DBV is excited to announce the nomination and selection process for the Victorian Flag Bearer - Aus Champs 2026 is now open. Nominations will close on Thursday 5 February, 2026. Club Presidents must submit nominations on behalf of the nominee. The Flag Bearer will be announced at this years Vic Champs. 

Please Click Here to access the survey / nomination form and review the associated details. Nominations will be assessed by a selection committee who will mark each nominee against the following criteria:

6-Month Memberships:

DBV are happy to confirm the recommencement of 6-month membership options. Payment classes have been setup at the DBV level which now allows clubs to create their own package ending June 2026, and link these to the DBV packages. 

AusDBF Funding Opportunity:

DBV has received funding as part of AusDBF's Beyond 10,000 program to support initiatives which increase participation. Clubs looking to host Come & Try days, training sessions targetting new members, or any event aimed at introducing people to the sport and hopefully converting them to Dragon Pass or full members, please contact paul@dragonboatvictoria.com.au with an outline of your event and include the proposed date/s, the amount of funding being sought, and what the funding will be spent on. 

Pending the number of submissions and amount sought, DBV will then provide clubs with a response outlining DBV's contribution. 

Submissions close Friday 13 February, 2026.

*Funding may be awareded earlier if your event takes place between now and 13 February so don't hesitate to reach out and enquire! 

Following last week's Falls Creek cancellation notice, unfortunately, DBV were unable to reschedule this event to another date. However, DBV remains committed to ensuring members are provided with adequate racing opportunities given the loss of Ballarat last year as well. Due to Parks Victoria and Safe Transport Victoria requiring 12-weeks notice to process a Permit Application, the earliest feasible date DBV could organise a Regatta is late April or early May. 

In order to help DBV understand member interest for such a Regatta, please complete this two question Survey The survey closes on Wednesday 28 January. 

Lunar New Year:

• Registrations close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 4 February. 
• DBV is seeking a licenced Boat Driver to drive the Umpire's Boat. If you are available please contact Paul via email above. Volunteers are provided with lunch and refreshments throughout the day, and this will count as the Club providing a Regatta volunteer as per DBV requirements. 

Victorian Champs:

• DBV is able to confirm Vic Champs will take place at Gateway Lakes, Albury/Wodonga on 21 and 22 March, 2026. Further details including registration information and race categories will be added to the DBV Event Page in the coming days. 

Registrations for the DBV Level 1 Coaching Course in Paynesville close tomorrow, Friday 23 January. 

AusDBF have announced a Level 3 Coaching Course is now available to people who have held their Level 2 Accreditation for longer than two (2) years. Please contact Deb Clarke via Education-accreditations@ausdbf.com.au for more information if interested.

A reminder to all Clubs and Sweeps to ensure your accreditation is valid and up to date. Sweeps without current accreditation must not Sweep at training or at any other time until they renew their documentation and receive approval from the Sweeps Committee. Sweeps who enter a boat without the necessary accreditation are not covered by insurance, nor are the paddlers within the boat. It is incumbent on all Sweeps to ensure they remain accredited. Please reach out to Jen Reilly via Jendbvsweeps@gmail.com if you have any queries regarding Sweep accreditation.