The Founding of Dragon Sisters
Dragon Sisters developed from Michelle Hanton’s experiences as the Founder of Dragons Abreast Australia – which grew from a seed of an idea into a national not for profit charity. No one envies having breast cancer but many women often said how they envied the camaraderie, support and opportunities that radiated from Dragons Abreast membership. Dragon Sisters was established by Michelle (in 2007) as a vehicle to bring women together in an atmosphere of inclusion and personal empowerment, through a unique framework, taking a holistic approach to personal and professional development. The opportunities created through Dragon Sisters and its’ successful harnessing of a wide array of female experts in a variety of fields, resulted in an exponential growth in demand for its business to business services. Today, Dragon Sisters remains a heavily female oriented organisation, whilst warmly welcoming male counterpart expertise and working cross industry, including in many male dominated environments!
Michelle Hanton OAM
Based in Darwin, Australia, Michelle is a multi award winning business woman, innovator and internationalist. Born in Malaysia and growing up in the Middle East, Africa and India, her cross-cultural, diplomatic and etiquette experience and skills are extensive. Michelle’s career has spanned working in the world of private banks in London, as an ambulance officer in the Northern Territory, establishing her own businesses in retail (Australian and Indigenous design-wear), exports (to the UK, USA, France and Middle East), extensive consulting within both government and private enterprise, judging of prestigious Australian national awards. Michelle, featured on the ABC Australian Story “In The Pink”, has penned numerous articles for a variety of national and international publications and is also a sought after guest speaker.
A diagnosis of breast cancer in 1997 forced a change of life style, focus and resulted in Michelle founding Dragons Abreast Australia – a not for profit charity that promotes breast cancer awareness and education, through the sport of dragon boat racing. Michelle’s work within Dragons Abreast brought breast cancer into the national public spotlight in a dynamic, innovating, fun and very powerful way, whilst empowering and inspiring women living with this insidious disease to seize the day and enjoy every moment! Michelle’s achievements and expertise are indicative of the diversity and the calibre of professionals working within the Dragon Sisters organisation today. You can contact Michelle direct at michelle@dragonsisters.com.au
Awards received by Dragon Sisters Founder, Michelle Hanton OAM
2010 Australian Dragon Boat Federation Life Membership Award
Michelle is one of just 5 life members and the only female to have been awarded this honour.
2008 Queens Birthday Honours List
Awarded Order of Australia Medal
2004 Business Woman of the Year Telstra Northern Territory
2005 Australian of the Year Awards Northern Territory Finalist
2003 Avon Spirit of Achievement Award National Winner
2002 Finalist - NT Sports Awards
Administrator of the Year & Masters Sportsperson of the Year
2001Chief Ministers Women’s Achievement Award
2001 Dragons Abreast State Winner of National Australia Bank Community Link Award - Health Category
1997
Winner – Northern Territory Export Award for Manufacturing
Winner - Gold Coast Fashion Award