Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast - SCDA Mavericks Dragon Boat Club marked a major milestone with a weekend of celebrations to honour 20 years of paddling, friendship and community.

The highlight was a glittering dinner dance held at the Maroochy Surf Club on Saturday 6 September, where members past and present gathered to share stories and reflect on two decades of memories.

Former member Jenny Duckworth recounted the club’s early history, remembering the determination and resilience that brought the Mavericks together in 2005 as a support network for breast cancer survivors. Current President Tara Knobel spoke about the club’s culture today and its vision for the future — a club that continues to provide friendship, fitness and belonging for women of all backgrounds, regardless of breast cancer diagnosis.

The celebrations continued on Sunday with a social paddle and morning tea at the club’s Diddillibah base. The day included the christening of two brand-new dragon boats, Sunrise and Sunset, purchased with the support of the Queensland Community Benefit Fund. Longtime member Judeth Newham hosted the ceremony, sharing the symbolism behind the boat names and guiding members through the meaningful rituals. In a moving moment, coach Audra Kearney performed the traditional “dotting of the eyes” ritual, an important blessing for dragon boats before their first paddle. She also told the local Indigenous legend of Maroochy, Ninderry and Coolum, connecting the occasion to the waterways where the club trains.

Life members, supporters, past paddlers and current members all joined in, raising their paddles together on the Maroochy River in celebration of the club’s milestone.

President Tara Knobel said the weekend was about more than just looking back.

“Our club began as a safe space for women rebuilding their lives after breast cancer. Today, it has grown into a vibrant community where paddlers come together for fitness, fun, friendship and support. We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and we’re excited about the future.”

With two decades of memories behind them — and new boats to carry them forward — the Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast Mavericks are ready to paddle into their next chapter together.