THE BEGINNING:
The genesis of the Maroochy Sea Serpents (MSS) can be traced back to one persons wish to establish a dragon boat and outrigging club on the Sunshine Coast. After an alliance was sought and negotiated with the Brisbane River Dragons (BRD), a very experienced and highly accomplished club who paddle on the Brisbane River. A satellite club was set up and operated from Fishermans Road, Maroochydore.
From a club, very small in numbers, but highly motivated the numbers grew quickly. After a short time, a desire to set up our own club was devised.
Discussions followed as to how this may be achieved. As a result, a steering committee had been formed earlier comprising Ange Brown, Annette Coulston and Steve McLennan where a number of recommendations were formulated with the intent of putting them before a meeting.
On the 17th August, 2014 an inaugural meeting of 34 interested persons was held. This meeting was an opportunity to place all pertinent information to the group with the intent of moving forward and forming an incorporated club.
At this point, there was unanimous approval from the meeting to move forward. A committee was then elected to progress incorporation and registering the club with the governing body of Queensland Dragon Boat Federation.
All relevant paperwork was submitted and the Maroochy Sea Serpents were incorporated and after some time and a few roadblocks, we were affiliated with Queensland Dragon Boat Federation in early October, 2014.
Once it became known that MSS was in the process of incorporation, we received applications from a number of very experienced paddlers, coaches and sweeps who wished to join us.
Since that time, we have been blessed to have a number of strong, committed and professional committees.
THE PRESIDENTS:
Since the MSS’s formation in 2014, the Presidents and the period of time they have spent in office are as follows:
Wayne FOWLER: 2014 - 2015.
Ange BROWN: 2015 - 2016
Kerry PICKERING: 2016- 2018
Blair GAMBLE: 2018
Steve THIRY: 2019- 2020
John COOPER: 2021- 2023
Robyne MCNIECE : 2023 - 2024
John COOPER : 2024- 2025
Jackie STEWART : 2025- 2026
As with any organisation there are numerous people that work behind the scenes and make the organisation more professional and more inclusive for all members.
OUR VALUES & PHILOSOPHY:
Our valuesinclude acting at all times on the behalf of and in the interest of members and dragon boating by:
- Being an inclusive club that supports all members.
- Promoting fitness and wellbeing for all ages.
- Working with and contributing to community groups that support the club.
- Being open, inviting and encouraging to all people no matter what their background.
- Participating in regattas in a fair and positive way.
- Providing opportunities for members to fully develop their skills.
HISTORY:
Our members were a varied group of people ranging in ages from 15 years to over 85 years old. They are also from a wide cross section of the community and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, education and employment. At our peak the total membership stood at about 150 paddlers and support personnel.
Our membership includes students, young professionals and retired members of the community. An important group within the club was our ‘Breast Cancer Survivors’, ladies and their supporters who have been struck down with breast cancer and who use the club as a focal point in their recovery and camaraderie.
The club has grown to the extent that we had a ‘satellite’ group, for a number of years at Tennyson in Brisbane, to ease the travel burden on those members who originally made the trip for training on the Sunshine Coast. This has also enabled us to strike up an alliance with the Pamphlett/Tennyson Scouting Group.
In December, 2020, our satellite club in Brisbane wished to go their own way and form their own club. This was done amicably and they now paddle under the name of Brisbane Typhoons.
In May, 2021 the Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast Club, left MSS and formed their own entity.
OUR MEMBERS:
Presentlynumbers stand at about 50 professional, dedicated, supportive and cohesive members. The club has a current age group of 30 years of age to over 80 from a wide cross section of the community and varied backgrounds.
In recognition of members who make a huge difference to our club, by their efforts and assistance, the Board instigated a yearly award in 2021 named the ‘Spirit of the Serpent’.
Since our inception two members have been recognised for their valuable input and assistance by the awarding of ‘Life Membership.
PAST WINNERS:
Alby EVERETT: 2021
Paulie BUCKMAN: 2022
Peter LIDDY: 2023
Alby GAY: 2024
LIFE MEMBERS:
Alby GAY: 2020
Andrew MCVITTIE : 2024
OUR COACHES/STEERERS/SUPPORT CREW:
MSS is fortunate to have a coaching committee consisting of 3 coaches (Jackie Stewart - Level 2, Jim Ashford - Level 1, and Theresa Green - Level 1)
We also have a proficient group of steerers which include seasoned State team and international steerers who impart their knowledge in a relaxed fashion. .
MSS has successfully competed in local, intra and interstate regattas as well as a number of international regattas in South East Asia and Canada.
We have a respected name across the Dragon Boating fraternity because of how we present ourselves. We are known to play hard but more importantly play fair.
Blair Gamble (Current DBQ President) is not only a past President but our ‘Club Mentor’. A few years ago he was asked his views on ‘life membership’ of the club, Blair’s response was, and “that is for people when they retire” It was then asked if he would accept the position of ‘Club Mentor’ and we were delighted that he accepted
