Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to share a recent visit I had with the wonderful and inspiring members of Dragons Abreast Bribie Island. They were kind enough to invite my wife Alexandra and I out for a paddle on their dragon boat on the beautiful Pumicestone Passage—and, let me tell you, it was a good workout!

As you may be aware, Dragons Abreast is a group for breast cancer survivors, both for men and women. I can't tell you how group like this matter to me, as, like many Australians, I have been personally touched within my own family and friends circle by this insidious disease and have seen firsthand the strength shown by those affected, which has been nothing short of inspirational. Research has suggested that the physical action of rowing can reduce the chance of breast cancer survivors getting lymphedema, a debilitating condition that can occur after surgery. But Dragons Abreast is much more than that; it also offers members exercise, friendship and emotional support.

The team in my electorate of Longman has been going for a little over 10 years now. Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, they participated in paddling events across the country—and, whilst not an official sport, the teams can get pretty competitive when they are out on the water, I can tell you. The Dragons Abreast Bribie Island team is now looking ahead to the International Breast Cancer Paddler Festival in New Zealand in 2022, COVID-19 permitting. They'll begin their training in the new year, and I wish them all the very best.