Henley on Todd - September 2004
Dragons Abreast Australia extends sincere
thanks to LOCKWOOD SECURITY PRODUCTS for helping promote the message of
breast cancer awareness
As a new member of Dragons Abreast,
participating in the Assa Abloy Henley on Todd in Alice Springs was a
wonderful opportunity to feel part of such a fantastic team of women,
showing such endurance, as they raced through the sandy bed of the River
Todd in their bottomless boats. Not once mind you, but two or three times
they were out there going for their lives, looking fabulous in their hot
pink rashies and wigs, winning the respect of all the hundreds of spectators,
who perhaps were not previously aware of Dragons Abreast. As I was recovering
from a recent hip replacement myself, my contribution was taking part
in the "Bath Tub Derby". Lots of fun - all I had to do was sit
in a bath tub and be carried along the course, or so I thought! What I
didn't know was that half way round, they were to throw a couple of buckets
of water over me, so I was completely drenched!!
However, I feel very privileged to
have had the opportunity to meet other members of DAA in such a "fun" environment, and was so very impressed by the warmth that was extended
to me by every one of the team. I certainly didn't feel like a new chum,
but was immediately welcomed as part of the team.
Not having been to Alice Springs before, it was even more thrilling for
me, as we were treated so generously by our sponsors, Lockwood Securities,
to a VIP status in that we enjoyed a great Mystery Dinner on the Friday
night at the "Ooraminna Homestead" - one of our Australian outback
stations, with a night of entertainment and delicious food under a starry,
starry sky. Saturday was full of crazy fun races on the Todd, culminating
in a celebration dinner at one of their popular Thai Restaurants before
leaving for home the following day.
One of the things that impressed me most, was the great interest other
people expressed in Dragons Abreast, wanting to know more. Some had seen
Australian Story, and been so inspired and touched by the programme that
it became a great opportunity to raise awareness even further, so that
others could pass it on to friends and family in the early stages of diagnosis.
As there were many journalists present, I believe there will be some very
positive articles written.
My thanks to all who made it such a
wonderful introduction to Dragons Abreast. 
Pat Coop
Victoria
September 2002
click on image to enlarge
Dragons Abreast tackles Vikings and Pirates!
Amidst a motley crew of Scandinavian backpackers, Korean documentary
makers, German tourists, American defense personal and South African 'Vikings',
a group of mothers and grandmothers with hot pink hair and a pink boat
were among the standouts in the dusty mayhem that is the ASSA ABLOY Henley-on-Todd
regatta.
Dragons Abreast combined with Bosom Buddies, a
support group for women of the outback with breast cancer, and the first
of its kind in Alice Springs. In everyday life these women do it hard,
traveling from places as far as Tennant Creek and Darwin to Brisbane and
Adelaide for surgery and treatment. Last Saturday they tested their endurance
against the Vikings, Pirates and the other bizarre characters that contest
the uniquely Australian ASSA ABLOY Henley-on-Todd, cheered on by a relaxed
crowd of about four thousand locals and tourists.
When a team of young, fit twenty something females
observed the first of their race heats in progress, they reneged on the
grueling Oxford tub race at the starting line, and the indomitable Dragons
Abreast team stepped up to take up the challenge.
Although pipped at the post in the final, they
were still running strongly as others were wilting under the dual challenges
of hot coarse sand underfoot and a relentless sun overhead. With Pink
Ribbon Day approaching in October, and 2002 designated Year of the Outback,
Dragons Abreast used the ASSA ABLOY Henley-on-Todd to highlight their
cause and raise funds to provide support services for women of the outback
with breast cancer. Dragons Abreast members from as far away as Darwin
and the Central Coast of NSW travelled in to help Bosom Buddies make a
big splash at the event. As a result, one of the local ASSA ABLOY Group
companies, Lockwood Security Products, donated $1500 to the fledgling
support group.
This year's Henley-on-Todd was proudly sponsored
by ASSA ABLOY, the world's leading manufacturer of locks and associated
products. The company flew in personnel from around the world to experience
the Australian event as part of its integration process for over 100 companies
world wide, the best known local group company being Lockwood Security
Products.
The legendary Henley-on-Todd, now in its 41st
year has now raised well over a million dollars for charity and humanitarian
projects over the years.
This page last updated:
January 4, 2008
