The Illawarra Dragon Boat Club grew out of Dragons Abreast Illawarra organisation. The club encourages breast cancer survivors and supporters to keep active, have fun and meet new people. A rise in membership numbers has allowed the Warrawong-based team to purchase a new boat, and increase the number of training days from once to three times a week in the summer.
Independent committee member Lesley said Canadian sports specialist Don McKenzie helped dragon boat racing become a popular sport for breast cancer survivors. Club coach, Paul said competing with the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club has helped him meet new people, make friends within his own team and meet like-minded people from across Australia. While the club aims to have a positive impact breast cancer survivors, Lesley said its the survivors who have helped the team become what it is today.