Dear Clubs, Members & the NSW DB Community,
 
We hope you are all doing okay during this unprecedented time in history, impacting so many aspects of our lives, both personally and professionally.  Our thoughts are with you, your families, the Dragon Boating and broader paddling community – over the coming weeks and months, your health and wellbeing is the #1 priority.  In order to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we all need to play our role in helping to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the impact on our hospital facilities and the medical system. We owe our health professionals a great debt for their selfless service to the community.
 
DBNSW is not immune to the impacts of COVID-19, however, as a state sporting organisation, we are fortunate to be in a stronger position than many of our other sporting friends. We support the Federal Government’s increased restrictions and measures, and we have introduced steps to adapt to how we conduct our business, safeguard our staff, and support our members as best we can.  So, for now, the team in the office are business as usual (although we may take some extra leave over the coming months) and working towards trying to create a bigger and better 2020/21 season for you (whenever that may commence).  We will continue to: maintain contact with members through our social mediums; keep contact with other state sporting organisations and the government; as well as reviewing Road-show topics; racing calendars; modified sport products; the 2021-2023 strategic plan; and more. Should you continue to have questions, please direct them to office@dbnsw.org.au
 
We recognise and support the need for everyone to maintain fitness during these challenging times.  Whilst we are unable to get on the water for team activities or hang out at our clubs with our friends, some of us are fortunate enough to have accessible single water craft, exercise equipment, bikes etc. Others may not. If you must continue your paddling activity, we urge everyone to use common sense and please ensure you display your duty of care to the community – no doubles or multi-person craft, stick to the 2 person (or family +1) rules.

Whenever we return, we hope that paddling with family and friends will re-ignite you with a sense of normality and joy!  We will make it through this together. 

Stay safe, stay engaged and we hope to see you on the water soon.
 
Shane Knight – CEO
and
Nicola Frowen – DBNSW Chair