About RDA Maryborough

A Public Meeting was called to establish an RDA group in Maryborough in 1979. Dr. Peter Miller instigated this meeting and the first ride was at Wandara on the Maryborough Hervey Bay Road using borrowed horses and saddles under the name of Pony Riding for the Disabled Maryborough. We moved to our current site in 1983 where we now lease 15 acres from state and local government. The land allows us to graze our seven horses for most of the year. They are sent on holiday over the summer break to give the grounds a rest.

In 1987 Maryborough joined the State Body and became known as Riding for the Disabled, Maryborough. Our current clubroom is the old Baddow Signal Building that was donated to us in 1989 by Queensland Rail. Since the beginning we have had amazing support from local community groups and people to improve the facilities which has allowed us to expand the options we can offer to our clients.

RDA Maryborough was awarded the 2011 Fraser Coast Regional Council Disability Achievement Award “Community Organisation”.

We are run entirely by volunteers who willingly give their time to ensure RDA Maryborough continues to provide a valuable service to our local community. The current Management team is made up of:

• President: Noel Ryan
• Vice President and Level 1 Coach: Pearl Thorpe
• Secretary: Bruce Thorpe
• Treasurer and Level 1 Coach: Maggie Rippey

We also have Tracey Adams and Kellie Davies who are trainee Level 0 Coaches and a group of very dedicated volunteers.