Tweed Dragon Boat Club embraces pride event

A Northern Rivers dragon boat club says there’s room for all in its ranks as it champions inclusivity in the Tweed. From a wedding to winning on the water, see what makes this group tick.

Tweed Dragons is notably one of the only non-football clubs to do a pride event in the Tweed Shire.

From two beaten-up boats stored in a car park to a pillar for the community, the Tweed Dragon Boat Club has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

President Trevor Norris, who has been at the helm for the past eight years, said the Tweed Dragons motto is fun, family and fitness.

“When I joined the club, it had two beaten up boats stored in a car park with a tarp over them, since then, we’ve got a coaching team together,” Mr Norris said.

“We find with our younger people with family, it’s not until the kids grow up when the adults have something to do in their late 40s and 50s.

“It gives people an opportunity to make friends and get captivated by the sport.”

Tweed Dragons coach Kim Lawrence says as a coach, the best thing is the people "getting them to reach their potential is really exciting".

The club, which boasts its inclusivity, ran a pride event earlier this month - notably being one of the only non-football sports to do so in the Tweed Shire.

The club also runs social activities such as dinner, archery and axe throwing for its members to build community.

Coach Kim Lawrence said the Tweed Dragons is a club that welcomes everybody, and there’s a percentage of the club looking for social connection.

So much so that two of its members - who met at the club - recently tied the knot.

“As a coach, the best thing is the people – getting them to reach their potential is really exciting,” Ms Lawrence said.

“It doesn’t matter what gender identity, sexuality or learning disability. We are a highly inclusive club that provides social connection opportunities.”

Tweed Dragons is notably one of the only non-football clubs to do a pride event in the Tweed Shire.

The Tweed Dragons have also enjoyed plenty of success on the water.

Members won won six medals – five silver and one gold - at the national titles in Adeliade in April.

The club is gearing up to participate in the Kids in Need Association’s Dragon Boat Festival on November 13. This aims to raise funds and run a regatta for seriously ill children, the first festival of its kind since Covid hit.