Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has celebrated Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club’s success receiving their brand-new canoe as a result of their Community Building Partnerships grant application.
“It is terrific that this local community organisation now has a much-needed, brand new lightweight canoe and I was more than delighted to attend the canoe’s blessing ceremony at the Terrigal Haven on Saturday.
“Without the hard work of the Club President, Louise Vangestel, Vice President Kerry Miller and the team at the Club, this would not have been possible.”
Mr Crouch said that he was delighted to have been able to provide a letter of support to Ms. Vangestel her grant application back in August 2022.
“Tarragal Outriggers are just one of the many success stories of these important grant programs like the Community Building Partnerships grant, and we can see the entire start-to-finish process on how these grants provide genuine results to benefit our community.”
Club President, Louise Vangestel said that the grant has removed barriers for members of the club wanting to participate in paddling.
“It will enable the youth that we mentor from the Frank Baxter Centre, our Junior Program as well as ageing members of the Club to participate in canoe paddling.”
“As an Aboriginal culture-based Club, we are delighted to be melding cultures and honouring the Polynesian roots of a traditional outrigger canoe blessing to awaken the canoe’s spirit and keep all those who paddle in it safe.”