MEMBERS of the Armidale Dam Dragons have received a grant of $1,250 from the NSW government to purchase a much-needed trailer for their boats.
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Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall joined club members during their Sunday morning training session at Malpas Dam, to announce the funding.
He said that since procuring two dragon boats around 18 months ago, club members had been relying on the old-fashioned heave-ho lift and carry to haul their boats in and out of the water at the dam.
“I was approached by the club for some assistance with purchasing the trailer last year and was very happy to contact the Premier’s office to ask for some funding to help out,” Mr Marshall said. “The Armidale Dam Dragons is a relatively new club, introducing an exciting new sport to the area. Club members participated in their first regatta at Kempsey about 14 months ago and already this year they have nine paddlers competing for positions to represent the northern region at the State titles.
“At the last regatta they attended in Kempsey, their three teams – mixed, ladies and men’s crews – finished second in each of their finals.
“They’ve certainly got the more established clubs on the coast looking over their shoulders; it’s a pretty impressive effort for a new club and it’s a pleasure for me to be able to help them out.”
Armidale Dam Dragons president Phil Brown said it was essential the club purchase a trailer.
“It has been very difficult hauling our boats in and out of the dam and I’ve always worried someone would injure themselves,” he said.
“Having this trailer makes the process so much easier and we don’t need a full contingent to launch the boat – it’s certainly made things a lot safer for all of us.”
