On Sunday 7 September, Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast (SCDA Mavericks) celebrated a very special milestone with the blessing of their two new dragon boats, Sunrise and Sunset.

The ceremony, lovingly prepared by long-time member Judeth Newham, brought together current paddlers, past members, and friends of the club. Coach Audra Kearney performed the “dotting of the eyes”, a traditional Asian cultural ritual that awakens the spirit of the dragon before a boat’s first use. The blessing of the boats then followed as guests tied ribbons on wreathes to mark their connection with each boat and honour the journeys ahead.

Paddlers then took to the water in the new boats, gliding across the Maroochy River under the gaze of Mt Coolum. From the water, Audra shared the Indigenous legend of Maroochy, Ninderry, and Coolum, connecting the ceremony to the deep cultural history of the region. According to the legend, the beautiful Maroochy was to marry Coolum, but Ninderry stole her away. In the battle that followed, Ninderry struck down Coolum, whose body became the mountain that bears his name. The grieving Maroochy, transformed into a swan, shed tears that formed the Maroochy River. The story, filled with love, loss and transformation, was a poignant reminder of the sacred connection between land, water, and people.

The names Sunrise and Sunset were chosen by club members to reflect the beauty of their river home. Training sessions often begin in the soft glow of dawn or finish with the colours of evening skies — moments that capture the spirit of paddling together in harmony with nature. The twin names also symbolise balance, renewal, and the shared journeys of life on and off the water.

“Sunrise and Sunset will carry us into the next 20 years — a reminder of where we’ve come from, and all that still lies ahead.”

“These boats represent not only growth for our club but also the many happy times to come, paddling together on the river we love,” said club president Tara Knobel.

The club also acknowledged with gratitude the Queensland Community Benefit Fund, whose generous grant helped make the purchase of Sunrise and Sunset possible.

The arrival of the new boats comes as the club celebrates its 20th anniversary year — a testament to two decades of fitness, friendship, and community.

For anyone interested in giving dragon boating a try, the SCDA Mavericks welcome new paddlers of all ages and backgrounds to join them on the Maroochy River.