Justine Keay (Braddon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If members haven't done so, I encourage them to go out for a paddle with their Dragons Abreast dragon boat club. I had the good fortune to join my local club, Nipples on Ripples, as we paddled on the Mersey River in the Mersey Maiden. I enjoyed it so much that I asked to go out with them again to compete in the Devonport Regatta—I use the term 'compete' very loosely. This experience increased my awareness that Dragons Abreast is also for supporters of breast cancer survivors and that more members are needed. It gives breast cancer survivors an avenue to return to an active healthy lifestyle through dragon boating. Since 2004, Dragons Abreast has provided enormous support to breast cancer survivors. It has been medically proven that upper arm exercise after treatment benefits not only physical health but also emotional wellbeing—and I can attest to that upper arm strength, which I totally lack.

Fundraising is an important activity for Dragons Abreast for the Breast Cancer Network Australia and the Cancer Council through Relay For Life. I'll hopefully return and paddle with the Nipples on Ripples—I'm sure they'll want me back. I did give it my best, and it gave me a fabulous insight into the lives and camaraderie of breast cancer survivors. These inspiring, strong women provide a face for breast cancer awareness through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boat racing.