Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club has conducted a blessing ceremony for its new canoe, obtained with thanks to $32,000 from the State Government’s Community Building Partnerships 2022 grants.
Club President Louise Vangestel said the grant had removed barriers for members of the club wanting to participate in paddling.
“It will enable the youth that we mentor from the Frank Baxter Centre, our Junior Program as well as ageing members of the club to participate in canoe paddling,” she said.
“As an Aboriginal culture-based club, we are delighted to be melding cultures and honouring the Polynesian roots of a traditional outrigger canoe blessing to awaken the canoe’s spirit and keep all those who paddle in it safe.”
In February, the club announced its program to help Aboriginal youth in detention access new sporting pathways through good behaviour.
The program, run in conjunction with the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre, with equipment donated by VERTO, also provides a sense of culture and belonging and a pathway to improved mental health, while assisting with re-integration into society and reducing the probability of re-offending.
Vangestel said the club was pleased to offer the youth a sporting option outside of the usual rugby or ball sports.
“They feel that being on the water and learning about the ocean, the canoes and the outrigger family they are now a part of, will positively impact their mental health and motivate them to make better choices for the future,” she said.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch attended the blessing ceremony, held at The Haven.
“It is terrific that this local community organisation now has a much-needed, brand new lightweight canoe,” he said.
“Without the hard work of the Club President, Louise Vangestel, Vice President Kerry Miller and the team at the Club, this would not have been possible.
“Tarragal Outriggers are just one of the many success stories of these important grant programs like the Community Building Partnerships grant.”
Terry Collins