Dear Clubs, Members and Stakeholders,
 
Over the weekend you will have seen the rapidly developing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation which is affecting all of us.  DBNSW are continuing to consult widely, reviewing recommendations from the government’s health and sports authority experts and also listening to the concerns of our membership. 
 
Our primary goal is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our members, volunteers and staff.  We are also committed to doing our part to limit community transmission and to help prevent the most vulnerable from being exposed to the virus.
 
The State Government has directed that from today, Monday 16^th March, any non-essential gathering, including sports events, with over 500 people are cancelled.  Therefore the DBNSW Board have agreed that the upcoming Point Wolstoncroft regatta on the 28^th and 29^th March will be cancelled.  It is an unfortunate end to what has been a tough season of unprecedented events, however we believe this is the necessary decision.
 
As the situation is changing day by day, we will continue to update members as required via email, our website and our social pages, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.  This includes any communication in conjunction with AusDBF on the upcoming AusChamps co-hosted by DBNSW and AusDBF.
 
We encourage all clubs and members to stay informed by monitoring news from the NSW Government, follow the health expert’s advice and limit your exposure where possible i.e. following hygiene guidelines and practice social distancing for all non-essential activities. 

Recommended websites to find advice and keep up to date: NSW Office of Sport and NSW Health.
 
As this email now marks the end of the 2019/20 DBNSW racing season, we would like to recognise and give thanks to all clubs and members for their efforts this year – it has not only been a challenge for DBNSW but also for many of our clubs and members. 
 
We will be presenting the winners of the NSW Dragon Boat Recognition Awards for 2020 at the first race of the next season. Keep a look out for upcoming comms around the winners of these awards. 
 
We will also in the coming weeks start to look forwards to the 2020/21 racing season calendar and we have already started planning new formats and more racing opportunities for all members, including opportunities to race at the Point Wolstoncroft site.
 
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
 
Shane Knight – CEO
Nicola Frowen – Chairwoman