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For many years the Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat Club (KMDBC) have stored their boat in the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club greenkeepers shed. For that, they are eternally grateful. “It’s been a long journey for our club, and I literally mean a long journey,” said KMDBC secretary Belinda Fowler. “Each session we haul the boat on a hand trailer up the river and then back. It can be a little dangerous considering we have to do it on a public road.” However, the end is near after the club. Successfully applied for Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund. The funding will allow them to build a new multi-purpose facility located in the Riverside Park area near the Macleay River. “We have so much shared equipment for storage in members’ homes, and all of our trophies are stored in a warehouse waiting to be displayed,” Ms. Fowler explained. “The building will primarily be used as a clubhouse which will include safe locker rooms and amenities for our members. competition. “Storage space for life jackets and paddles will also be provided, and an additional mezzanine is allocated for club meetings, workshops and storage of trophy cabinets. “We are really looking forward to starting this project now that we have funds, so watch this space.” Ms Fowler said she hopes the new facility will spark more interest in the sport and change some of the stigma around it. “Once the facility is built, it will be an asset amazing community, and we hope it helps encourage more locals to join our sport,” she said. say it’s not.” people involved in the sport. “It’s intense, competitive, addictive, hard work and much harder physically than you might think. The sport has clear pathways to national representation for all age groups and is accessible to all, it just takes the will and the hard work. hard! “That said, it’s also great for general fitness, fun and friendship, the finer things in life. “You don’t have to be competitive to get involved, sport is also known for its social aspects and the fact that you can start at any level of fitness.” KMDBC will hold its first-ever introductory program from February 7th, the program is designed to give participants a taste of the sport and learn some of the fundamentals, it runs for five weeks on Mondays from 5.15pm Visit their website, www.kmdbc.org, to find out how to sign up or contact club secretary Belinda on 0421 592 867 or [email protected] Our journalists work hard to provide up-to-date, local news to the community. Here’s how you can continue to access our trusted content:
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For many years the Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat Club (KMDBC) have stored their boat in the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club greenkeepers shed. For that, they are eternally grateful.
“It’s been a long journey for our club, and I literally mean a long journey,” said KMDBC secretary Belinda Fowler.
“Each session we haul the boat on a hand trailer up the river and then back.
“It can be a little dangerous, given that we have to do it on a public road.”
However, the end is near after the club successfully applied for Round 4 funding from the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The funding will allow them to build a new multi-purpose facility located in the Riverside Park area near the Macleay River.
“We have so much shared equipment for storage in members’ homes, and all of our trophies are stored in a warehouse waiting to be displayed,” Ms. Fowler explained.
“The building will primarily be used as a clubhouse which will include safe changing rooms and amenities for our members.
“The building will also be used to store the club’s two dragon boats, trailers and ceremonial dragon heads and drums used in competition.
“Storage space for life jackets and paddles will also be provided, and an additional mezzanine is allocated for club meetings, workshops and storage of trophy cabinets.
“We’re really looking forward to getting this project started now that we have the funds, so watch this space.”
Ms Fowler said she hoped the new facility would spark greater interest in the sport and change some of the stigma surrounding it.
“Once the facility is built, it will be an incredible community asset, and we hope it will help encourage more locals to join our sport,” she said.
“A lot of people think that sport is for old people or just for women, but I can tell you that’s not the case.
“I guess it’s a bit like that in the regions, but head to the urban regions and overseas and you’ll find lots of young people involved in the sport.
“It’s intense, competitive, addictive, hard work and much harder physically than you might think.
“The sport has clear pathways to national representation for all age groups and is accessible to everyone, just want and work very hard!
“That said, it’s also great for general fitness, fun and friendship, the bigger things in life.
“You don’t have to be competitive to get involved, the sport is also known for its social aspects and the fact that you can start at any level of fitness.”
KMDBC will hold its first ever introductory program from February 7, the program is designed to give participants a taste of the sport and learn some of the fundamentals, it runs for five weeks on Mondays starting at 5.15pm.
OOur reporters work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. Here’s how you can continue to access our trusted content:
