DRAGONS WELCOME KIYAKIYA THANKS TO NSW GOVERNMENT GRANT

Yesterday, the Hunter River Dragons, were joined by Jenny Aitchison MP who was honoured to perform the ritual “awakening the dragon” and name the club’s new boat “Kiyakiya”.

In Wonnarua language “Kiyakiya” means strong, powerful, courageous and upright.

The naming ceremony, held at Queens Wharf Morpeth, began with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony conducted by Uncle Warren Taggart.

The “awakening the dragon” ritual followed, conducted by Jenny Aitchison MP. This ritual saw the dotting of the bulging eyes and forehead of the carved dragon head attached to the boat with red paint. Doing so symbolizes the dragon ending its slumber and reenergizing its spirit, or ch'i.

The club took delivery of the new dragon boat earlier this year thanks to an $18,000 grant from the NSW Government as part of the $37.2 million Local Small Commitments Allocation program.

The funds delivered as part of the Local Small Commitments Allocation will enable the continued expansion of the club and see more community involvement and participation in events. The Hunter River Dragons are an inclusive organisation with links to local cancer groups, the hearing impaired, LGBTQIA+, indigenous organisations, veterans, youth and aged. The club holds beginners sessions, conducts cancer survivors sessions; has worked with Invictus Australia and sent crews to the Masters Games.

The Local Small Commitments Allocation Program will enhance local communities and provide $400,000 in benefits to people to each of the 93 NSW electorates.

It will consist of over 600 small community projects, ranging from capital works, services and programs, events, supplies and equipment, charitable donations, and playground and park upgrades.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“The enthusiasm of the Hunter River Dragons team is infectious. I am thrilled that, thanks to the Local Small Commitment Allocation Program, a new boat has been delivered to the club and this will enable the sport of dragon boating to continue to grow in Maitland.”

“This boat will be a great asset for the Hunter River Dragons in their ever-expanding club, which promotes wellbeing and healing for so many in our community.”

Club President Kerrie Greenhalgh said:

“The addition of this new boat will be invaluable in allowing our club to expand and assist in our community events program.”