News

MEDIA RELEASE

21 July 2026  

Australian Dragon Boat Federation welcomes Australian Sports Commission Play Well funding

The Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF) is delighted to announce it has received ongoing funding from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) through the Play Well participation investment program, supporting the continued growth of dragon boat across Australia.

The ASC’s Play Well investment is designed to help National Sporting Organisations create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting experiences, with a focus on growing participation and delivering quality experiences for players, coaches, officials and volunteers.

Over the next 12 months, AusDBF will build upon the support provided last year and invest in those areas identified as priorities in our Participation Plan. The funding provided will be used to strengthen participation pathways, build coaching capability and make dragon boating more accessible to communities nationwide. Key initiatives will include:

·        holding a bi-annual coaches conference to support coach development, knowledge sharing and consistent delivery across the sport;

·        increasing university participation through targeted engagement and participation opportunities;

·        expanding school participation and introducing more young people to dragon boating in safe and supportive environments; and

·        broadening AusDBF’s diverse membership base by engaging people with disability, veterans, First Nations communities, culturally diverse communities and partner organisations including Pride in Sport, Invictus Australia, Disability Sports Australia and other inclusion-focused groups.

AusDBF said the funding recognises the work of clubs, state associations, volunteers and members who continue to build dragon boating as an inclusive, community-focused sport.

“This support from the Australian Sports Commission will help us create more opportunities for Australians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience dragon boating and we look forward to working with our members, clubs, university representatives and partners to deliver programs that are welcoming, inclusive and fun.” Peter Campos, Chair of AusDBF stated.

Dragon boat is a team-based sport that brings people together through fitness, culture, competition and community connection. Through increase in funding under the ASC Play Well investment, AusDBF will continue to support clubs and partners to grow participation and strengthen involvement in the sport across Australia.

Media contact: Melanie Cantwell / businessservices@ausdbf.com.au / 0418 480 731

About AusDBF: The Australian Dragon Boat Federation is the recognised National Sporting Organisation for the sport of dragon boat racing in Australia. For more information, visit https://www.ausdbf.com.au/