Local Lions project wins State award

Lions Club & Riding for the Disabled join forces for critical project at regional facility

Hot on the heels of celebrating its 60th anniversary as the oldest regional club in South Australia last month, the Lions Club of Mount Gambier has received a State award for its most recent Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Mount Gambier project.

At the end of last month, the Lions Club of Mount Gambier received the 2022 Premier’s Community Service Social Inclusion Award for the construction of the local RDA’s disabled outdoor horse mounting platform.

The completed platform was handed over to the Mount Gambier group, with whom the Lions Club have a strong, ongoing relationship, this time last year.

The Lions Club of Mount Gambier was approached to undertake the project at RDA’s complex at Wandilo to provide a safe and easy to use alternative to equipment housed inside the arena.

Then Lions Club Director and Community Projects leader, now president, Steve Bell said members spent more than 70 hours researching, designing, fabricating and installing the structure.

Club member Brendon Hirth co-ordinated the project.

RDA received a $1500 grant from the Stand Like Stone Foundation to help pay for materials.

RDA president and coach Robyn Reiter said the platform would be used by clients, coaches and volunteers and was much needed as some horses and riders preferred to work outdoors rather than inside the arena.

The design allows for a ramp to be added if required at a later stage to enable clients in wheelchairs to access a horsedrawn buggy. The sturdy platform features non-slip, easy to clean surfaces and was constructed from materials that will withstand the elements and contact with horses.

The Lions Club of Mount Gambier has a long association with the RDA facility, with members also helping to maintain the grounds and arena.

AWARD WINNING COMMUNTIY SPIRIT: (Above main) Lion Trevor Buckell, Lion Ross Parkinson OAM, Tem Leader Brendon Hirth, Lion Martin Vercoe & Malcolm Laslett. Absent: President Steve Bell & Lion Haydn McPherson & (inset) State Member for Davenport Erin Thompson presented Lion Ross Parkinson OAM with the award.

TEAM EFFORT: (Below top left) Lions Zone 11 Chairman Trevor Buckell attended the platform handover together with Lions Club of Mount Gambier President Jill Austin, Robyn Reiter and Natalie Zwar from RDA, and Lions Ross Parkinson and Brendon Hirth who both worked on the project.

LEADING THE PROJECT: (Below top right) Lions Club Director and Community Projects leader Steve Bell discusses the mounting platform project with RDA Treasurer Natalie Zwar.