RDA Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter Committee
Our Volunteer Management Committee consist of eight position holders including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 4 Committee Members.
Election of the Management Committee takes places annually at our March Annual General Meeting with a quorum of our members.
2023 Management Committee:
Michelle – President – Michelle’s connection with RDA began in childhood, first as a participant and now as an inspiring leader. In 2024, she stepped into the role of President, bringing her lifelong passion and dedication to the organisation. Michelle also serves as the coach of the Saturday program, which runs fortnightly, where she guides riders and shares her extensive knowledge. Her journey with RDA, from participant to President and coach, reflects her deep commitment to empowering others and making a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Vice President – This position is currently vacant.
Treasurer – This position is currently vacant.
Lee – Secretary – Lee joined RDA with a passion for supporting the organisation’s mission to empower people with disabilities through riding. In 2024, Lee took on the role of Assistant Treasurer, where she provides essential support in managing the Centre’s finances. Her commitment and attention to detail help ensure that RDA has the resources needed to continue delivering transformative experiences for riders. Lee’s dedication to the organisation reflects her strong belief in the positive impact RDA has on the lives of its participants and their families.
Natalie – Secretary – Natalie joined RDA in 2021 when her son became a rider with the Tuesday group, allowing her to witness the transformative impact of riding for people with disabilities. She has seen her son make significant strides in core strength and balance through his participation. In 2024, Natalie became more involved by joining the committee, with the role of Secretary, and stepping into the role of Riders/Parents Representative for the Centre.
Chris – Committee member – Chris, with his wife Gail, became involved with RDA in early 2014 when their son Lachlan started Hippotherapy, then continued on as a rider on Tuesdays. In mid 2019, Chris retired (from travelling to Newcastle) to spend more time on the farm 20km north of Singleton. At the end of 2021, when Lachlan was not able to continue riding, Lachlan decided to return in 2022 as a volunteer to help out the people who helped him. We wanted to encourage this, so it means travelling to RDA each Tuesday.
Helen – Committee member – Helen began volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) 26 years ago, starting as a side walker with the Taree & District Centre, now the Manning Great Lakes Centre. She gained experience at local and national events, and in 2013, discovered her passion for carriage driving, becoming a certified NSW RDA Whip in 2015. Helen’s dedication has brought her students memorable successes, including ribbons at the Taree Show in 2019, where they competed on equal grounds with able-bodied participants. Despite setbacks from COVID-19, Helen’s commitment led her to join the Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter Centre in 2021, where she continues teaching carriage driving. In 2023, her group at Stroud celebrated notable recognition, winning awards for Horse, Volunteer, and Driver of the Year.
Marie – Committee member – Marie joined the RDA committee in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a lifetime in the horse industry. She has held several roles, including Secretary for the Chairman of Stewards at the Trotting Club, Jillaroo at Tom Groggin Station in the Snowy Mountains, and working at J.P. Talty Saddlery and Equestrian Supplies. For 30 years, Marie ran a farm in Martins Creek, where she bred Quarter Horses and supported her kids through Paterson River Pony Club. Recently retired as Payroll Officer at Maitland Toyota, Marie now enjoys working with the kids, volunteers, and horses at RDA, where her passion and expertise make her a valued member of the team.
Fundraising Coordinator –This position is currently vacant.