After facing the devastating loss of their compound and pontoon during the 2022 floods, Forest Lake’s Lakers Dragon Boat Club has resurfaced triumphantly, returning to their home groundson the banks of the Brisbane River in Riverhills Riverhills.
Club registrar and promotions officer Tasha Goodson expressed gratitude towards the Brisbane City Council and Jamboree ward councillor Sarah Hutton for their support in rebuilding their infrastructure.
“After nearly two years of paddling with our amazing sister club, Manly Dragon Boat Club, and travelling nearly 200 km each weekend for training, we’ve settled back into our community, and it’s time to rebuild Lakers,” Tasha said.
Founded in 2005, Lakers Dragon Boat Club has been an integral part of the Forest Lake and Riverhills community.
Supported by their main sponsor, Forest Lake Heritage Bank, Lakers Dragon Boat Club ensures their presence at the Forest Lake Community Festival every year.
The club recently hosted its first “come and try” event on Saturday, March 23, which involved an impressive turnout of 30 future paddlers, including councillor Sarah Hutton.
Participants engaged in introductory drills, races, and a social BBQ session following a thorough technique and safety briefing.
“We are Brisbane’s most diverse and inclusive dragon boat club,” Tasha said.
“Paddlers of all fitness levels are welcome at Lakers. We’ve designed our indigenous uniform in consultation with local elders and are proud allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, boasting Queensland’s only pride uniform.”
Furthermore, Lakers Dragon Boat Club is committed to inclusivity, with coaches trained in assisting paddlers with disabilities.
The club also oversees the caretaking of the Davit arm on behalf of BCC, a specialised sling facilitating water sports for individuals with disabilities.
Lakers Dragon Boat Club is gearing up for their next ‘come and try’ event scheduled for Saturday, May 11, from 9 am to 12p m at Riverhills Pontoon.
Interested participants can book their slots via the club’s social media channels.
For more information, visit the Lakers Dragon Boat Club page on Facebook via facebook.com/lakersdragons
