2003/2004 Annual Report

Transcription

1 2003/2004 Annual Report of the Equestrian Federation of Australia (Western Australia Branch) Incorporated September 2004

2 The Equestrian Federation of Australia (Western Australia) Branch Incorporated EFA Western Australia Branch Committee 2003/4 Mr Peter Hickson, Chairman Ms Robynne Mctaggart Mr Michael Caplehorn Mr Michael Dagostino Mrs Val Mayger Mrs Kerrie Robbins Ms Judith Odgaard Baker Mrs Kerry Tempest Ms Lisa Baker Mr Bill Eastman Ms Tenille Walters Mrs Ann Conti EFA Western Australia Committees 2003/4 Dressage Chair : Ms Lisa Baker Eventing Chair : Mrs Kerrie Robbins Showjumping Chair : Ms Judith Odgaard Baker Show Horse Chair : Mrs Kerry Tempest NCAS WA Chair : Mr Dwight Pedlow Management & Administration (Acting) CEO Ms Robynne McTaggart Registrar Ms Meredith Tenger Discipline Liaison Coordinator Ms Tegan Mills Reception Mrs Jan Henderson Accountant Mrs Janine Cream NCAS Ms Jan Jankowski State Equestrian Centre SEC Manager Ms Hayley Lethlean Groundstaff Mr Troy Sage, Mr Robert Travaglini, Ms Lori Stalls, Gloria Ekkelboom SEC Training Ms J Smith

3 Some Federation Facts and Figures National Membership Figures By Branch Members Per 100,000 of each Branch s population Queensland % 57 New South Wales % 96 Victoria % 92 Tasmania % 148 South Australia % 99 Western Australia % 103 Northern Territory % By Category Senior 7, % 83.0% 17.0% Junior 4,700 26,7% 91.5% 8.5% Associate & Other 5, % 13.1% 86.4% 13.6% Horses No. of Horse registered with the EFA during this financial year 2836 The National Database has records for over 70,000 horses No of current Performance Cards (horses may compete in more than one discipline): Dressage % Queensland % Jumping % New South Wales % Eventing % Victoria % Show Horse % Western Australia % Other % South Australia % Tasmania % Other EFA-Insured Clubs / other member organisations : 315 EFA NCAS Accredited Coaches : 673

4 CHAIRMAN S REPORT The Equestrian Federation of Australia (WA Branch) Incorporated is a share holder of the Equestrian Federation of Australia and is working hard to achieve its aim of providing the best quality competition, coaching, officials, administration and a strategic plan for the future of horse sports in Western Australia. Our financial position has strengthened considerably over the past three years and, in particular, the last 12 months due to prudent management and correct positioning of fees. Our vision for the State Equestrian Centre to become a separate business unit with its own committee and management staff is nearly complete and the Centre has budgeted to be self sufficient for 2004/5. Government support, through the Department of Sport and Recreation and Healthway has again helped with providing a service to members that continues to grow the sport. Our volunteers throughout the committees, at the events, in the office and in too many other ways to mention add up to a dollar value heading towards $500,000. This is part of the EFA s most valuable asset. To all our sponsors and staff and committees and volunteers I offer my sincere thanks for their participation and efforts over the past 12 months and with the vision and enthusiasm of our Executive Officer, I can assure you of better things to come. Peter Hickson Chairman EFAWA EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT 2004 has been a watershed year for the EFA in Western Australia in many ways. Our immediate aims during the past few months have been to implement good governance, strong financial management, increase participation in all disciplines and raise the profile of our membership. It has been a busy time of adjustment as implementing all these goals has taken a lot of hard work from all involved, which has included significant input from administrative staff and Committee members across all disciplines. Governance Policies We now have a number of governance policies in place to assist with the governance of the sport for the future to ensure that the sport advances in a professional and strategic manner. Financial management of the EFAWA has been well planned for 2004 and 2005 and this financial year we have budgeted for a surplus. Participation across the disciplines is substantially up and members are being kept informed about events and information on a regular basis. However there is still much to be done. In August 2004 the EFA Branch Committee passed a resolution accepting a number of policies covering Member Protection, Privacy, Governance, the Executive Officer and general management. These policies are recognised as standard policies required in sporting organisations in Western Australia and are the first step in delivering best practice to equestrian sports here in WA. There is still much to be done with respect to finalising additional policies which we aim to have completed by early 2005.

