Michelle Hanton OAM Head Coach of Dragonboat Pumicestone has a chat on air about the state titles along with Paulie Buckman.
6 Day Countdown Begins for State Dragon Boat Championships
Excitement is palpable as the countdown begins for the State Dragon Boat Championships, set to take place from Friday, 13 March to Sunday, 15 March at Lake Kawana, Sunshine Coast. This thrilling event promises a weekend of fierce, fast, and furious competition as teams from across Queensland come together to vie for the prestigious title of Queensland Champions.
Dragon boat clubs from as far south as Tweed and as far north as Townsville will converge on the Sunshine Coast, bringing with them the spirit of camaraderie and competitive zeal that defines this exhilarating sport. Spectators can expect to witness fierce, fast and furious power as crews vie for the title of Queensland Champions.
Apart from the competitive races, the event is a celebration of tradition, resilience, and unity. Families and friends are encouraged to attend, support their local teams, and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
As the anticipation builds, competitors are refining their techniques and strategies to ensure they bring their A-game to the waters of Lake Kawana. The stakes are high, but so is the excitement, promising an unforgettable weekend of dragon boat racing.
Ben Livingstone, DBQ Board Member tasked with sourcing the medals, says, “We wanted something that reflected who we are as a community and where this sport comes from.”
“Australia is home to the world’s oldest living culture. Dragon boating comes from one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Bringing those two stories together felt powerful, respectful, and right.”
The artwork was created by Yuwaalaraay artist Kyel Dancey, in collaboration with graphic designer Daniel Romeo, exclusively for Dragon Boat Queensland. Every line and symbol has been placed with intention, bringing together two ancient cultures whose stories now meet on Queensland waters.
Aboriginal Australian motifs are expressed through flowing linework, river pathways, and concentric circles that represent Country, movement, and the gathering spirit of clubs at regattas. Interwoven with this is the Chinese dragon, the protector and life force of dragon boat racing, honouring the sport’s origins and traditions that have travelled across generations and oceans.
On the reverse of the medal, the traditional Chinese characters for dragon boat, 龍舟 (pronounced lóng zhōu), are engraved, paying tribute to the sport’s ancient lineage.
“These are medals athletes will be proud to wear,” Livingstone said. “They represent more than a result, and we’re excited to see our paddlers competing for something with genuine significance.”
Dragon Sisters Bribie Michelle Hanton OAM Facebook
Dragonboat Queensland Facebook
The Pumicestone Crew Dragon Boat Racing
Photo Frank Denman – Bribie Island
