It is with great pleasure that the Gippsland Water Dragons nominate Heather Watts for the Dragon Spirit Award.  We strongly believe that Heather is the best choice for the award as she has been the driving force for the club since its inception in 2019. She has demonstrated dedication, perseverance and commitment.  It is through her example that our young regional club has grown into such a highly successful, socially fun and inclusive club for people of all abilities. 

Just a few months after Gippsland Water Dragons was formed Covid hit.  As one of the club’s co-founders Heather was not to be deterred from continuing to build on its success but flourished with this new challenge.  If there wasn’t an opportunity to meet face to face there was always Zoom.  Keeping the members involved was paramount.  To enable the club to become operational Heather privately funded two boats and a trailer.  These were housed at her home, consequently whenever there was an opportunity to paddle Heather was always the one to tow a boat to and from training.  She continually put herself last in an effort to maintain team engagement.  Her home became the base for the storage of equipment, off water training and social events. 

As Club President she has ensured financial viability by securing numerous grants and organising fund raising activities including the hugely successful “Gippy Galivant”, of which she played a major role in the planning and execution.  Much credit goes to Heather’s tenacity for the recent announcement by the local council of plans leading to a purpose-built facility, which will provide secure storage for the club’s equipment and allow easy launching of the boats. She has tirelessly lobbied the local council and politicians and raised awareness through media to gain recognition and acknowledgement of the clubs needs.  In addition to being Club President she is a Level 2 coach, a Level 3 sweep and a very competent drummer. She was recently appointed Assistant Coach for the Victorian State Senior C Team and has represented the club on the DBV Board. Heather has ensured future progression of the club by mentoring, inspiring and encouraging others to gain experience and to also become accredited in these roles. Not only has Heather fulfilled all of the criteria for this award but has at the same time successfully guided a new club through its teething stages, all this concurrently with full time employment. 

This testimonial by Trish Bodey is a perfect reflection of our feelings: 

“Gippsland Water Dragons would not be where they are today without Heather. Through her passion and dogged determination the club has grown from strength to strength in just a few years.  Her willingness to do everything possible to achieve this success demonstrates her passion for the sport of Dragon Boating.” 

We feel that Heather would be a truly worthy recipient of this award.  We are so proud of her!