The Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV) Bairnsdale centre is at the heart of a renewed statewide appeal for support, as more than 1000 Victorians living with disability remain on waiting lists to access programs that are currently changing lives across the state.
The organisation has relaunched its “Waiting to Belong” campaign following a recent Channel 9 News feature highlighting the impact of its work, with a goal of raising $300,000 before June 30 to expand capacity across its network — including regional centres such as Bairnsdale.
RDAV Bairnsdale is part of a statewide network of 33 volunteer-run centres delivering equine-assisted programs for people living with physical, intellectual, sensory and psychosocial disability. While more than 600 participants currently attend programs across Victoria, demand continues to outstrip supply, with more than 1000 people waiting for a place.
RDAV says regional centres like Bairnsdale play a critical role in delivering access outside metropolitan areas, but also face increasing pressure from growing demand, volunteer resourcing needs and rising operational costs.
RDAV president Tanya Twaits said the organisation remained focused on expanding access so more people can benefit from its programs.
“For many participants and families, what happens at RDAV each week is genuinely life-changing,” Ms Twaits said.
“These programs build confidence, emotional wellbeing, physical movement and social connection — while reducing isolation for participants and families.
“But right now, too many Victorians are still waiting for that opportunity.”
The Bairnsdale centre forms part of RDAV’s broader model, which relies heavily on volunteers, donated horses and community support to operate. Unlike many disability service providers, RDAV receives no ongoing operational government funding.
Across Victoria, more than 1200 volunteers and over 200 horses support RDAV’s programs, which cater for participants aged from three to 65.
Funds raised through the “Waiting to Belong” campaign will support expanded access at centres such as Bairnsdale, along with horse welfare, volunteer training, improved accessibility and adaptive equipment upgrades.
A parent involved in RDAV programs described the benefits as both physical and emotional.
“Tied to that joy is she’s working her core; she’s improving her balance, her posture, she’s having to concentrate, she’s working on her sensory issues because she’s out in the elements on a horse — and it’s something that brings her great, great joy,” she said. “She looks forward to it every week.”
Research into equine-assisted activities continues to show benefits for people with disability, including improved confidence, coordination, balance, emotional wellbeing and social connection.
Ms Twaits said the recent media attention had reinforced strong community backing for the organisation’s mission.
“The response to the Channel 9 story reminded us just how many people believe in what RDAV does,” she said.
“Now we’re asking the broader community and corporate sector to help us clear the waiting list and ensure more Victorians can move from waiting to belonging.”
RDAV is encouraging tax-deductible donations, corporate partnerships and community support to help expand services at centres including Bairnsdale ahead of the June 30 deadline.