5 Squads This year also sees the radical re-organisation of the discipline squads. Discipline squads now have definitive selection criteria, selection processes and we are also working towards fully funding squad clinics. The aim of this has been to add value to the squads ensuring that positions on the squads are not only sought after but held in high esteem. Marketing A marketing and business/strategic plan for the EFAWA is in the process of being developed. It primarily addresses membership, performance, marketing and participation. A number of key areas of need have been identified some of which have already been addressed and some will be addressed in These are: Marketing the sport to obtain the required sponsorship dollars needed for future development Promoting more strategic alliances Creating a package of EFA benefits, which highlights existing benefits and new initiatives. Setting clear strategies to attract new riders Ensuring that members realise what basic services are actually provided to them Communicating and keeping members informed Working closer and more intimately with affiliated clubs to increase participation Developing a stronger alliance with key stakeholders, and Improving the profile of equestrian sports to Government and Corporate agencies Membership Retaining clients, or in our case, retaining members and attracting new ones is always a challenge in any business. We are pleased to report membership for the 2003 and 2004 year increased from 1800 to nearly 2200 members. Membership subscriptions so far this year are two thousand one hundred and it is envisaged that our goal of 2300 members for the 2004 / 2005 period will be reached by the end of this financial year. Participation The Department of Sport and Recreation over the recent years has defined its own strategic plan primarily on increasing participation. Through the grant provided by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the focus for the EFA in WA is also to increase participation. This too must remain our key focus to ensure a successful future. This year we have approximately 250 new members. Measuring participation statistics through performance cards shows a slight increase however, participation seems to have increased throughout the sport substantially. Entries to this year s Royal Show also increased significantly which has historically been a good overall indicator. The goal of the EFA in the future needs to be focused on increasing participation in all key areas whilst ensuring best practice policies are followed. EFAWA Administration Office The EFAWA administration body has also seen some changes to the way in which it conducts its business. The office is no longer involved in running competitions and can now focus on delivering its strategic plan and servicing its membership. Two new staff members have joined the team in 2004 which include a new State Equestrian Centre Manager and a Discipline Liaison Officer. The Discipline Liaison officer s role is to specifically service the disciplines and assist the chairs in running their sport. This has filled an important need of the administration of the EFA and will benefit all disciplines for the future. This position in 2005 will also facilitate a long awaited schools development program. In developing our sport, disciplines play the primary role in setting the tone and it is satisfying to see that they too, in 2004, have also been challenging themselves to move the sport forward into a more professional and rewarding one. Showjumping had always been my first love; however over the past few months I have certainly found that to do this job properly I have to appreciate all disciplines equally. Each and every facet of the disciplines relies on each other and adds a rich tapestry to the face of the sport. This mutual dependence should never be dismissed and is extremely important in the future of the EFA.

