Armidale Riding Club is hoping to upgrade its facilities and attract more members to its monthly events after taking out the June round of the #GreaterNewEngland community funding program.
The club has received $3000 for winning the public vote, while runners up, Tamworth Girl Guides and Manilla Tigers Seniors League each received $1,000 from Greater Bank.
Based at the Armidale Equestrian Centre, the club provides training and competition for its 160 members who are based locally, but also travel from areas such as Moree and Sydney to take part in monthly Dressage events.
Armidale Riding Club’s, Annie Vanderheul, said with COVID interrupting a number of events over the past 12 months the club’s finances had taken a hit and is hoping to use this funding to again attract more members and other riders to its major events.
“Our monthly and major events can attract riders from around the state, which in turn helps us raise money for the club. We want to use some of this funding from Greater Bank as prize money for a big riding event we have coming up in October.
“We are hoping that this current COVID situation will have settled down by then and we can again have a large contingent of riders and spectators at our events.
“The rest of the funding will go toward the upkeep and maintenance of our facility at the Armidale Equestrian Centre. We share it with other riding groups and each play a part in ensuring it remains in great condition for riders and their horses.
“The funding is very timely for the club and we thank Greater Bank for making it possible”
Annie Vanderheul, Armidale Riding Club
Greater Bank’s Regional Sales Manager, Jennifer Smith, said that local sporting groups such as Armidale Riding Club not only play a role in connecting communities but can also be a positive economic driver for the region.
“Armidale Riding Club brings people to the region from all over the state. Not only are they competing in events here but staying in our motels, eating in our restaurants and cafes and visiting other tourist attractions while in town,” Jennifer said.
“These events are fantastic for the whole community and it’s great that with the #GreaterNewEngland funding the club can continue to stage them across the year.”
Voting for the July round of the #GreaterNewEngland funding program is now open with a share of $5000 up for grabs. The nominees are the Armidale Physie Club, Curlewis Country Women's Association and Oxley Community Transport Services Inc.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greaternewengland or by visiting a Greater Bank branch. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 28 July 2021.