News

August 2025 Newsletter

Published Fri 08 Aug 2025

BEI LOON DRAGON BOAT CLUB

COMMITTEE NEWS

The Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday 20^th August, 2025. The new Committee for the 2025/2026 season is:-

Neil Jones – President
Libby Lattimore – Secretary
Andrea Duncan – Treasurer
Denise Gammie – Registrar
Michell Horner – Ordinary Member
Elvina D’Cruz – Ordinary Member

Many thanks to Jo King our outgoing President, Peter Jones Secretary and Richard Leifer Ordinary Member.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

It is with pleasure that I write this first Presidents Message. I would firstly like to thank the outgoing Committee for all their hard work last season particularly Jo and Peter for their roles as President and Secretary. A special mention must go to Jo King for all her years of dedicated service with Bei Loon and her roles on the Committee culminating in President. Best wishes to Jo and Mike in their new adventures.

From my recent observations as a member in relation to the running of Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club, I have been very impressed with the way the Club functions and the processes and procedures that take place. There are certainly many dedicated, hardworking members fulfilling different roles and doing so with a smile on their faces.

As I said at the AGM, I have no vision to make any significant changes to the running of the club as I think we are doing it well. I have held Committee positions at smaller clubs and if I think we can make any improvements I will certainly raise the ideas at Committee meetings for further discussion.

It only feels like a few weeks ago that Bei Loon was racing at the Nationals in Penrith and what a success that was. Here we are already at the start of the season with the Winter Warmers. So here we go again for another exciting and enjoyable dragon boat season, including the many well organised social events. The first being a celebration of the outstanding results of our Aurora paddlers in Germany. There is one goal that I feel is very achievable this season and that is to race twenties men’s boats at Regattas particularly in the State and Nationals. We have the sufficient numbers of men on paper and just need to focus on getting the men in the boat regularly at training and Regattas. More work to come on this.

I am looking forward to working with the Committee, Coaches and the Social Committee over the next year and feel fortunate to have so many experienced and dedicated members around to ensure the Club runs smoothly. “GO BEI LOON”

Neil Jones

President

AURORAS

The 17^th IDBF World Championships were held during the weeks 14^th-20^th July in Beetszee Brandenburg, Germany. Bei Loon were very proud to have four of our paddlers selected and compete in these Championships. They were:-

John Flaherty
Steve McKeogh
Di Maher
Rod Power

Medal Report from John

I was in the Open standard boat only. I didn't paddle in any mixed crew boats.

My medal count was 1 Gold in the 200 meters, 1 Silver in the 500 meters & 1 Bronze in the 1000 meters.

Steve, Rod & Di all paddled Opens, Women’s and Mixed Standard boat races accordingly.

Steve & Rod received 2 Golds, 2 Silver & 2 Bronze each.

Di Received 1 Gold, 3 Silver & 2 Bronze.

Words from our Auroras:-

ROD

For those of us who went to CCWC in Ravenna, you’ll have a sense of international competition at the highest level. If you thought the Canadian and US teams were tough at club level, we knew we were up against the best of their best and nothing short of our A Game would do. We finally understood what the long months of training, benchmarking, blood, sweat and tears had been for
but what an experience! To put in your maximum effort, at first realising the others were now running scared, and to have the opportunity to twice stand on the top step of the podium while singing the anthem, is euphoric, emotive and ecstatic beyond belief, and something that I will never forget. The bond with your teammates, all of whom only want you to be your best, is indescribable. And the unwavering support of the incredible coaching and managerial staff, whose level of professionalism is exemplary, is inspiring. In short, was it worth the effort? You bloody bet it was!

JOHN

My thoughts about being an Aurora Representing Australia, Bei Loon, Family & Friends in Germany are.

Firstly, I want to thank all the Bei Loon family, friends & family/partners for all their supportive messages, we were all touched by the amount of support and it was really appreciated by us all.

To experience the entire journey with Steve, Rod & Di was very special. We all helped motivate each other over the months of training and supported each other at different times when the training got tough. Travelling to Bank Street starting with 3 then 4 then 5 days/nights a week was taxing but what was said in the car going there and back stayed in the car. To race at that level is a real experience and something special. One of the many great things about this campaign for me were the paddlers, coach & manager. We are all friends for life after experiencing this campaign together. A special memory for me was to stand on the top of the dais and sing the National Anthem as the Australian Flag was raised as World Champions. (Very Special).

If you want to challenge yourself, I strongly recommend this experience. You're never too old, look at me!

DI

Being a first timer Aurora was everything John had said it would be,

a hard and long journey of training that will not only test your limits, but make you go beyond your limits (and pain barriers) in your head and achieve your very best.
an opportunity to represent your country that is a once in a life time opportunity to experience the joy and pride of being part of a team, to stand up and hear the national anthem for the first time makes the journey all worth it.
an experience you never forget, where you meet wonderful and amazingly talented people who all have a back story that is shared on the journey as you become a an Aurora family.
sharing the journey with John, Steve and Rod has been the best part as we got to share the hard yards and unpack the ups and downs and share endless car trips to Bank Street or journeys to training camp. The boys made it possible to get through the tuff times and share the joy with them from the small moments of achievement to wining gold!
Bei Loon is the foundation of our achievement and I am so grateful that it is through the support of the club that it has been possible to embark on the Aurora journey and achieve the success we did.

Thanks

STEVE

I'd like to echo what John and Di have said, especially about the support from Bei Loon .. not just the messages and encouragement during the preparation and competition, but also for being able to be part of the day-to-day training and competition with Bei Loon over the years. Without that base, the opportunity to attempt this Aurora's campaign would not exist, and I hope I am able to use the experience to come back and contribute to the club where it all started for me.

AURORAS GET TOGETHER

The Committee and Social Committee are organising a welcome home and congratulations event which will be held on Sunday 17^th August, 2025 to be held at Pittwater RSL commencing at 3.oopm for drinks. This event will be on Teamapp on Sunday so please respond if you are able to attend so the Social Committee has an idea of numbers.

REGATTAS

We have 45 paddlers attending the Winter Warmer Regatta to be held Sunday 10^th August, 2025 at Penrith Regatta Centre. A fantastic response and wish everyone good luck but more importantly enjoy the day.

TEAMAPP

Just a reminder to everyone to please try and put your name down for training by 5pm on the day before. It really does help when allocating sweeps.

REGION V REGION

Region vs Region – Call for EOIs: Paddlers, Sweeps & Drummers!

Your region is now calling for Expressions of Interest for Paddlers, Sweeps, and Drummers to compete in the 2025–2026 Region vs Region Challenge, taking place on Saturday, 11th October 2025.

This is a fantastic opportunity and a great pathway toward State and National Representation. We encourage all levels of experience – from beginners to seasoned athletes – to get involved. Take the next step and represent your region with pride!

If you're interested, please complete the EOI form via the link below: