At Lake Kawana, Sandstone Point’s John Butler is carrying more than sporting ambition into the Australian National Dragon Boat Championships. The 72-year-old former Army serviceman is among thousands of paddlers competing at the national titles, bringing with him a story shaped by discipline, recovery and the pull of team sport.
From Sandstone Point To The Queensland Crew
Butler, a member of Dragon Boat Pumicestone, was selected for Queensland’s Sen C Division squad for paddlers aged over 60. His place in the team followed a demanding selection process that included push-ups, pull-ups, planking, water sessions and a timed 2km effort on a rowing machine.
The championships at Lake Kawana run from April 18 to 23, with more than 76 clubs represented and 370 races scheduled. For Butler, the event marks another step in a sport he first took up three years ago.
After six months of training with the Queensland Sen C crew, Butler believed the team had a strong opportunity to compete for gold.
A New Rhythm After Army Life
Butler’s sporting path follows a 47-year Army career that included deployments to Afghanistan, Malaysia, Timor, Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. He was promoted to Warrant Officer 1 and served with infantry units before later working with Army Reserve battalions.
After leaving the Army, he faced challenges in maintaining his physical and mental wellbeing. He began looking for a sport that would keep him active while taking account of his age and injuries from military service and earlier sporting activity.
Dragon boating came through a connection at Meals on Wheels Bribie Island, where he volunteered. A come-and-try session led to further involvement, and after attending a regatta, the sport became a serious commitment.
For Butler, dragon boating offered the teamwork and camaraderie he had known in the Army, while also providing a full-body workout in a supportive environment. He has credited the sport with helping his physical wellbeing and supporting him in managing PTSD and anxiety.
Dragon Boating And Community Support
The connection between dragon boating and the Invictus spirit is central to Butler’s story. Both are linked through physical and mental wellbeing, inclusion and a shared environment where participants can feel understood and accepted.
The national championships have also highlighted the wider community behind the sport. Volunteers played a major role across the event at Kawana, helping keep the competition running and supporting the experience for paddlers.
For the Sandstone Point veteran, the championships are not only about medals. They also reflect the value of finding a new team, a new challenge and a place on the water where discipline, recovery and community meet.
Published 29-Apr-2026
Photo Credit: Australian Dragon Boat Federation/Facebook
CLICK ANY LOGO TO SEE PUBLICATION
