Louise Markus (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the passionate efforts of Jan Caldwell and Gillian Brown, who are working tirelessly to raise awareness of Pendragons Abreast. I met with Jan, the Chairperson of Pendragons Abreast, and Gillian to discuss ways of both increasing the membership of the Blackheath based organisation and raising the much-needed funds to assist the group to buy their own boat.

Jan and Gillian are breast cancer survivors, which highlights that their commitment to Pendragons Abreast is indeed coming from the heart. Pendragons Abreast are members of Dragons Abreast Australia, a charity that has 43 clubs nationally and in excess of 2,000 members. The aim of dragon boat racing is to have fun, create a team environment and cater for people with disabilities, offering them a social network that is essential, particularly when faced with a life-changing experience such as breast cancer. Dragon boat racing has proven to be a saviour for many breast cancer survivors, providing something to strive towards while also offering an outlet to have fun and improve their health and personal wellbeing.

I commend Jan, Gillian and all involved in Pendragons Abreast for both encouraging women to seek early detection and raising awareness of breast cancer while having lots of fun. It is a fantastic concept, and I am very supportive of what they are trying to accomplish. (Time expired)