Welcome to the final Paddle Pulse of 2023 – what a year it has been!
As I reflect on the past 12 months, I am struck most by the amazing diversity of activities. So much so, that there is just too much to cover in one CEO blog! Given this, please indulge me as I touch on a few of the highlights.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October marked the end of an era for Paddle Australia (PA), with Andrea McQuitty stepping down from the PA Board after 11 years of service, seven of those leading the organisation as President and Chair. Andrea was honoured with the presentation of Life Membership of PA at the Annual Awards. Following the AGM, the Board elected Andrew Trim, dual Olympic medalist, as the new President of PA. Bob Turner and Jaime Roberts joined the Board as new Elected Members, with Rob Pickering retiring. Also at the AGM in October, members received the 2023 Paddle Australia Annual Report. Covering the 12 months to the end of June 2023, the Report contains valuable information, including a record of the impressive results our athletes have achieved both in Australia and internationally.
In 2020, PA established the Paddle On Foundation in response to the COVID pandemic, setting up a fund to support those negatively impacted to help pay their club fees, ensuring they could remain connected. The response and the contribution from members was overwhelming and PA is very grateful to everyone for their generosity. More recently, the Paddle On Foundation has provided support in other ways, including contributions to clubs impacted by flooding. This is a program that, as a paddling community, we should all be very proud of. If you are able, please keep contributions coming in.
We have continued to put in place policies and processes to ensure paddling is safe for all participants. Much of this work, which often goes unnoticed, falls under our National Integrity Framework. Those responsible have been kept very busy this year. We have undertaken an extensive review of our Integrity Framework and have supported a number of Clubs and State Paddle Associations through a range of issues.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are key issues for us. In May, we were proud to launch our LGBTQ Inclusion Policy and establish an Advisory Group to provide guidance into the future. This work is important and ongoing and I extend my thanks to all those that contribute.
PA is proud to have contributed to the development of the first ever National Sport Participation Strategy, co-designed with the sports sector. Play Well – Everyone has a place in sport was launched in late November and is a must-read for those with an interest in participation, both in paddling and sport more broadly.
The year saw an ongoing return to events and competitions. After the challenges of COVID and floods in 2022, 2023 finally saw the return of the Hawkesbury Classic after a 3-year hiatus. PA and PNSW were pleased to be able to support the event and look forward to many more editions in the future. For those interested in the 111km overnight classic in 2024, click here!
PA National Competitions were well supported, with all disciplines putting their best foot forward. My thanks to the many that contribute to these events, especially Discipline Committee Members and many volunteers. We look to a period of stability and growth in our events over the next few years.
In terms of events, it is hard to go past the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships recently held in Perth. Reports and acknowledgements to the winners are available on our website and in this month’s edition of Paddle Pulse. The response to the Championships has been overwhelmingly positive. We attracted record numbers, the racing was of the highest standard, we held a mixed doubles World Championships for the first time and the athletes all reported a great time. The event was a fantastic celebration of the ocean racing community. It was great to see athletes from far and wide come together, enjoy the sport we all love and experience the beautiful waters and environment that Australia has to offer.
My sincere thanks to all those involved including the ICF, our valued sponsors, the host organising committee, the PA and Paddle WA teams, the many volunteers, and Event Director Jason Wright. I am sure all those that were part of delivering the Championships will now be dragging themselves across the finish line ahead of a well-deserved break over Christmas and the New Year.
Congratulations to all those that have had the honour of representing their country this year. There were many outstanding results for our Australian senior and junior teams internationally across so many disciplines. Jemma Smith and Cory Hill winning the Women’s and Men’s single ski titles at the first ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships staged here in Australia is right up there.
For me, to be in Germany and witness the Australian Team top the medal tally at the 2023 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships was such a privilege. This was quickly followed up by the outstanding performance of our Australian Team at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in the UK.
In May this year, along with many other sports, we celebrated National Volunteer Week. As we continue to develop our plans to better recognise and reward those that are the lifeblood of the sport of paddling, a very special thanks to the many volunteers around Australia that support our Clubs, State Paddle Associations and PA. You have again stepped up to meet the challenges and we are so grateful for all you do.
As the festive season approaches, many of you will be making most of Australia’s iconic waterways. Summer is a great time to see our beautiful country from the water, please ensure you stay safe. Check our website for all the safety tips.Â
On behalf of the PA Board and Staff, I wish you and your loved ones everyone a happy holiday. Enjoy our waterways safely this summer, we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Phil Jones
Paddle Australia CEO
