21/06/2026
🩷 The Story Behind the Boat — Week 4 of 5
Australia Adopts and Builds the Movement
The movement that began with 24 breast cancer survivors in Vancouver didn't stay in Canada for long.
The message spread quickly around the world.
Breast cancer survivors everywhere could see what dragon boating offered — not just exercise, but friendship, support and connection.
In 1998, Dragons Abreast Australia was established.
Its mission was simple:
To bring breast cancer survivors together through dragon boat paddling and create a community where nobody had to face their journey alone.
The idea struck a chord.
And Australia would go on to play an important role in the global movement.
In 2007, Australia hosted "Abreast in Australia" in Caloundra, Queensland, bringing together more than 50 breast cancer dragon boat teams from around the world. The event was such a success that it helped spark discussions that would later lead to the formation of an international association for breast cancer paddlers.
Groups continued forming across Australia.
Women & men of all ages and backgrounds discovered that while every cancer journey is different, there is enormous strength in sharing it with others who understand.
Today, Dragons Abreast Australia includes around 30 member groups and approximately 1,200 members across the country.
Different stories.
Different journeys.
One shared bond.
The belief that life after breast cancer can still be active, connected and full of possibility.
And before long, the movement found its way to the Central Coast.
A small group of local breast cancer survivors picked up paddles, formed a crew, and started a story that is still being written today. 🚣♀️💗
🩷 Next week (5 of 5): The story of Dragons Abreast Central Coast and how a small group of local paddlers built the community we know today.
