The Riding Develops Abilities Club in Seymour celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday 10 July with the official opening of its new facility improvements by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence.
Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) group offer unique and valuable services, helping develop skills, confidence, and relationships for participants with disabilities.
Seymour RDA has been providing services to people with disabilities for more than 43 years. The club serves a critical role in the community, offering programs facilitated by dedicated volunteers, many of whom also have disabilities.
The facility improvements include the installation of a roof over the outdoor arena and an accessible toilet at the club rooms.
The new roof will provide shelter, allowing for improved scheduling and increased participation opportunities by reducing cancellations due to weather conditions.
The accessible toilet will ensure that participants and volunteers no longer have to travel long distances to access restroom facilities, significantly improving the functionality and safety of the site.
Acting Mayor Councillor Nathan Clark emphasises the importance of the project for the 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 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 $358,645 project was made possible thanks to $158,087 from the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and $200,558 from Mitchell Shire Council.
