By Tyler Wright
The Monbulk Pony Club has lent a helping hand to its neighbouring pony and riding club following a suspected arson attack earlier this year.
Macclesfield Pony & Adult Riding club rooms were were set alight in the early hours of Saturday 17 June, with volunteers working with Yarra Ranges Council since to rebuild the facilities.
At a rally on Sunday 3 September at the Monbulk grounds, Monbulk Pony Club president Cathy Ronalds handed Macclesfield Pony Club secretary Joanne Mistriotis a $3000 cheque to go towards rebuilding the club rooms, as well as an arena rake.
Ms Ronalds said it “feels in the community spirit” to help another local sporting club.
“We feel really excited to be able to help them in this way, and we know the value of having the local club for young kids to learn to ride and grow up in the community of other riders,” Ms Ronalds said.
“We would hate to see their club struggle…we want their club to thrive in that way, for their community.
“It makes us feel really good to be able to help them out in a small way.”
Macclesfield Pony Club secretary Joanne Mistriotis said it’s “really nice” to see the community spirit come together.
“All these little clubs who are facing difficulties in their own way, are still digging deep to help us rebuild our club rooms, is such good community spirit, ” Ms Mistriotis said.
“We’re very grateful, and it really warms our heart to see that generosity to our club.”
The Macclesfield Pony Club site has been cleared after the devastating blaze which destroyed precious memorabilia and historical photos.
The fire is being treated as suspicious.
Ms Mistriotis said the pony and adult riding club has been able to start using the facilities once again, with the community also able to use the land.
“As far as when they’re going to start building, there’s still a lot of still a fair process to go with plans and putting things out to tender,” she said.
“Council are doing amazing job. Being very proactive; they’re communicating really well with the Macclesfield adult riders and the committees as to their progress.
“We are very grateful that they have been very thoughtful of our club and they really are trying to get things done.”
