Meghan Gayford

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—Dragon boat racing is a fast and furious water sport which originated in China about 2500 years ago, but I'm very proud to note that Lake Macquarie is home to an Australian dragon boat racing champion. Meghan Gayford from Buttaba only started competing in the sport three years ago when she joined the Hunter River Dragons but she has already paddled her way to dominating the sport at a national level. She, alongside her crew of 20 in the NSW Senior B State dragon boat team, competed at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships held in Albury-Wodonga last month, taking home three gold medals and one silver. This achievement followed her success at the State titles held at Sydney International Regatta Centre earlier this year where she won a silver medal with her club team. Since 2021 Meghan has successfully competed in regattas all over Australia and takes part in an average of six regional regattas each year, including the Luna New Year Regatta at Darling Harbour. She also joined the Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club to supplement her training. I congratulate Meghan on her outstanding success and wish her luck at future regattas.