03/08/2026
The wider Dragons Abreast Australia family would like to acknowledge and congratulate our fabulous Company Secretary Rosemary Kerrison on being awarded a very well-deserved Life Membership to Dragons Abreast Hobart. To find our more about Rosemary, please read the citation below. She is truly amazing!
Dragons Abreast Hobart was started after some enterprising women heard about an exercise program for breast cancer survivors that had been started in Canada. Members of Encore, an exercise program for women who’d had breast cancer surgery, formed a steering committee to establish and grow a group in Hobart. It became the first dragon boat club in Tasmania and the southern-most club on the planet at the time.
Dragon boating was not just about paddling but espoused the physical activity benefits as well as the social interactions (read coffee and talking!!) for mental health. Paddling practice involved setting up chairs, sitting and learning the stroke. Then there were the approaches to businesses for donations to establish the club. Rosemary was one of the original members and driving force behind the establishment of what we now know as Dragons Abreast Hobart, DATH. Rosemary was instrumental in shaping the club’s direction, implementing policies, and promoting the mission of supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Rosemary is passionate about fostering confidence and leadership in paddlers across Tasmania. She is a Level 4 sweep and an assessor for Dragon Boating Tasmania. She supports and mentors trainee sweeps in the club and when she is sweeping, instils confidence in the paddlers and supports the coaches with their session plans.
With decades of experience as a business owner, volunteer and community leader, she is committed to ensuring that DATH continues to inspire and empower individuals on their journey beyond breast cancer.
Rosemary says “I love dragon boating because it brings people together with a shared purpose creating strength, resilience and joy both on and off the water. It’s incredible to witness the confidence it builds in individuals and the sense of unity it fosters in a team, all while proving that life beyond breast cancer can be vibrant and full of possibility.”
What a beautiful recognition of Rosemary's years of service, leadership, and unwavering support of Dragons Abreast Hobart. Rosemary has made a lasting impact on the dragon boating movement for breast cancer paddlers, and her contribution will remain an enduring part of Dragons Abreast Australia's history and inspire future members. As a Dragons Abreast Australia board member, Rosemary brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Company Secretary.
Thank you Rosemary! Enjoy your well deserved recognition - we are so proud of you.
