Paddling with Purpose: Stories of Determination at the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2026

The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic once again brought paddlers, volunteers, supporters and spectators together for an unforgettable weekend on the Hawkesbury River, demonstrating the determination, resilience and community spirit that have defined the event for more than four decades.

This year, close to 200 paddlers took on the challenge, raising over $100,000 through their fundraising efforts. Every kilometre paddled and every dollar raised help continue the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic’s long-standing legacy of supporting medical research and improving patient outcomes.

A Strong Start

The atmosphere at Windsor was full of anticipation as paddlers prepared to begin their journey down the river. Arrow CEO Richelle Koller, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager Kags Garrard, Arrow Chair Paul McGrath and his daughter Bella were proud to be there to support competitors before they set off, meeting participants, volunteers and supporters to wish them well for the overnight challenge.

Also in attendance was Arrow’s 2026 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic PhD Scholarship recipient, Katerina Terolli, who joined the event alongside her proud parents. Katerina’s connection to the event is a particularly meaningful one, with her research made possible through funds raised by the Classic and her family having firsthand experience of stem cell transplantation through her father’s treatment journey.

Seeing Katerina at the start line was a powerful reminder of the impact the Classic has, supporting the next generation of researchers working to improve outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplant and cellular therapies.

The event’s success is only possible thanks to an extraordinary volunteer network. More than 300 volunteers generously gave their time this year, supporting everything from safety operations and checkpoints to logistics and event coordination. Behind the Classic is an army of dedicated volunteers whose commitment remains one of the most remarkable aspects of the event.

The Spirit of the Classic

For many involved, the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is much more than a race.

The generosity shown throughout the weekend extended far beyond the river itself. Local property owners once again opened their land to accommodate checkpoints, while private vessel owners generously offered the use of their boats to support crews operating along the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River.

It is this collective effort that makes the event possible year after year and continues to create a unique sense of community that keeps participants, volunteers and supporters coming back.

As Race Organiser Kent Heazlett reflected:

“We have all been involved with the Classic for many years, but the fact that so many volunteers return year after year to support us still knocks me out.”

Inspiring Paddlers and Fundraisers

At its heart the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is a charity event. As the organisers often say, it always has and always will be. Supporting worthy causes is what drives the organising committee and volunteers to dedicate so much time and effort to the event each year and Arrow is privileged to be a major beneficiary of the funds raised from the event for over 30 years.

The remarkable fundraising efforts of the paddlers make the event truly special.

One of this year’s standout contributors was Brian Anderson, who completed the 100km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic while raising more than $20,000, making him the event’s highest fundraiser.

Brian creatively engaged his corporate networks and contacts, encouraging them to donate by pledging to paddle further as his fundraising total increased. “Ando’s pain is Arrow’s gain,” he promised, transforming what began as an entry in the 30 kilometre Sackville Sprint into a commitment to complete the full 100 kilometre course, which he successfully completed in just over 15 hours.

Among the many inspiring participants was Courtney Hughes, a two-time stem cell transplant recipient and passionate Arrow supporter. Courtney once again took on the challenge of the Classic for the second time, demonstrating the same resilience and determination that have defined her journey. Having personally benefited from advances in transplantation and patient care, Courtney said “This is cause that’s incredibly close to my heart. Arrow was there for me with kindness and support during my own stem cell transplants, and now I want to help them keep making a difference.” Courtney’s participation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact events like the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic can have.

Another familiar face was Rhys Hibbert, whose childhood leukaemia diagnosis  has inspired his ongoing participation in the Hawkesbury Classic and support of Arrow. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at just 18 months old, Rhys understands the life changing important of stem cell transplant for patients with blood cancer. While his own treatment was successful and he did not require a transplant, he is passionate about supporting research that expands access to these potentially life saving treatments for those who do. A passionate advocate for blood and stem cell donation, Rhys competed in the event for the third time this year. Through fundraising initiatives including local letterbox drops, Rhys successfully raise more than $3,000 for Arrow.

Challenge Yourself for a Cause

The Classic attracts paddlers of all ages and abilities, from seasoned veterans who have completed the event more than 20 times to first-time participants taking on the challenge for the very first time.

This year, the youngest paddler was just 13 years old, competing in a double kayak alongside his father, while the oldest competitor was a remarkable 81 years of age.

Some impressive results and race times were recorded in this year’s Classic. However, the event has never been defined by finishing times alone.

Just as inspiring as the achievements of the place winners, was the arrival of the final paddler across the finish line.

At 75 years of age, Kenji Ogawa completed the course after an extraordinary 18 hours on the water. Long after many competitors had finished, Kenji continued paddling with unwavering determination before eventually crossing the line to the cheers of volunteers and supporters.

His effort embodied everything the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic represents; perseverance, courage and a refusal to give up.

As Kent Heazlett described:

“His paddle was a demonstration of true grit, determination and a ‘never give up’ attitude. The true essence of what the Hawkesbury Classic is all about.”

Thank You

Arrow extends its sincere thanks to the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic organising committee, volunteers, paddlers, supporters and local community members who helped make this year’s event such a success.

Together, you have not only created another memorable Classic but also helped make a meaningful difference to patients and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and look forward to seeing the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic continue its remarkable legacy for many years to come.

The next Hawkesbury Classic Paddle is on 23-24 October 2027.

Why not challenge yourself for a cause and take part in an overnight marathon paddling adventure like no other?

To learn more, visit www.canoeclassic.net