6 Showjumping Showjumping WA saw the year in under the competent chairmanship of John Torrens. During March Judith Odgaard Baker step confidently into that role and chaired the Showjumping Committee from that time. Showjumping this year has seen a significant increase in competitors and all of the committee have been working hard to prepare for the three World Cup Qualifiers coming to Perth. This has had a positive effect on the sport and entries to the Royal this year have increased by over 300% which is a fantastic reflection on bringing the World Cup s to Perth. Jamie Coman and Rod Brown have both been across this year to train our riders and their clinics have been very well attended. This year will also see a team from Western Australia compete at the National Championships. WASJA, Hills Showjumping and Jump WA, along with a number of clubs have run a great round of events and should be congratulated on their significant contribution to the sport. Dressage Lisa Baker, the chairman of Dressage WA has provided the Committee and Discipline with very competent leadership over the past few years. Dressage in 2004 in WA had a great start with an outstanding performance at the National Championships with the help of one of the EFA key sponsors, Wayne Keily from Combined Horse Transport. The committee as a group has worked hard to deliver a range of initiatives guided by the key outcomes members identified in their three year plan Coaching, Competitions, Regional Development and Quality Systems. Some of these initiatives are: Regional promotion of dressage which this year took place in Kellerberrin and Kalgoorlie completed by Victoria Hamilton with the support of Elaine Green and Didy Massey, The introduction of Contact a new newsletter for dressage members Increasing the comprehensive programme for up-skilling of Judges, and The introduction of a new Judge Mentoring Programme. Eventing Eventing WA, under the competent leadership of Kerrie Robbins, also had a great season with approximately 1700 starts in I am constantly amazed at the numbers of competitors at their major competitions with the number of registered EFA eventing competitors increasing to nearly 300, up some 30% on previous years. This year Sonia Johnson narrowly missed out on selection in the 2004 Olympics however made a strong statement to selectors by qualifying for the 2004 Eventing World Cup shortly afterwards and placing fifth overall in the World Cup held in Pau, France. Eventing WA continues to support funding their riders to attend national events through their levies with travel assistance to the sum of $6000 this year. Eventing WA has also paid $10,000 back to the clubs in grants to assist them in upgrading their courses and facilities. This year the discipline is seeking a grant to assist them to put Eventing back into the State Equestrian Centre. This is an exercise which will cost nearly $100,000 however with the help of volunteers, donated materials and hopefully a successful grant application this course will be up and running in late This will not only benefit the sport of eventing but will also assist the State Equestrian Centre in being able to bring in additional funds from the hire of the course. Show Horse Although the three disciplines I have mentioned above are Olympic Disciplines and much is made of this fact, Show Horse has a fundamentally important role in the EFA. Much has been said recently at a national level about removing Show Horse as a discipline however I believe that competing in Show Horse events for many young riders, is the start of their career in eventing, dressage or jumping. Therefore Show Horse is an integral part of the future of the EFA in WA. Show Horse was chaired this year by Kerry Tempest and will see her retire from that position after the AGM. Kerry will still remain on the discipline committee. Kerry this year, and in the past years has been assisted by Val Mayger who for many people is the face of Show Horse in Western Australia and with her valuable input into the sport, particularly with running the squads, the EFA Show Horse would not be where it is today.

