Rockhampton Dragon Boat Club history.
In late 2007, a group of local cancer survivors who had participated in a cancer support art program wanted to stay in contact and continue supporting one another during recovery. Together, they decided to form a dragon boat club in Rockhampton. One participant, Maureen Meikle, had previously paddled in Mackay and founded the Coffs Harbour club, and became the driving force behind the establishment of the Rockhampton Dragon Boat Club.
The club was the first collective cancer support dragon boat club in Queensland, meaning it was not exclusively for breast cancer survivors. Its purpose was to provide support and inspiration to people in similar situations through participation in the rewarding and physically challenging sport of dragon boating in a fun environment.
In early 2008, the Rockhampton Dragon Boat Club officially came into existence. However, it was not until November 2008 that the club received its first boat, thanks to the generosity of the Robbie Thomasson Foundation. As a gesture of gratitude, Robbie’s father, Cyril, was given naming rights, and the club’s first boat was named “Robbie T”. Robbie T is still in use today.
Club members range in age from their 20s through to their 70s. Although the club was originally created as a social support club, it has grown over the years to include members who enjoy the social side of dragon boating as well as members who are keen to compete in regattas.
Some of the original founding members still actively involved within the club today.
