Dragons to ring in20th anniversary

THE local offshoot of a decades-old initiative offering an on-water social and physical outlet to breast cancer survivors is celebrating twenty years next month.

Members past and present of Dragons Abreast Ballarat will meet at the Boatshed Restaurant overlooking Lake Wendouree to ring in the milestone.

Treasurer Wendy Jacobs said the event will be a casual afternoon of camaraderie.

“It’s to celebrate the fact we’re still here after 20 years and still enjoying our paddling,” she said.

“It’ll be an afternoon tea to get together with our current and former members and hopefully some of our paddling members from across the state.”

Initially established in 2005 through Gabrielle Boermann, the group is part of a nationwide movement established in Canada three decades ago.

The local club currently has about 30 members, who meet on Saturdays, as well as Tuesday evenings during daylight savings, at Lake Wendouree for a paddle and chat.

Members participate in about three to four regattas each year, both interstate and overseas.

Ms Jacobs joined the local club 15 years ago after coming across the club while undertaking treatment for breast cancer.

Having gotten involved during the Australia-wide drought, when Lake Wendouree was bone dry, Ms Jacobs still remembers travelling with the group to Bendigo, Geelong, and Melbourne to undertake their boating.

“It’s great to get together, have some exercise, fellowship and friendship,” she said.

“It’s not a support group, but it is a supportive group. Most of the people in the boat know where you come from.

“Going through breast cancer is incredibly intense, emotionally, and physically. But, when it ends, you almost become adrift and you look around for what else you can do.

“The group’s a celebration of life, and that there is life and fun after breast cancer.”

The 20th anniversary event will take place from 3pm on 8 February. To RSVP for $45, visit the group’s Facebook page.