Northern Territory
General contact: 1300 889 566
or capricornia@dragonsabreast.com.au (Regional Representative)
darwin@dragonsabreast.com.au (Darwin)
The story of "Sunshine"
[See the national
page and the NT photo page for photographs of "Sunshine", the first dragon boat to be owned
by members of Dragons Abreast]
Dragons Abreast, Northern Territory, is delighted to
announce we have delivery of “Sunshine”, our very own dragon
boat and the fabulous trailer that she travels on.
The story of Dragons Abreast and “Sunshine” is an excellent
example that shows the very best can come from the very worst of situations
– it is a story of hope.
The wonderful generosity of Madeleine Luck has made
it possible for Dragons Abreast to have their very own boat. A half cabin
cruiser was the pride and joy of Madeleine’s partner Cecile Stark
and together they enjoyed fishing and boating out in the stunning Arafura
Sea. Once diagnosed with cancer the battle was on and the boat helped
Cecile to find peace and strength. Despite all efforts Cecile lost her
cruel battle and Madeleine was unable to bear the thought of selling the
beloved boat that held so many fond memories. Madeleine kept it for almost
five years, looking after it and taking it out to sea on occasions. Late
last year Madeleine planned to move to Queensland and it was time to decide
what to do with the boat that held so many memories. She telephoned Michelle
Hanton & offered to donate the boat to the NT Breast Cancer Voice.
Madeline thought a Dragon Boat was a fantastic idea for Dragons Abreast
and gave instant approval.
The NT Breast Cancer Voice then set about selling the
half cabin cruiser so they could raise the money to build a beautiful,
pink dragon boat. Madeleine had found two sponsors in EXIDE Batteries
and TIO Insurance. EXIDE had given a marine battery and TIO a boat insurance
for 12 months to make the sale of the cruiser more attractive. Advertisements
were placed and the eventual buyer was Correctional Services boss Dave
Moore.
Correctional Services were inspired by the tale of
Dragons Abreast and offered to build a trailer for the soon to be built
dragon boat. Prisoners within the low security area of Darwin Correctional
Centre took the trailer on as part of their project and the result is
a beautiful trailer for “Sunshine”!
Why the name “Sunshine”?
“Sunshine” - the word immediately conjures up images of fun
filled days, laughter and joy. Everyone needs sunshine in order to live
and to grow.
Sunshine was Cecile Stark’s nickname when she was growing up in
Switzerland and she later gave that name to her boat in Darwin. So it
is entirely fitting that the dragon boat donated by Madeleine continues
to bear the name. It will be a living tribute to Cecile Stark who, as
a nurse, cared passionately for other people during her life and through
Dragons Abreast will bring much joy, sunshine and much needed strength
into the lives of many, many people.
“Sunshine” was officially blessed by the Buddhist monks on
Thursday 24th January 2001 and raced for the first time on
Australia Day.
This page last updated:
September 16, 2008
