Released 23/03/2024
Canberra’s dragon boat community are celebrating today with the official opening of the new dragon boat facility at Grevillea Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
The new state of the art facility includes boat storage, training and timekeeping rooms, office space, new amenities and changerooms.
The ACT Government invested $2.1 million towards the construction of the purpose-built facility, with a further $360,000 provided by Dragon Boat ACT who now run and maintain the facility.
The official opening marks the conclusion of a project that has been years in the making through the joint efforts of the Dragon Boat ACT and the ACT Government. The new facility was designed by Cox Architecture and construction was completed by local construction company Projex.
It can support training and competition activities for over 600 members as well as interstate visitors participating in local and regional regattas. The opening today coincided with the ACT Dragon Boat Championships making the event even more meaningful for Canberra’s Dragon Boat community.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry joined the Dragon Boat community to officially open the new facility, “I’m thrilled to officially open Canberra’s new Dragon Boat facility in Grevillea Park.”
“Dragon boating is an inclusive sport for all genders, with a high number of women making up its membership. It’s a sport that continues to grow in popularity in Canberra and this new facility will support the needs of the growing dragon boating community into the future.”
“Thank you to Dragon Boat ACT for their continued advocacy and collaboration with the ACT Government on this project.”
“The construction of a new home for Dragon Boating is a commitment we took to the last election and it’s amazing to see the facility now come to life. “
Quote attributable to Mr Donald Jenkins, President, Dragon Boat ACT:
“Dragon Boat ACT is delighted that the ACT Government has recognised our sport and worked together with us for a permanent home for dragon boating in the ACT. “
“We thank the ACT Government and Minister Yvette Berry for funding this amazing building. Significant thanks also go to Cox Architects and Projex for the wonderful design and build. We are delighted with the results”.
“Dragon Boat ACT has ten clubs, an ACT state team and many of our paddlers represent Australia internationally. Our members range in age from 12 to 80+ from across the community, including Dragons Abreast, DeafACT, youth, veterans and all forms of diversity. The facility will help with our many activities, including regattas, training, corporate events and come-and-try days”.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases