Meet the Board – Desley Posted on: 18 November 2025

Desley’s relationship with dragon boating started in 2008, following her diagnosis of breast cancer the previous year aged 42. With no family history and not actively having mammograms she is eternally grateful that she acted quickly when she found a lump in her right breast. Finding her local dragons abreast club in Townsville (Dragons Abreast Townsville, aka Twin Titties) was the next stroke of good luck. This beautiful, strong, passionate, forgiving, empowering group of women continue to be her inspiration. Some of the “girls” are now thriving into their late 70s! Desley took up steering early in her dragon boating journey when a virus sapped her energy and threatened to sideline her from paddling. She is now a level 4 sweep, sweep mentor and trainee coach. She has enjoyed the challenges of sweeping in unfamiliar water, including Sarasota (thanks to her mentor Selma Barry), Florence, Darling Harbour, Canberra and of course New Zealand. But it is paddling (steering) along the beautiful Strand beach front or on the tranquil Ross River in her hometown of Townsville, that brings her the most joy.

In 2011, whilst on the committee of DATi, she was a driving force in expanding the club into a community-based sports club. This gave the Pinkies more opportunity to attend away regattas, whilst reaching more members of the community to spread the word about the benefits of exercising after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The two clubs, DATi and Townsville Dragon Boat Club, are entwined, supporting each other in their individual goals of pink participation or sporting competition. It hasn’t always been a bed of roses, however, when we put our egos aside, work together with a common goal and kindness in our hearts we can achieve anything.

Desley joined the board in 2023. With much to learn and a background in finance, it was natural that she should become Sue’s (Finance Director) shadow. Living the DAA values Connect.Move.Live is easy, when you are surrounded by amazing teammates (and fellow boardies) who inspire you on and off the water. Hailing from North Queensland, Desley is passionate about expanding our paddling horizons into regional and remote areas of Australia. “If we can find a suitable water course, get the community involved and bring our pink enthusiasm we will make it happen”. This passion is what fuels her love of being part of a composite team. Since her first IBCPC trip to Sarasota in 2014, with team Spirit, she has recognised the opportunities which exist, particularly for members of smaller clubs and individual members to come together. She is particularly excited to be captain of Team Unity heading to France in August. Team Unity, has members from Patterson Lakes (Victoria), Central Coast (NSW), Snap Dragons, Townsville and Cairns (Qld) as well as the USA!

Off the water, Desley owns and operates an award-winning café and wedding venue. The hospitality industry can very rewarding and demanding. However, Desley is not one to shy away from hard work or a good conversation with customers. She is a passionate supporter of the WNBL Townsville Fire and NRLW North Queensland Cowboys. If she could spend more time doing something she enjoys, it would be riding her BMW motorcycle. Although spending time with her two young grand sons if very high on the agenda next year, when retirement beckons.