Carmel attended Dublin University and graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy then worked as an OT in Ireland, England, New York and Canada.

During her ten years of living and working in Canada she enrolled at the University of Western Ontario to study English Literature and pursued her love of books and writing. After completing her Masters she alternated between hospital postings and lecturing in English at university.

It was her adventurous spirit that led Carmel to visit her sister at Lightning Ridge in NSW, where she met future husband Ray, an opal miner, and emigrated to Australia.

Carmel and Ray lived in Lightning Ridge where they raised two children. Carmel became fully involved in volunteering at the school as well as town clubs and events.

She was instrumental in gaining funding to establish a school band and then organised the entire music program. A good example of Carmel's quiet determination and perseverance.

When the children were of high school age Carmel once again packed up and moved with them to a second family home in Bathurst. They remained there throughout their secondary schooling then university, with school holidays spent in Lightning Ridge. To keep busy she became a volunteer phone counsellor for Lifeline as well as being actively involved in the Bathurst community.

Carmel and Ray retired to Dunbogan to enjoy a more relaxed coastal lifestyle. Ray was a keen fisherman while Carmel was to discover the wonderful world of dragonboating.

She joined the Camden Haven Dragonboat Club when it began in 2008 and having survived breast cancer in 2002 she also became a member of Dragons Abreast Camden Haven, the 'pink paddlers' and participated in many regattas with both groups.

Carmel was always willing to help with fundraising and any other club activities. Sadly she passed away from lung cancer in March 2020 despite never having been a smoker.

Because of COVID-19 the club was unable to attend her funeral but 12 months later held a memorial paddle to honour her memory and to recognise her contribution to dragonboating.

In 2016 'Dragons Abreast' became 'CanSurvive Camden Haven' which operates under the umbrella of the CHDBC with a more local focus. CanSurvive members continue to train and participate in regattas at club level but also paddle as breast cancer survivors and supporters, sometimes internationally.

Breast Cancer Participatory Regattas are held every four years and some of our members have paddled in Caloundra in Queensland, Peterborough in Canada, Sarasota in the US and Florence in Italy as part of the 'Aussie Dragonflies' team. In 2023 we'll be heading to New Zealand.

CanSurvive is committed to raising awareness of the health benefits of paddling, especially with regard to breast cancer prevention and post cancer care..

We raise funds to support cancer research generally, and to help those impacted by any type of cancer in the local area.

Anyone can join 'CanSurvive', as a survivor or as a supporter, you don't even have to paddle. However if you'd like to 'come and have a go' we'd love to welcome you on a Sunday morning at 8am at the Boatshed by the boardwalk at the LUSC.

Every third Sunday of the month is a pink paddle which basically means we wear pink (optional) and then socialise over a coffee afterwards.

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