May3 at Brennan Park on Bribie Island was the setting for the blessing of Dragons Abreast Bribie Island's Dragonboat "Spirit of Bribie"
We intended to paddle down the Pumicestone Passage from the boatramp to the park, but the weather was too windy with whitecaps on the water, so we had to have our blessing on land in the park.
This was performed by The Very Reverend Raymond Smith who blessed the boat and crew and then Sifu Brett Fenton performed the ceremony of opening the Dragon's eyes with State Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan, President of the Zonta Club of Caboolture Mrs. Sue Droughton, President of the Rotary Club of Bribie Island Mr.Roger Platt and myself dotting the eyes and ears on the Dragonhead.
Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council Allan Sutherland also attended.
Mrs. Hazel Cowburn was then asked to sign the boat which prowdly sports the "Spirit of Bribie" emblem which she designed for us along with the "Dragon" logo on our shirts.
Sifu Brett also asked for a blessing of the Ocean and then the "Lion Dancers" performed for DABI and their honoured guests and the audience.
Jo. Parry and Lexie Warren of DAA attended the ceremony as did some members of Survivor Clubs from Brisbane, Redcliffe, Currumbin and Sunshine Coast.
We send a big "Thank-You" to all our supporters and especially to Blair Gamble who transoported the boat to Brennan Park.
We are now looking forward to lots of enjoyable paddling in this beautiful part of Australia.
Dawn Worley
