Wednesday, 9 March 2022

 Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (18:05): (1804) My adjournment request is for the Minister for Community Sport. The action that I seek is a commitment of funding for the Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria in Pakenham to enable them to put a roof over their new riding arena. I recently had the privilege of visiting the Riding for the Disabled Association in Pakenham. Riding for the Disabled is a charity organisation that gives individuals with disabilities a chance to develop horseriding skills and independence through adaptive coaching techniques. It relies heavily on the efforts of over 150 volunteers, who are all dedicated to helping those with disabilities reach their full potential. RDA Australia is recognised by Sport Australia as the peak body for equestrian sport for people with disabilities.

One thing that stood out to me during my visit was the commitment the RDA has to ensuring those with disabilities experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement. The Pakenham branch has the goal of becoming a centre for excellence and has dreams of expanding its program to benefit more riders and provide therapeutic therapies for non-riders. RDA was previously located in Officer on private land until 2018, when the land was developed. Cardinia Shire Council came to RDA’s aid by providing a nine-year lease on 20 acres of land in Pakenham, and from my understanding negotiations are currently underway to extend that lease for 20 years. The Victoria Racing Club has also been incredibly generous in providing a significant grant towards the build of a new all-weather arena base. Together with money from the Victoria Racing Club, the RDA has fundraised and received support from local businesses to the amount of almost $400 000. However, to properly develop the facility into a centre of excellence, including all programs and training, the RDA anticipates costs of just over $5 million. As it stands, the arena is currently only able to be used in the warmer months and when it is dry as it does not have a roof to enable it to be used in all weather conditions. This means riders often miss out on riding for months on end over winter and will miss out on the important therapeutic benefits. The RDA have calculated that stage 1 will cost $267 000, which includes a new roof to cover the arena to allow it to be used and enjoyed in all weather.

These programs provide riders with a sense of purpose, a sense of achievement and lifelong skills, and that is why I am calling on the minister to commit funding for a roof for RDA Pakenham’s new arena to enable its use in all weather conditions. Local council have done their part. It is time for the state to invest in this program that is providing people with disabilities with a sense of purpose.