7 The Show Horse squads continue to be extremely popular with members and there is now a number of country squads operating successfully. Show Horse ran a very successful Horse of the Year and raised a substantial amount of funds to help run their discipline for next year. They will continue to strengthen in 2005 and I hope that in the future EFA Show Horse is brighter and more successful than ever before. NCAS Jan Jankowski has been competently managing the National Coaching Accreditation here in WA. They continue to move coaching forward through the NCAS. EFA National are in the process of also implementing National Officiating Accreditation which will see a strengthening of officiating in equestrian sports. Volunteer Management Program It is important in any sport to acknowledge what makes it tick. This year we have implemented a Volunteer Management Program helping to further develop excellence in volunteer management policies and practices. So far we have appointed a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to implement the volunteer management strategies. In brief her role is to: Identify actual numbers of volunteers, existing volunteer groups, and positions that volunteers fill within the industry Produce a volunteer policy explaining the rights and responsibilities of a volunteer and what it can expect from the organisation, and Provide volunteers education and training opportunities such as first aid, risk management and other important areas that may impact on volunteers. The State Equestrian Centre The jewel in the crown of the EFA is the generous legacy left to us all by equestrian benefactors Bond and Connell. Although the jewel in the crown, has in past years been a thorn in the side of the management of the EFAWA, the State Equestrian Centre is once again under competent and strong management. It is hoped that this year a surplus will be made which can be used to better maintain and increase where possible some of the facilities of the SEC. Hayley Lethlean has been a breath of fresh air negotiating all manner of events for the coming year and handling the current ones with great efficiency. This year, as a result of recommendations from the Feasibility study undertaken by George Vassiliou, the State Equestrian Centre took the first tentative steps to operate independently from the EFAWA. Earlier this year, the Department of Sport and Recreation required a complete split between the EFA and the SEC based on a management model of Hockey WA and the Hockey Stadium before any consideration for funding would be given. They now realise, after meetings between Hockey WA and the EFA that this is not the best solution for the EFA and the State Equestrian Centre. They have now agreed that the governance processes and the operational methods currently being used are in the best interests of the SEC and the EFA. Therefore, although the SEC operates and will continue in the future to operate independently from the EFAWA, the EFA will be ultimately responsible for the State Equestrian Centre. This method of operation is now looked at as the favoured operational model for the EFA & SEC by the Department of Sport and Recreation. The feasibility study identified an immediate need for remedial maintenance, a need for longer term capital improvements and improved management and governance procedures. The study also showed the importance of establishing strategic partnerships within the equestrian industry. These included Riding for the Disabled WA, Mounted Police Division, WA Jockey School and TAFE. With the guidance of the Department of Sport and Recreation, the SEC is working hand in hand with Riding for the Disabled in WA to unite the requirements of both parties. The SEC and RDA will form a partnership by subleasing and relocating the RDA stables to the Centre by the beginning of Government funding in the 2007 / 2008 bid will aid both parties for the future development of the Centre.

8 The Centre has been very well utilised over the past six months and with the SEC initiative of training and practice days in dressage, show horse and show jumping, increased funds have allowed major improvements to be done. The indoor arena surface has been improved with the addition of blue gum fines and river sand. To decrease the dust factor the indoor sprinkler system has been fixed and the arena is now irrigated on a weekly basis. This year the Centre will be hosted one of the World Cup Qualifiers and Sport Horse Expo which was a huge success generating over $1,000,000 in business into the industry during that weekend. Not only is it great exposure for the Centre, it is fantastic for the development of all equestrian sports. We continue to expose the Centre as much as possible to new and existing markets resulting in improved utilisation. The installation of the large sign on the Great Northern Highway has already had positive feedback. We are currently working on an advertising/promotional proposal which we aim to use for approaching major sponsors in the equestrian industry. Positive feedback from the Sport Horse Expo has also resulted in the Centre and EFA members being filmed by Postcards WA in early September and was aired on Sunday October 3 rd at 5.30pm on Channel 9. Summary I would like to thank the Chairs of each committee who put in an enormous amount of personal time to the sport and are rarely given any real recognition or thanks. The discipline committees and all other EFA associated committees have also worked extremely hard this year. The staff of the EFA and SEC have made a major contribution and on behalf of the Branch Committee I would like to thank them all. Although the Branch Committee always tries to do the best for the EFA at all times, we sometimes find ourselves embroiled in issues as we did with Lot 33. The result was a defining moment for the Branch Committee, as the voice of the members was crystallised, we now continue to move forward. In drafting the new business and strategic plan a number of strategies have been identified which have been planned to be completed in 2005 with significant input required by the Branch Committee. They have a big challenge ahead of them to achieve all the outcomes outlined in the plan and will be working diligently to service the members of the EFA for the next 12 months. Where is the future of the EFA in Western Australia in 2005 and Beyond? The Equestrian Federation in Western Australia has a very bright and exciting future ahead. The introduction of new initiatives in 2005 will help increase participation, provide good governance and best practice and make the sport enjoyable and safe for all involved, from new participants to our seasoned riders will see a more professional side of the sport develop with specific pathways for all our younger riders so that they can make their passion of equestrian sports their future. It is our goal to have, in the not so distance future, equestrian athletes at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, from right here in Western Australia. Robynne McTaggart (Acting) Executive Officer EFAWA EVENTING COMMITTEE 2004 has been another busy and eventful year for competitors, organisers and officials alike. The year commenced with a fundraising Mini Grand Prix, and raised $1500 for the building Brigadoon fund, despite the weather being 42 degrees on the day! With a budget of $20,000 to begin work, we have dug the hole which will become the water complex, have had 2 volunteer working days with Alan Campbell and Tom Compagnoni, designing and building 12 fences at pre novice, preliminary and introductory levels. Work will begin again shortly to complete these 3 grades in readiness for our first event in May 2005.

