Dragons Abreast Australia
Dragons Abreast Australia is a national not-for profit organisation comprised of breast cancer survivors of various ages from a wide variety of backgrounds, athletic abilities and interests. Dragons Abreast members provide a “face” for the breast cancer statistics whilst spreading the message of breast cancer awareness through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boat racing.
Dragon boat racing for breast cancer survivors was initiated in Canada by Prof. Don MacKenzie in 1996 as a method of using strenuous upper body sport to help in rehabilitation after surgery and to help improve lymphatic function. In October 1998, in Darwin, Michelle Hanton, a cancer survivor, started up her own dragon boat racing team of breast cancer survivors. In 2000, word spread nationwide and Dragons Abreast became a national institution with a team competing in the Australian National Dragon Boat Titles in Penrith, NSW. Today, over 30 groups across Australia take to the lakes and harbours in every state and territory, paddling as united voice for breast cancer awareness.
The foundation was created on the principles of participation and inclusiveness. Competitive outcome is secondary; members are all winners by simply participating with the group and being able to paddle.
Dragon boat racing is an aquatic sport where 12 meter long canoe-like boats paddle over a course of approximately 500 metres in length. The boats are wide enough to sit 20 people (2 abreast) along with a sweep to steer the boat and a drummer to keep the paddlers in sync. During races a dragon boat will feature the head and tail of a dragon, a mythical creature regarded by the Chinese as having authority over the waters and is able to exercise control over rainfall.
Dragons Abreast Australia members paddle to demonstrate there is quality of life despite a breast cancer diagnosis. By being part of the team, members help each other regain that sense of wellness, self-confidence and control in their lives. Members also paddle in memory of friends who have lost their competition with breast cancer, to ensure that their struggle is remembered and honoured.
Although physically demanding, this sport creates a new state of awareness. It is exhilarating and lots of fun. It promotes teamwork and at the same time helps overcome the isolation that a diagnosis of breast cancer can often bring. It gives participants a deep sense of pride in their accomplishments as they feel themselves become fitter and stronger with the passing weeks.
On the 9th of June, Michelle Hanton was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her services to women’s health, particularly through being the founder of Dragons Abreast Australia. The Order of Australia is a prestigious award which recognises the service and achievements of Australian citizens. Nominations come directly from individuals or groups in the community.
“The Dragons Abreast group paddle to show that there is quality of life despite breast cancer. The focus on team work helps to create a bond between survivors who are helping one another gain self-confidence and a sense of control in their lives in an unpredictable situation. The team also helps individuals to understand that they are not alone in having breast cancer and that there are other survivors out there who provide inspiration to each other to keep moving forward and get a renewed passion for life.”
Trish Crossin, Northern Territory senator, October 2008.
“When you've been diagnosed, your body has let you down. So for me to suddenly become a physically active person was, I guess, proving to myself that I was still in charge of my body. By being involved in a group like ‘Dragons Abreast’, you've got that instant bond with other women who've travelled the same road. You're not alone. You have your support group, I suppose, in the boat with you.”
Michelle Hanton, founder of Dragons Abreast Australia, ABC Australian Story, 14 June 2004.
“We have a saying in sport, that sport does not create character, it just reveals it. And I think you can say the same in a disease like breast cancer. What this breast cancer and exercise and dragon boat program has done, it's revealed the character of the women that embrace it.”
Dr Don McKenzie, University of British Columbia, ABC Australian Story, 14 June 2004.
“The sad thing with breast cancer is not everyone makes it. But at least with the ‘Dragons Abreast’ there's so much support and love from everyone. I mean, it really helps you to... to live life while you can.”
Jenny Peterson, a Dragon’s Abreast Member, ABC Australian Story, 14 June 2004.
Your support will help keep us paddling all around Australia, and help spread the word to other breast cancer survivors that through dragon boat racing they are not alone in the recovery process.
