About Us

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. AusDBF recognises and respects these practices acknowledging that our sport in Australia is conducted, administered and celebrated on the land and waterways of these Traditional Custodians.

Our story

Dragon boating in Australia grew from international festival invitations into a nationwide sport. Clubs now train, race and represent their communities across the country and overseas.

1. 1980A Western Australian surf lifesaving team is invited to the Penang Festival, marking the first Australian involvement described in AusDBF’s history.
2. 1981Teams from Western Australia and New South Wales are invited to race on Hong Kong Harbour.
3. 1984Sydney hosts its inaugural Dragon Boat Festival at Farm Cove.
4. 1985The Western Australia Dragon Boat Association is formed.
5. 1997The Australian Dragon Boat Federation is established as a unified national body.
6. 2011AusDBF becomes a non-profit public company limited by guarantee.

How we work

AusDBF’s Board of Directors oversees the federation’s direction and affairs, supported by staff and committees. Directors are elected at the Annual General Meeting or appointed to fill a vacancy.

Organisation and strategy

• AusDBF Org ChartJPG
• AusDBF Strategic Plan 2023-2027 final v3PDF