This March, we’re celebrating women in paddling, from volunteers and officials to those making waves in competition! Across the week we’re profiling seven women whose contribution to paddling has made a difference, be it in the running of events, gender balance on and off the water, building clubs and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on and off the water.
Annette Mathews
A women who wears many hats in paddling, Annette is the Chair of the PNSW Harbour Racing Series (HRS) Committee, Vice-President of Sutherland Shire Canoe Club and always one to put up her hand and volunteer. In addition to her role as Vice President, she is passionate about all aspects of her club, regularly volunteering as a timekeeper, event coordinator, race manager for numerous paddle events and as a paddle guide. Annette enjoys nothing more than to put on the high-viz jacket at a paddling event.
Happy paddlers, be they club members after a club paddle or racers at a PNSW event, is what motivates Annette.
Annette was the joint winner of the 2021 PNSW Volunteer of the Year award for her service to both PNSW and the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club. In their nomination, SSCC noted that “Annette volunteers at every club race, time trial and event” and “Annette takes a very active role in planning and running all events: including the 20 Groynes Community Paddle; club-hosted PNSW Harbour Racing Series event and PNSW Woronora Marathon”.
We don’t know how you have time for it all, Annette, but your contribution makes paddling all the richer!
Check out the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Awards
Fancy getting into Harbour Racing? Plenty of info here
