Riding For The Disabled Association (NSW) Coffs Harbour And District Centre

The Riding For The Disabled Association (NSW) Coffs Harbour And District Centre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic horse-related activities specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Operating within the New South Wales region of Australia, the centre is part of the larger Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) network, which offers opportunities for people with physical, intellectual, sensory, and learning disabilities to engage in riding and carriage driving activities.

Mission and Activities

The core mission of the Coffs Harbour and District Centre is to enhance the wellbeing, confidence, and physical capabilities of participants through equine-assisted therapy and recreation. The activities are tailored to meet the individual needs of each participant, providing a safe and supportive environment where therapeutic benefits from horse riding and interaction can be realized. The centre also encourages progression into competitions for those who develop confidence and skills in riding[1][5].

Organizational Structure and Affiliation

The centre operates under the umbrella of the Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW), itself a charity organization with a broad network of regional centres across New South Wales. This allows the Coffs Harbour centre to benefit from shared resources, coaching accreditation programs, and community support that the statewide organisation provides. Volunteer involvement is integral to the centre's operations, consistent with the wider association’s reliance on dedicated volunteers to facilitate services and programs[2][3].

Therapeutic and Recreational Impact

The association’s programs, including those at the Coffs Harbour centre, focus on therapeutic, sporting, and recreational benefits achieved through horse riding and interaction. These programs are designed to support children and adults living with various disabilities by improving physical fitness, balance, coordination, and social skills, while also fostering emotional wellbeing and independence[1][5].

Registration and Charity Status

The Riding For The Disabled Association (NSW) Coffs Harbour And District Centre is registered as a charity and holds an Australian Business Number (ABN) 66171146701RR0001. It aligns with national nonprofit standards and contributes to the broader mission of the Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia, which supports similar activities across the country[1][4].

This centre exemplifies the role of equine therapy and recreation in disability services in Australia, combining volunteer support, therapeutic expertise, and community engagement to deliver tailored programs that improve quality of life for participants in the Coffs Harbour region.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/7c8364d3-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [2] https://rdansw.org.au [3] https://rdansw.org.au/centres/ [4] https://www.rda.org.au [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/7c8364d3-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/143fd5b0-73da-eb11-bacb-0022481071bb