The Hunter River Dragons are eyeing off a bright future.
Thanks to recent funding from the NSW Government’s Local Sports Grants Program, the Morpeth-based outfit is optimistic that money will parlay into further financial assistance.
The organisation garnered $6,618 from the initiative’s latest round, along with Maitland Rugby Blacks Netball Club ($10,000), Tenambit Sharks FC ($10,000), Maitland Football Club ($9,000), City United District Cricket Club ($4,497.80), West Rutherford Telarah Netball Club ($4,409), Maitland Saints AFC ($4,000) and Maitland Hockey ($1,475.20) throughout the electorate.
“It is so important we continue supporting our local sporting clubs,” Maitland state MP Jenny Aitchison said.
“They are the lifeblood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
“This funding will provide a cash injection to help improve sport facilities, enhance accessibility and hold new and exciting events and development programs.”
The windfall could not have come at a better time for the Hunter River Dragons, who just hosted a series of Come and Try days.
“For our club, which has struggled over the years, it’s great,” member Heather Flanigan said.
“We’ll purchase a nice, beautiful marque we can utilise at regattas and a new set of barbecue equipment.
“We’re a small organisation, so moving forward is difficult.
“We don’t have the manpower, the people and skills to always be on top of grant opportunities when they arise.
“But, we’re learning and getting there.
“We’ve gone from 30-40 members up to 70 in the past 12 months.
“We are now aiming for the 100-mark.
“However, to do that, we’re desperately seeking sponsorship.
“Hopefully, there are some businesses out there who’d like to help us out.”
Flanigan said the Come and Try days had been beneficial for the Hunter River Dragons.
“It was terrific to open up the club to newcomers,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Dragon boating is a fast-growing sport but it’s also unknown to many people.
“So, we’ve been promoting it to let them know what we’re all about.
“The good thing about dragon boating is you’re not there on your own.
“It’s a team sport; everyone supports each other and they’re there to assist anyway they can.
“It is also really inclusive.
“Our oldest member is about to turn 83… she’s been paddling about 11-12 years since we first formed.
“My daughter is the youngest.
“She started at 14, she’s now 16.
“So, we boast a varied demographic.
“People generally join the Hunter River Dragons – and it’s something we’re proud of – to find connection and community.
“We can put everyone on a boat; you don’t have to be an athlete or good at it, you just need to have a go.
“Recently, we staged a four-week program, which attracted strong numbers.
“And, some of them will join us from that.
“So, there are plenty of positive signs ahead.”
But, it’s not all merriment and games, there’s a spirited edge to the Hunter River Dragons, too, according to Flanigan.
“When we are paddling for our club regionally, it’s primarily for fun,” she said.
“However, we’re competitive when we contest regattas in Sydney, at Penrith for example.
“In fact, four members will represent the state team in Adelaide this year.
“We might be small, but we’re strong.
“When we compete at the higher level, we really take it to our rivals – and come out well.
“We also paddle on the Hunter River three times a week – Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays (two sessions).
“And, now that we’re experiencing good growth again, we’re looking to add Tuesdays to our calendar soon.”
One of the Hunter River Dragons’ main aspirations, though, is establishing a clubhouse at Morpeth.
It’s something the members have lacked for more than a decade.
“We’ve never had our own club roots,” Flanigan said.
“We have tried everything to secure a permanent site, but we haven’t managed to do it.
“We’re currently operating out of a sea container on borrowed land, which was donated to us.
“We also have a trailer to move our boats a couple of kilometres down the road every time we train.
“So, we’re desperately seeking someone who lives along the river to let us put our gear there… to have a ‘home’.
“But, we need sponsorship and money, too.
“As a not-for-profit community group, we don’t fit a lot of categories for funding.
“However, we’re doing all the right things… and not giving up.
“A lot of our funding comes from selling tickets in our meat raffle at the Commercial Hotel every Saturday night.
“It’s just a little bit more into the kitty to purchase some much-needed equipment, like a new boat.
“So, we really appreciate businesses, like the Commercial Hotel, for supporting us.
“But, it’d be nice to have other local enterprises on board.
“We’re certainly open to anything.”
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