Michele is one of the longest serving members of the Canberra Dragon Boat Association having been a member 1992. She has been heavily involved with the administration of the sport from those early days. She was membership officer from 1996 to 1998 and has held the position of Vice President of the CDBA from 2002 to present. Her involvement in this role has provided the CDBA with a continuity and retention of ‘corporate knowledge’ which has been of invaluable assistance to each president she has supported and to the fledgling sport in Canberra. 

Michele lives and breathes dragon boating. She has been responsible for preparing grant nominations each year for the CDBA, thus raising money to ensure the sport’s future in Canberra continues to grow and get stronger every year. She has been involved in all policy development and her knowledge from previous involvement at a high level in ACT Swimming has been put to good use for the CDBA. 

Michele shows a commitment to the sport and sets a high standard to other members, both in and out of the boat. Michele is an example of someone who puts the good of the organisation before her own needs. She is always there, willing to help in any way; early mornings, late nights, paperwork, meetings, organising events, delegating tasks, paddling, encouraging and helping with maintenance of equipment, while always remembering to make things fun. 

Her easy manner enabled her to develop strong and valuable relationships across Australia and overseas in the dragon boating community.

Michele has been recognised with the following awards for her service to the Canberra Dragon Boat Association:

• Appreciation of Service to CDBA, Awarded 2006
• Outstanding contribution to the CDBA as Vice President 2007/08
• President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to CDBA 2008/09
• Life Membership of the CDBA 2008 recognizing many years of outstanding contribution to the Association on the Sport of Dragon Boat racing in the ACT.
• Jon Taylor Memorial Award 2010, for outstanding contribution to Australian Dragon Boat Racing

Michele represented Australia in Dragon Boating in 1992. She has paddled all over Australia, China, Hong Kong and Penang and has formed strong ties with the organisers of each and every event.

 Of all the people in the CDBA I believe Michele to be the most deserving of this award for her long and committed service to the sport of dragon boating in Canberra over the last 18 years.