Footscray:

As a reminder, DBV is running a Regatta on Saturday 15 November, in conjunction with Corporate Games Australia. Crew registrations for this event close on Wednesday 5 November. Further event information can be found here. 

To support the Corporate Games DBV is looking for a handful of Level 3+ Sweeps and a few Drummers to join the Corporate crews. Sweeps will receive payment for their time via their club, and both Sweeps and Drummers will be provided with refreshments. Please contact paul@dragonboatvictoria.com.au to register. 

Australian Cross Border Cup:

Registrations for Cross Border Cup are being brought forward and will now close on Friday 7 November. This is to ensure both DBV and attendees have sufficient time to plan and make a decision on travel / accommodation. Currently DBV requires additional entries for this event to go ahead. 

N.B. Cross Border is open to anyone, not just DBV registered members. Spread the word, get your friends involved and create a team. More information is available here. 

A member of a NSW Dragon Boat Club has contacted DBV as they are unable to form a full team. If you are in a similar position, please let Paul Orgad know and you could explore merging together. 

Lunar New Year:

DBV is currently reviewing the date and venue for this event. We are exploring Sunday 15 February across a couple of venues, as the originally advertised date of 22 February poses a clash for the DBV community who celebrate Chinese New Year. More information will be released ASAP. 

A gentle reminder to all members that feedback on the draft constitution closes Sunday 2 November. Please refer to the following newsletter for further information. 

The Constitution Working Group are meeting next week to review submissions. Please don't miss your opportunity to contribute to DBV's future Constitution. 

National Coach:

AusDBF is seeking a National Coach to provide leadership nationally in the development of coaches and athletes in the sport. The position will be responsible to and at the direction of the AusDBF Board of Directors and is a new role absorbing and expanding upon the previous functions relating to coach development and the coaching of Team Australia.

This new half-time position with a major focus on development across the sport, is offered for an extended period of 4 years to enhance participation, development and performance. It will also afford the successful applicant a suitable period to put into effect longer-term development strategies at all levels and guide them to success.

Click here to download the position description and view the application process.

Applications close - 21 November 2025 5pm (AEST)

Insurance:

AusDBF has worked with V-insurance over the last couple of months to create the National Insurance FAQ document. The FAQ document provides information on the 8 policies included under the National Insurance program.  

The document can be found on the dedicated insurance page on the AusDBF website - Insurance - Australian Dragon Boat Federation

Youth Racing Committee:

AusDBF is searching for a Victorian representative on the Youth Racing Committee (YRC). The current committee and its Charter can be found here. If you are passionate about the future of Youth Racing, please contact administration@dragonboatvictoria.com.au. 

Coaching:

DBV has set the dates for the first Coaching Course for the 25/26 season. This will be a L1 Course run by Lisa Smallbone, on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December at the Community Boat Hub, Docklands. Further information including registration details can be found HERE. Get in quick, spaces are limited. 

RAG:

The Regatta Advisory Group (RAG) is looking for a couple more people to help drive better outcomes for our events. RAG typically meets for 1 hour per month and discusses:

1. Regatta venues and explores new ideas

2. Regatta categories and formats

3. DBV Regatta calendar including optimising the schedule

4. Regatta operations

If you would like to contribute and feel as though you can make a difference, please contact administration@dragonboatvictoria.com.au.  

Second Bite Dragon Pass:

As announced earlier this month DBV has created a Second Bite Dragon Pass, open to people who have previously signed up to a Dragon Pass without converting to full membership. The second chance pass is available until 30 November so we strongly encourage clubs to communicate this to their local community and get people along to try Dragon Boating for FREE. 

Get Active Victoria:

As part of DBV's ongoing committment to increasing youth participation, the Active Kids Voucher initiative is a great way to reduce membership costs. In order for Clubs to accept vouchers, you must be registered as a Provider. Please head to the Get Active Website for further information. 

Sporting Club Grants:

The Victorian Government is has opened the Sporting Club Grant Program offering clubs the chance to apply for funding towards equipment, volunteer and official development, access and engagement, travel, and more. If you would like any assistance with compiling an application, please don't hesitate to contact paul@dragonboatvictoria.com.au. 

Vogalonga 2027:

The Geelong Dragon Boat Club want to compile a crew to attend the event in 2027. Held in Venice and usually in late May, the event involves a once in a lifetime experience paddling 34km around a lagoon, canals and the famous Grand Canal. If you are interested in more information please reach out to Karen Osman - karenosman25@gmail.com