Tarragal Outrigger Canoe conducted its opening ceremony at The Haven, Terrigal, on October 15.
In honour of the club’s indigenous culture, a Welcome to Country was conducted by Brianna Sales, representing one of the area’s few remaining Darkinjung families.
Sales family members were inducted as patrons.
President Louise Vangestel said the day was a huge success.”
“A big thank you to Larry Trudget from Bara Barang who helped with the introductions to the Sales family and members of the Darkinjung Land Council,” she said.
“Our club is so excited to have the Sales family with us.
“We have made a commitment to, where we can, provide monetary support for education of any Darkinjung youth or any youth that needs a hand as an inclusive practice.
“We are delighted to bring the sport of outrigger canoeing to the Terrigal community and have been overwhelmed with people wanting to learn how to paddle.”
Special guest Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch participated in the smoking ceremony conducted on site by Girri Girra.
Darkinjung youth from Gorokan High School performed a dance and Aboriginal elder Larry Trudgett spoke to the crowd.
He also sits on the club’s committee as cultural mentor with a number of youth programs planned for local high schools and the Frank Baxter Detention Centre, where there is a 60 per cent Aboriginal representation in detention.
“Our program is seen as a sporting pathway for reintegration back into society so it’s critical we have Larry’s input and guidance to support these youth for better choices in the future,” Vangestel said.
“The club offers various paddling times from sunrise paddling a couple times a week to after work sessions – the perfect way to start and finish a day.
“We then have three sessions on Saturdays; 6.30am for our race teams, followed by sessions at 7.30am and 8.30am for all other paddlers.
“We have two canoes on the water at each session, each with six seats.”
Terry Collins