RSPCA Victoria is delighted to announce it is giving some of the money donated to its Bushfire Appeal to help rebuild the Mallacoota Pony Club, which was almost entirely destroyed in the bushfires last summer.
The has been an integral part of the local community for over 40 years, offering show jumping, cross country, dressage, grooming and horsemanship education for local riders. Sadly, the 2019-20 bushfires destroyed the clubhouse, office, round yard, jumping area and cross-country course, the club’s holding yards, fencing, gates, maintenance tools and all horseriding equipment.
RSPCA Victoria will be providing just over $54,000 to:
• Establish new horse stalls
• Repair damaged fencing
• Install a water tank; and
• Construct a pergola/shed.
“Losing our Pony Club facilities during the bushfires was terrible – Pony Club is an important part of life for many people and a way to be connected to the community,” said Stephanie Mew, President of Mallacoota Pony Club.
“We’re grateful to RSPCA Victoria and all the people who generously donated to its Bushfire Appeal for helping rebuild our club. We’re really looking forward to new facilities that will form part of the broader community assets and be made available for a wide variety of leisure pursuits.”
CEO of RSPCA Victoria, Dr Liz Walker, said it’s wonderful to be able to support the people and animals of Mallacoota and help rebuild such an important community facility.
“After receiving generous donations from passionate animal lovers during the summer bushfires, we have been working closely with local communities to help them recover and rebuild facilities that enhance the human-animal bond,” says Dr Walker.
“We know that human and animal wellbeing are inextricably linked. Mallacoota was devastated by the fires and we know that animals will be a key part of the healing process, so we are really pleased to be able to make a contribution that will help that.”
