A gift rich in meaning and community spirit

Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service (Durri ACMS) honours Kempsey Macleay Dragon Boat Club (KMDBC) - 14 May 2026

On the bank of the Macleay River, Durri ACMS marked a powerful moment of unity, gratitude, and shared purpose on 14 May 2026, presenting a hand painted dragon boat paddle and handcrafted set of traditional clapsticks to the KMDBC.

The gesture recognised the club's ongoing support for Durri's mission to encourage the local community to participate in team sports, get out on the water, and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.

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"Each piece reflecting a deep cultural connection to land, water and community, honouring the knowledge, practices and stories passed down through generations".

Artist: Judith Jarrett

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Through inclusive training sessions, encouragement of beginners, and a welcoming team environment, KMDBC and Dragon Boat NSW is assisting Durri ACMS to promote:

• Regular physical activity

• Social connection and wellbeing

• Confidence-building through teamwork

• A sense of belonging on and off the water

This partnership has modelled how local orgnisations can work together to improve community health in practical ways, and to make it easier for the community to try something new, stay active and feel connected.

Photo above: David Frederick (left) from Durri ACMS presents the hand painted dragon boat paddle to Janice Hoffman (right) from KMDBC for rehoming the Nambucca River Dragon's boat to Durri ACMS.

Photo above: The handcrafted clapsticks and story about what they are handcrafted from and the cultural symbolism reflected in the design.