Dubbo's Outback Dragons Boat Club held a boat awakening ceremony on Sunday at Sandy Beach.
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The boat awakening is a club tradition which entails a number of steps performed by the group members in order to prepare new boats for racing.
The club awoken two new boats which had been purchased for the club through a NSW Government grant that had been applied for by club members.
We're very, very appreciated to have good equipment, we go to carnivals all over Australia and internationally and it's very good to be able to train in good equipment
- Graham Board
The ceremony dates back more than 2500 years ago and was initiated by a group of superstitious people according to Club president Graham Board.
"We're very, very appreciated to have good equipment," Mr Board said.
"We go to compete at carnivals all over Australia and internationally and it's very good to be able to train in good equipment."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders were also in attendance of the ceremony to awaken the new boats.
"It's a great sport and the club is a great asset to the Macquarie River- so, we were happy to be able to put the money, which I believe was about $5,000, towards the club," Mr Saunders said.
"Now I'm looking forward to jumping in the boat and letting you all paddle me around," he joked.
Lifelong members of the Outback Dragons Club Margie Nott, Allaine Duncan and Gisela Wallace were given the honour of dotting the dragons eyes with red paint to symbolise it's awakening.
The dragon symbolises power and excellence, courage and boldness, heroism and perseverance, mobility and divilidy.
The dragon overcomes obstacles until success is his, he is decisive, optimistic,intelligent and ambitious- which is said to be a true representation of the clubs members.
Upon the awakening of the two new boats, Mr Barilaro and Mr Saunders, as well as members of the Dubbo community and visitors joined members of the Outback Dragons Boat Club for the first row down the Macquarie River concerning the awakening.