The Riding Develops Abilities Club of Seymour celebrated a significant achievement with the official unveiling of its enhanced facilities by Victorian Community Sport Minister Ros Spence on Wednesday, July 10.
The RDA clubs play a crucial role in the community, offering essential services that help nurture skills, self-assurance and camaraderie among individuals with disabilities.
For over four decades, the Seymour RDA has been a beacon of support, providing programs steered by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are also living with disabilities.
The recent improvements to the facility include the installation of a new roof over the outdoor arena, along with an accessible toilet within the clubrooms.
The roof enables better planning and increased participation by minimising weather-related disruptions.
The accessible toilet greatly enhances the site’s usability and safety, ensuring that participants and volunteers no longer have to venture far for restroom facilities.
Mitchell Shire Acting Mayor Nathan Clark highlighted the significance of the project for the local community.
“These works not only enhance the quality of the services provided but also ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers and their families,” he said.
“Seymour RDA Club have given so much to our community for many years and these works will ensure they can do that in a safer and comfortable environment with less disruption.
“The improvements exemplify how government and local councils can work together to support vital community programs and infrastructure.”
The project, which cost $358,645, was funded by $158,087 from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and $200,558 from Mitchell Shire Council.
Coral Cole, who has been an RDA coach and volunteer for 29 years reflected on the humble beginnings of the club, starting out in a caravan in the poultry pavilion at Kings Park.
“It was wonderful to have such great facilities after many years of campaigning and planning,” she said.
“The roof over the arena means that we can utilise the arena throughout the year and can still provide lessons regardless of the weather or light conditions.”
Ms Cole thanked everyone who had been involved in planning, funding, overseeing and constructing the facilities, and made special mention of former RDA Seymour secretary Sally Wilson and Tallarook Sheds’ James Anderson for the roof construction.
RDA Seymour president Lynne Hutchings also made mention of the additional work that RDA had undertaken to have the arena resurfaced and a new arena fence installed.
“Together these projects mean that RDA Seymour finally has the incredible riding facilities that they have dreamed of for many years,” she said.