9 This year has seen WA conduct 10 National Events and one International competition, held at Wooroloo in August to Two Star level. Upgrade of our 3 star courses at Harvey, Wooroloo and Alcoa has enabled many of our top riders to qualify for FEI events. Wayne Copping constructed another 5 transportables and we now have a total of 33 sections that are in constant use around the state at all our events. These jumps have proved so versatile, being able to be moved with ease, placed at a variety of different locations to provide variety and challenge with minimal costs to the clubs. The purchase of the Hiab truck this year has greatly facilitated the safe loading and transport of the jumps, and with the trailer now repaired, it makes an impressive load as it heads off to yet another event! Eventing WA paid $6,000 in rider support with riders such as Natalie Hibbert, Janelle Madigan and Sonja Johnson travelling east to compete at Melbourne and Sydney, and to Sonja in her bid to gain Olympic Selection. While Sonja was unsuccessful in that, she has achieved a win in both World Cup events, and will travel to Pau, France to compete in the World Cup Final on October 20 th. Four WA officials, Pollyann Huntington, Kerrie Robbins, Tom Compagnoni and Brian Moss attended the FEI course designers, technical delegates and judges Seminar in Melbourne, again funded by Eventing WA. Eventing WA has paid $10,000 in the form of Grants to clubs, to support them in upgrading their courses and facilities this year. The Championship Series, jointly sponsored by Healthway and Eventing WA, provides additional funding to clubs for participating in the Series, and provides a cash purse of over $7,000 to riders in additional prize money. This is our 4 th year of collecting the Rider Start Levy, and our sport continues to flourish and grow with approximately 1,700 starts in Our annual funding programme includes grants to clubs, rebuilding Brigadoon cross country course, rider travel assistance, officials attending FEI Seminars, paying all FEI fees and organising dues for its events and the Championship Series Prize money of $7,000. Eventing WA has now completed its Incorporation, and will conduct its events at Alcoa, Brigadoon etc under the name of Eventing WA Promotions Inc. Special thanks must go to our retiring Treasurer, Norm Williams who has done a sensational job in keeping us on track over the past 3 years, and now etires due to ill health. Thanks also to my hard working committee, Viv Booker, Geoff McGuire, Tom Tremlett, Sue Armitage, Billy Hawes, Phillipa Collier, Shauna Dean, and Pollyann Huntington, all of whom give so much time and effort in the progress of the sport. Kerrie Robbins Chairman 2003/4 Eventing WA

