On Sydney Harbour, a wave of vandalism has hit boats valued at thousands of dollars, coinciding with a significant redevelopment project that has displaced local paddling clubs. The state government is investing in the transformation of Bank Street Park in Pyrmont, located under the iconic Anzac Bridge. This project includes the addition of new pathways, a playground, a café, and a dedicated storage facility for dragon boat and outrigger canoe clubs, which have traditionally utilized the area as a training launch point for decades. While the redevelopment promises to modernize the space, it has created a temporary displacement issue for these clubs.
The Bluefins Dragon Boat and Outrigger Canoe Club, along with other members of Dragon Boats NSW, initially felt fortunate when they were offered a temporary training venue at Glebe Foreshore Parks. However, their optimism quickly turned to despair as they became targets of vandalism. The clubs’ members have expressed gratitude for the support during this transitional phase, but they have faced unforeseen challenges, pushing them to seek additional means to protect their equipment.
Initially, the vandalism manifested in minor acts like graffiti, but it escalated to more destructive behavior. Ropes securing the boats were cut, and burn marks started appearing on various vessels. The situation reached a critical point during an early morning training session, when Li-Ray Kin, the club coach, discovered that several boats were filled with water due to deliberate holes drilled into their hulls. This act of vandalism shocked the paddlers, who had hoped for a smooth transition to their new training location.
Kin expressed disappointment that they had not anticipated such hostility after moving to a new area. He noted that while the clubs were accustomed to paddling in the same waters, they expected a welcoming environment at Glebe Foreshore Parks. The unexpected violence against their boats, he explained, has not only disrupted their training but has also introduced significant financial burdens due to potential repairs costing thousands of dollars.
In the wake of the vandalism, the Bluefins and other affected clubs have reported the incidents to the police, hoping for timely action to prevent further damage. The overarching fear is that this wave of vandalism could threaten the future of their training activities if not addressed. Club members remain steadfast in their dedication to the sport, even in the face of such distressing circumstances, illustrating their resilience and commitment to the paddling community.
While the new facilities promised by the government will ultimately benefit the paddling clubs, the immediate security concerns in interim locations cast a shadow over the positive developments. As the redevelopment unfolds over the next two years, the clubs and their members are determined to find ways to protect their equipment and cultivate a supportive environment, hoping that the community will rally around them rather than allowing further acts of vandalism to disrupt their passion for the sport.
