of our retired crew members bought breakfast and took them to the bus weighted down with all sorts of food to keep them going for a few days.  Lorisa (Julie's Mum) is currently involved in fundraising for the NZ regatta. 

VIC - I was absolutely delighted to read of the conversation Pru Menzies had recently in Melbourne & here is an extract from her email!

I was speaking to a lady highly associated with Guides Victoria at the Casey Council Women's Mentor Breakfast yesterday am. When I congratulated her on the Guides Dragon Boat effort, & told her I was part of the Dragons Abreast team, she commented something along these lines: that the word from the VIP box was that our efforts had raised the spirits of the DB racing fraternity from being so focussed on competition to recognising effort & participation etc. They also recognised a more communal support for all teams at the presentations, which they put down to us! We might not be race winners but sure had impact in broader terms.

SA - Vicki Nottage has resigned as the Coordinator of Dragons Abreast & Lyndal Outram has resigned as Secretary but both continue on as paddlers.  Replacements to be announced shortly.

Qld held a very successful regatta and a full report is on the Qld page

WA - The 'Go for the Doctor regatta' had a late change and was run in conjunction with the state titles at Fisherman's Boat Harbour Fremantle and the Dragons Abreast Amazons competed in 8 races. Unfortunately we only managed to win 1 heat but we were very few in numbers so a complete team was very hard to achieve. Nevertheless, we all had a fantastic (and exhausting) day and our petals on the water ceremony was even more flamboyant with our new and very noticeable rashies. (my son Cameron, commented that I looked like a big raspberry!).

The Dragons Abreast Amazons would like to thank all those involved in our activities this season and a big thank you must go to Bakers Delight for supplying a wonderful spread of their delicious products for all to share.  Yvette Libregts

ROME BOUND- the team list for Internationally Abreast is now closed. I am delighted to report that we have Dragons Abreast paddlers from QLD (Gold Coast & Brisbane groups), ACT, NSW, VIC and NT participating along with our Canadian sisters from Abreast in a Boat, Chemo Savvy, Waves of Hope and Dragons Abreast Toronto.

Have a Happy Easter Everyone & I hope the Easter Bunny hops your way!! We'll just have to do a couple of extra circuits in the boat to work off those choccies!!!

Till next week - keep safe!

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 4                                           Thursday 21^st March 2002

Another hectic week has gone by! The Melbourne girls were finally on the ABC Health Dimensions on Tuesday night & on the Channel 7 news the night before!!! Those Network T-shirts looked excellent! True media stars!

National Titles

It is now official - Dragons Abreast have 4 teams entered at the Nationals in both the 500m events on the Friday and the 250m events on Saturday as well as the Dragons Abreast Division. We have a total of 90 paddlers attending plus of course our support crew members!

As the National Coordinator I fill the role of overall team manager but have drafted Susan Tulley into the position of on-site team manager. Susan is a BCNA State Rep, has been involved with dragon boat from the beginning of Dragons Abreast at local regattas and at last years National Titles was Chief Marshall - Susan will be an excellent manager!

PLEASE NOTE - PADDLES ARE NOT PROVIDED AT THE NATIONAL TITLES! Each paddler will need to have her own.  I do have a few new Grey Owl paddles available for sale - they are $80 each.  They will be sold on a first come first served basis - so please contact me if you want one!

Around the States

ACT - We performed reasonably well on Saturday even though we had to borrow a few girls from other teams.  Newcastle, Griffins & Chinese Youth League were delighted to fill spots in various races.  We were certainly competitive.  In our first race Elspeth (who was sweep) lodged a protest because another crew cut cross us twice and we were fighting their wake on a very choppy lake. Organisers didn't quite know what to do! Our second race was fantastic and we came in third out of 5.  Next race it was getting very rough and we were just pipped for third but made it into the social final and it was a very close race - we came in last but very creditably even though three of our women had left not dreaming we'd make a final! My husband was talking to two fellows from sporting teams in the car-park at the end of the day and he mentioned I was with the Pink Ladies and their response was "Those women are amazing and they are doing so much in promoting this sport" That's a new angle - we're promoting the sport for them!! We had a great social time too.  Lenyss had an evening meal at her place and the 5 'out-of-towners' and their families joined us so it was great.  Anna Wellings Booth

VIC - had a wonderful time on Sunday & were a big hit with the crowds! The pink rashies were a huge success and Dragons Abreast were voted "best presented team" plus the Penang team wanted their tops!!!  You'll see from the photograph that the new rashies look absolutely great & the logo is now really prominent!

QLD - had a very successful regatta on Sunday but Janelle has not had time to send in a report as yet - watch this space next week! 

WA - are busy with their upcoming regatta on the 23^rd. They will be "coming out" in the new Dragons Abreast rashies & I am sure will "WOW" the crowds! 

NT - our group of paddlers continue to enjoy the lovely evening paddles in Cullen Bay. Saturday mornings are proving to be a great hit - I think it's the social coffee  & chat afterwards that is the big attraction!!

DRAGONS ABREAST RAFFLE - I know it is still a little way off BUT I need an indication of whether you are interested in participating and how many raffle tickets you think you can sell.  Tickets sell for $2 each - your group receives $1 for each ticket sold. ALL the hard work is done as the prizes, administration and printing of tickets is done nationally! This year we will draw the raffle about 15^th November allowing lots of selling opportunities during October - ABC month! It is anticipated tickets will go on sale mid August. Prizes are being finalised but the dollar value of the prizes very much depends on how many tickets we print. Paspaley Pearls will again provide a beautiful pearl and we are negotiating other prizes..

