In 2001 two Bendigo Breast Cancer Survivors travelled to Melbourne each week to train with the first Victorian “Dragons Abreast” boat crew, and then competed in the Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival in March of 2002.
After receiving interest from many Breast Cancer Survivors in Bendigo it was decided to start a team locally. We were put in touch with the Gunbower Aquatic Festival after being informed that they had a boat, which they would gladly hand over to Dragons Abreast. After many hours of labour from some helpful members and their families and some kind donations of materials from local businesses, we were able to refurbish the boat and were training on Lake Weeroona by November 2002.
We have been involved in many Dragonboat regattas and other community events since that time including trips to Canberra, Adelaide, Darling Harbour, Falls Creek, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Tasmania. The camaraderie and the friendships we have made have enriched our lives.
We have many “able breasted friends” as a support crew.
