HorsePower Australia gains support for regional participants
Community TAB of Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) has committed another $80,000 to support the services HorsePower Australia provides to individuals with disabilities throughout Western Australia, with this year’s contribution subsidising costs for participants in regional areas.
HorsePower Australia is a voluntary association of member centres, which provide equine facilitated programs in a safe, healthy and stimulating environment that empowers people with diversabilities to break through barriers utilising the power of the horse to develop new skills and discover new abilities.
There are 14 HorsePower centres in WA including, Albany, Margaret River, Collie, Hills, Peel, Swan Valley, Denmark, Mid-West, Mandurah and Brigadoon.
HorsePower Australia Executive Officer Kelly Mansfield said HorsePower is excited to continue its partnership with Community TAB and this year looks forward to extending support to people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges in regional centres.
“The transition from government funded disability services to individualised funded services via the –National Disability Insurance Scheme has not been an easy one for our organisation, but most importantly it has been tough for some of our participants and their families, who have unfortunately had to consider exiting our programs due to being unable to obtain individualised funding,” Mrs Mansfield said.
“This has been heartbreaking to see as we want to ensure all who can benefit from equine facilitated programs are given the opportunity to do so. The new participant subsidy will allow us to continue helping people with diversabilities to live happier lives defined not by their disabilities, but by new skills, abilities and opportunities.”
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone at RWWA and Community TAB for their continued support, which makes an enormous difference to the lives of our volunteers, coaches, participants and horses. The partnership which is more than just financial support, allows us to share the priceless moments witnessed every day at our centres, as well as ensure our four-legged volunteers are cared for so they can continue to make those moments happen and transform lives.”
“It costs approximately $2,500 per year to care for the wellbeing of a HorsePower Horse and with 130 horses to care for across the state the support from Community TAB is greatly appreciated. It provides some welcome relief to our volunteers who care for these animals 24/7 and allows them to focus on providing support to participants of our programs.”
RWWA Chief Executive Officer Richard Burt said the partnership with HorsePower Australia and Community TAB is very close to the heart of RWWA.
“Our support will continue to help the centres uphold the welfare of horses and support HorsePower events as well as now help subsidise the cost for people with diversabilities in regional and rural areas so they are able to continue to use the therapy services,” Mr Burt said.
“We are proud to relieve the burden of costs for people with diversabilities and allow them to still be able to access services that are vital to their development, physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally.”
“Community TAB recognises how important and unique the service HorsePower offers to the WA community is and is proud to be an ongoing supporter, and our employees also enjoy volunteering for the organisation.”
In total, Community TAB has provided $400,000 to HorsePower since 2014.