Paddling to power personal wellbeing

TWELVE years ago, a friend recommended Donna Harrison join Dragons Abreast Bendigo.

Donning bright pink shirts to paddle on Lake Weeroona, the club brings together women affected by breast cancer for dragon boat racing, a water sport originating in China thousands of years ago.

“We do it for physical and mental health, getting everybody together. It’s a fun social event and just gets us out training,” Ms Harrison said.

She is now the club’s secretary and said in her time there, she’s formed new connections and developed her confidence.

“I’ve got a really good friendship group and I’ve found that it’s brought me out from being very shy, it’s been really good that way.

“You’ve got people to talk to if you’ve got any problems or anything coming up.”

The group meets for training twice a week on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and Ms Harrison said the physical activity can help to alleviate conditions that can develop from cancer treatment.

“You can get lymphedema once you’ve had breast cancer, with having the lymph nodes out, and it was proven that it helps to stop the swelling and keeps you moving,” she said.

Under COVID-19 restrictions, the number of women permitted in a boat is half of the usual capacity, but the club have found ways to continue facilitating the sport when possible.

Members rotate between two boats allowing everyone to have a go, and Ms Harrison said newcomers are always welcome.

“We’re always looking for new members so if anyone has been through breast cancer that is ready to look at something to do, we’re always happy for them to come down or contact us,” she said.

For more information, visit revolutionise.com.au/dabendigo or search Dragons Abreast Bendigo on Facebook.