Preparing for big stage

By Niccola Anthony

Local dragon-boaters DAM (Dragons Abreast Melbourne) Busters are gearing up for an international event in Italy this month.

The team, made up of 24 breast cancer survivors and supporters, will travel to Florence for the International Breast Cancer Regatta held from July 4 to 6.

The DAM Busters have been training every Saturday and Sunday morning on Victoria Harbour near their base at Community Hub at The Dock.

“When we do an international regatta we step it up a level. We’ve been doing Saturday and Sunday training now for four months,” DAM Busters president Caroline Mulcahy said.

Ms Mulcahy attributes the friendly community atmosphere of Victoria Harbour with the team’s competitive success.

“It’s the best place for us to be training down at The Hub,” she said.

“We always go to the cafes after training. The whole area is just perfect for us.”

“The community actually supports us. They come along to training and wave at us, they’re whistling and clapping sometimes.”

“They love it. They love to see us out there.”