Paddle in Pink

What is Paddle in Pink?

It is a way of connecting the spirit and love of paddling to others, for the good of our community.

Watch our Paddle in Pink highlights video from Aidan Williams Photo to see what we got up to!

Throughout October 2020 the Penrith paddling community supported the Pink Up Penrith campaign raising over $4600 for the McGrath Foundation. This is our way of promoting a good cause and helping make life that little bit easier for those experiencing breast cancer.

Paddle in Pink  partnered with Paddle Australia, Rowing Australia, Paddle NSW, Penrith Rowing Club, Pendragons Abreast and Penrith Valley Canoeing to promote events on the Nepean River, at Penrith Whitewater and at Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Event reports and videos

We kicked off with the Penrith Valley Canoeing Club Championship on October 4, read our report here.

Then we caught up with NSWIS canoe sprint star Kailey Harlen at the Paddle NSW Sprint Series on October 11 and you can watch the interview here.

The Pendragons club turned up in force at the Dragon Boat NSW Regatta, we interviewed Lyn Abson who explained about the links between dragon boating and breast cancer. Club secretary, Jane Howard, was happy to be back on the water and Coach Ray de Bono told us how Dragon Boating is good for couples! Watch and listen here.

In a side hustle we had fun at a Pink up your Pooch event at Regatta Centre and captured the spirit of the event in this video, watch here.

Our final event was a closing ceremony and lunch at the Lakeside Restaurant on Friday 30 October, you can see the program here.

Read the Paddle Australia wrap up release here.

Closing Ceremony Report

Following a welcome address from Penrith City Mayor, Councillor Karen McKeown AOM, Neel Chand representing Penrith RSL, received a podium award from local McGrath ambassador and Pink Up Penrith supremo, Gai Hawthorne who said, “Penrith RSL have been outstanding contributors to Pink Up Penrith with ongoing fundraising totalling $20,000”.

Sarah Maguire, one of three  McGrath Breast Care nurses at Nepean Hospital, received a medal from Melissa MacIntosh MP, who later highlighted the importance of the McGrath nurses at our local hospital in her address to guests.

Finally, the mighty Pendragons Abreast crew were recognised by the Mayor for their courage and sense of community in supporting others recovering from breast cancer.

Paddle in Pink Lunch 

A spectacular lunch event followed, with talented MC Julia Parashko at the helm. Julia, and the fabulous Nikki Morton, treated the audience to two beautiful solo covers fit for the occasion.

Rowing Australia’s, Harriet Hudson, Georgia Nesbitt and Kate Murdoch were joined by Dan Watkins and Lucien Delfour from @auspaddleteam to talk about training through COVID and their preparation for Tokyo 2020. Pendragons Secretary, Jane Howard, then wrapped up the interviews and emphasised what Paddle in Pink means to the local paddling community.

There was a definite artistic feel to the occasion, starting with Hellobec Graphic Design who developed our cheeky logo and produced the event program. Another Rebecca,  Becca Fox Art, captured hearts with her virtual artwork display designed to “inspire and empower”. The works on display were soon snapped up with proceeds going towards the Pink Up Penrith campaign. If you’d like to see more artwork or order, please email here.

We are immensely grateful to Aidan Williams Photo and John Rohloff of JGRimages who lit up the screen  with  video and photographic highlights of the month long campaign and shot more great content throughout the closing event. The final video highlights will be available here soon.

A highlight was the auction of a signed pink Panthers jersey donated by Penrith Panthers (thanks boys!). Our local State member, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, nailed the auction reaching three times the reserve price! Thanks to everyone who participated in raising the bar and for contributing to the fundraising effort.

Finally, a special mention to all our sponsors and supporters, especially Southlands Shopping Centre, Nepean Regional Security, Penrith CBD Corp and the Nepean News and, of course, Penrith paddling and rowing community for participating in the success of our Paddle in Pink promotion, on and off the water.

It will always be a pleasure to Paddle in Pink and support Pink up Penrith. We’ll be back again next year!

Want to help out?

You can still donate to the McGrath Foundation here until 30 November 2020.

Or post your support on social media using #pinkuppenrith and #paddleinpink

Events

Below is a list of events we coloured in Pink.