Joel and Leonie Dunn of Murwillumbah have, for five years, made giving and providing their top priority of every week.
Donating a large portion of their 27 acres to the NSW Riding for Disability Association has been an ongoing act that gives the gift of independence to those with disabilities and the gift of purpose to the volunteers who take the time to wake each morning to prepare the horses for the day.
Gleefully receiving this opportunity is a handful of students from Centaur Primary’s Support Unit who board a community bus that takes them to the Dunn’s farm every Thursday.
School Learning Support Officer Chantell Russell explains that riding, for people with a disability, is both therapeutic and recreational and the students gain a little freedom in an enjoyable, safe and supportive environment.
“Our kids learn to nurture the animals, while developing their gross motor skills by improving their coordination, balance, muscular development and fitness,” she said.
“Horse riding assists their development and restoration of personal confidence, self esteem, communication skills, leadership and trust. The volunteers work very hard and provide a wonderful community service.”
Volunteer Jo Vigars once felt miserable waking to watch daily soapies and says she now has something worthwhile to look forward to.
“Coming out first thing each morning to clean out the stalls and feed the horses gives my life purpose,” Jo said.
“My favourite part of the day is in the quiet peace of the morning when I’m here alone with them.”
The RDA is one of the few organisations that offer a multi-diagnostic service, catering for people with a wide range of disabilities.
The Dunbible property runs this service three days each week.
The costs of running and maintaining it are financed from donations, fundraising activities and small government grants. Twin Towns Services Club have donated the funds for a paddock vacuum cleaner (which mulches the manure) and Murwillumbah Mowers donated a new mower and often repair the equipment.
Volunteers sell drinks, home-made jams and the best manure mulch in town ( 661 Stokers Road, Dunbible, Murwillumbah).
If your garden needs a lift of vitality before putting up the Christmas lights, then grab yourself a bag of manure and know that giving is at the top of your list, too.
