By Tyler Wright
The refurbishment of the Macclesfield Pony and Adult Riding clubs’ arenas is near completion after the organisations received a funding boost through Yarra Ranges Council’s 2022-23 Capital Development Grant program.
Macclesfield Adult Riding Club secretary Delvene Henderson said there are two arenas at the grounds receiving a facelift from the $5,000 grant.
“We have our own private large arena that we use for our dressage or flat riding, and we have what we call a show jumping arena; which is an oval sand arena,” Ms Henderson said.
“That arena is actually open to the public at the grounds, not at the moment, because the ground is closed, but generally it’s a public arena where local people can ride down and go into a safe environment and have a ride on their horses, so lots of adults in the area use it, lots of kids in the area use it.”
Ms Henderson said the clubs submitted a grant application to the council because the topping of the arenas were susceptible to washaway due to heavy rain.
“As horses ride around the arenas, it can flick out to the side. So over time, sometimes they become quite uneven, especially if horses are riding in a particular spot all the time on the arenas, particularly around the edges,” Ms Henderson said.
“We felt that we needed to improve the surface on our arenas, so we put that money towards getting some further sand to mix in with the topping that was already there on the arenas and provide a better riding surface for people.”
Ms Henderson said the funding from the council to resurface the arenas “means a lot” as it saves the clubs spending extra time fundraising for upgrades.
“Getting that little boost just gets us over the line and helps us with doing it quicker and easier,” she said.
To be eligible for the Capital Development Grants, applicants must be incorporated not-for-profit organisations or community groups operating within the Yarra Ranges municipality.
The grants are available for a broad range of projects, including but not limited to:
• Construction, renovation, or upgrade of community facilities
• Development or enhancement of parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces
• Installation or improvement of sporting infrastructure
• Upgrading accessibility features in public spaces
• Sustainability initiatives and environmental conservation projects
A capital development grant can cover up to 50 per cent of the total project cost, but not exceeding $30,000.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child encouraged applicants to apply.
“The Capital Development Grants recognise the immense contributions community sport clubs and organisations make to the Yarra Ranges each year,” Cr Child said.
“Grants are often the difference between whether a project gets off the ground or not, so Council is thrilled to be able to help and we thank these groups for their hard work reconnecting with the community during and after the pandemic, and offering a space that fosters physical activity and community connection.”
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/Apply-for-a-Capital-Development-Grant