Till next week -  Happy Paddling!                                                         

Michelle Hanton

National Coordinator

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Bulletin No. 3                                                      Thursday 14 March 2002  

National Titles

Final crew lists will be circulated with next weeks bulletin! Kylie Bade (QDBF) has advised me that the Womens Masters category has been cancelled as there was only one sporting crew entered. So it seems we'll just be racing in the womens 500m and 250m and the Dragons Abreast Division.

Not long to go now, so I hope everyone is getting excited !

What's News Around the States NSW -  Illawarra girls had their first races last Sunday & won a race in their own right against a combo crew of ladies from 'Aveago Orange' and 'Bailles Concreting'. Their drummer Linda Dowdall, from DBNSW says "I was so proud to be drumming for them and we won by half a dragons head! A really awesome achievement! They received a plaque and an ovation from all the paddlers and spectators there." WELL DONE GIRLS!!! Photo's will follow shortly! WA - Another trophy (biggest yet!) was won on the weekend at the DBFWA/Cockburn regatta. They came first in two out of three races over 300m and were the winners in the Corporate division. At this rate they are going to have to buy a trophy case!

VIC - Melbourne & the Yarra will never be the same again. The Pink Ladies will be in full flight on Sunday 17^th!!! This will be their first regatta & it is so exciting!!! See Photos................

ACT - have their Festival this weekend & it is wonderful to see members travelling from Newcastle to support the ACT girls!

NT - All busy training for the Nationals!

QLD - in full swing for their Regatta on Sunday 17^th

SA - Will be paddling at the Nationals as a full crew from SA. Wendy's are the girls sponsors for the Rome trip.

Look Out for Dragons Abreast at:

·         Lake Burley Griffin Regatta - Saturday 16 March - Dragons Abreast NSW & ACT combining forces in a display of "Pink Power"!

·         Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival  - Sunday 17 March - Dragons Abreast will make a gigantic splash of colour on the Yarra!! Two boats entered - how absolutely fantastic!

·         Southbank Dragon Boat Regatta , Qld - Sunday 17 March. Dragons Abreast own pink boat debuts in Brisbane. The regatta is in support of BCNA Dragons Abreast & should give us a good profile in the lead up to the Nationals in Qld.

·         The Freo Doctor Festival - 23 March, WA - this inaugural festival should provide plenty of publicity for Dragons Abreast as their club (Cockburn) has done the bulk of the organising and is keen to give the "pink ladies' a profile!

·         NSW Titles, Penrith Sunday 24 March

On with the PINK POWER!

Michelle Hanton
National Coordinator
GPO Box 1948, Darwin NT 0801
Tel: 08 89418923 Fax: 08 89410821
Mobile: 0418 898082
Email: hanton@ozemail.com.au

Pink Satchels Available - Some of you have seen and admired my pink satchel. It is as per attached but in PINK! It is a great satchel with a shoulder strap, carry strap, 3 zippered compartments - one really large & one smaller one on the back plus one on the front. Inside the front there are pockets for pens, calculators, small notebooks etc. I find it absolutely wonderful and carry it everywhere with all my bits to do with breast cancer & pink ladies! It is nice and sturdy (I always load it to the max!) & very PINK! If you are interested in some for your group please email me. Cost is $30 each inclusive of postage. This price allows a small profit for the National fund.

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Upcoming Events

World Club Crews, Rome 6 - 8 September 2002 - we have almost a whole boatload for Dragons Abreast. Contact Michelle Hanton for more details.

24th Penang International Dragon Boat Festival 2002 - 15 & 16 June 2002, Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang Island Malaysia For further details, please refer to the PIDBF website: www.angelfire.com/sports/pidbf or
Email (Executive Secretary): chinyinfat@yahoo.com or (PIDBF Secretariat): pidbf@tm.net.my

The Inaugural South Pacific Breast Cancer Regatta : Busting with Life would like to extend an invitation to Dragons Abreast teams to participate in the Inaugural South Pacific Breast Cancer Regatta. This regatta will be held in conjunction with the Auckland Dragon Boat Festival whcih will take place in the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand mid March 2003 immediately after the conclusion of the America's Cup. For more information see the Busting with Life website, or contact your local coordinator.

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Did you know?

• That dragon boating is the fastest growing sport in the world?
• that there is a possibility it will be included in the 2008 Beijing Olympics? To be included the sport has to be practiced in at least 70 countries.

IDBF World Championships and International Regattas

2002	the Championships will be held in ROME, Italy from 6-8 Sept 2002
2003	SHANGHAI, Quingpu County, China - 2003 WDBRC. The exact dates of the Championships would be confirmed as soon as possible but it was likely to be in early September 2003.
2004	WAKAYAMA CITY, Japan - 2004 CCWC. The Congress Delegates received a verbal Bid Presentation from Mr YUKI Hajime, President of the Japanese DBA (JDBA) on Wakayama City, as the proposed location for the 2004 Club Crew Championships. (near Osaka / Kansai airport)
2005	BERLIN, Germany - 2005 WDBRC. The Congress Delegates received a visual and verbal Bid Presentation from Mr Berndt RIEGERL, of the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV) for the 2005 World Championships to be held in the City of Berlin.
2006	CCWC - Intended Bid, China. Through Mr Wang Xiaolin, The Chinese Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) notified Congress of an Intended Bid for the 2006 CCWC. A Full Bid and presentation would be made to the 2003 Congress in Shanghai.
2007	WDBRC - Intended Bid, Australia. Through Mr Trevor HUGGARD, the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) notified Congress of an Intended Bid for the 2007 WDBRC. A Full Bid and presentation would be made to the 2003 Congress in Shanghai.

This page last updated January 24, 2008