10 EFAWA DRESSAGE COMMITTEE Dressage has completed another great year of competitions, coaching and overall development of our sport had a great start with Western Australian riders and horses performing extremely very well at the National Dressage Championships Dressage members continue to make up the largest membership group within the EFAWA. Your committee has worked hard to deliver a range of initiatives guided by the key outcomes members have identified in our three year plan Coaching, Competitions, Regional Development and Quality Systems. Initiatives include; The inaugural Dressage Hi Point Competition, winners to be announced at the Dressage Horse of the Year Regional promotional of dressage in Kellerberrin and Kalgoorlie completed by Victoria Hamilton with the support of Elaine Green and Didy Massey, Contact two editions of our new newsletter for dressage members, a project lead by Elaine Green, increasingly comprehensive programme for up-skilling our Judges thanks to the work of the Dressage Judge s Taskforce under the leadership of Hannie Burns. New Judge Mentoring Programme Combined Transport Dressage State Championships 2004 Dressage Horse of the Year 2004 Bates Newcomer Award 2004 Horseland Young Dressage Horse Award 2004 Associate Riders Gala Day 2004 Dressage Squads for 2004 Young Rider, Senior and Development Squads. Dressage Policy and Procedures Manual (on-line) In its first year of operations, your Dressage Development Fund has approved over $12,000 in grants to the following clubs across the State; Albany Horseman s Association Capel Equestrian Centre Association Dressage Association of Western Australia Dressage Riders Training Association Geraldton Combined Equestrian Club Gidgegannup &Hills Equestrian Association Henty Riding Club Kalgoorlie District Pony Club Katanning Equestrian Association Kojonup Adult Riding Club Margaret River & Districts Horseman s Association & Pony Club Narrogin Equestrian Association Orange Grove Horse & Pony Club Young Rider Squad I would also like to offer thanks on your behalf to the Squad co-ordinators, Elaine Green, Victoria Hamilton and Sally Trevenen who have worked tirelessly to ensure that all squad members are provided with opportunities to learn and grow with their sport. This year the WA Branch of the EFA provided DressageWA with $1,200 to go towards providing an honorarium for our secretarial and administrative work. This is the first time that the Branch has recognised our needs in this area, and I m pleased to thank them for this contribution. Hopefully, a sign of more to come! Thanks to the committee members of DressageWA who have maintained energy and enthusiasm for their work throughout the year. When members read through the outcomes that we have achieved this year, I m sure that you recognise the immense effort that these volunteers have contributed to managing our sport. I must not forget to thank the parents,

11 friend and supporters who volunteer their services. Without this team, we would not be able to run so many wonderful events. As we prepare to elect and new committee for DressageWA, I am confident that the retiring committee has provided a strong, well planned and resourced base for the future development of Dressage in WA. Lisa Baker Chairman 2003/4 Dressage WA EFAWA SHOWJUMPING COMMITTEE When John Torrens took leave of absence after the March meeting, I became acting Chairperson, expecting to only chair the next meeting. Over the summer months, Jump WA ran a very successful series of days at the Indoors SEC; so much so, a Winter series was also run with the monies raised from these two series going towards the World Cups and to contribute to sending a team/teams over to the Australian Championships at the end of the year. A Course Designing and Judging Seminar was held in February with a reasonable number of participants. However, as in previous years, this has not eventuated into many fresh faces out on the arenas in the way of those actually working as course designers or judges. After a break of some years it is most pleasing to see a return of the World Cups to this State with classes being run at the Royal, Horse Expo Spring in the Valley weekend at the SEC and at Serpentine. There has been an upgrading of both the 1 st and 2 nd grade showjumping equipment with both now looking most attractive. Of the three clinics which were to be run this year with the National Coach, Jamie Coman, only the 1 st was run by him as he was tied up with the Olympics for the second and now could not come for the third. Previous National Coach, Rod Brown came for the second but is also unavailable for the third which was then unfortunately cancelled. Both clinics were well attended and appreciated by those who took part. The EFA/SEC combined to offer a number of mid-week training round days giving, amongst others, those riders who may not be out competing, the opportunity to ride over a well designed course, good equipment and indoors. Overall, the number of competitors is rising and there seems to be a tendency for an increase in the number of people who are prepared to come forward with assistance on the days of competition. This is truly a heartening sign as without a large number of volunteers the number of fixtures could be limited. In ending, I wish not just our teams who will be travelling East, but all riders at whatever level successful, enjoyable and safe jumping. I would also like to thank the members of Showjumping WA for what they have contributed particularly Jacqui Moon and Tim Weigall who between them have looked after much of the daily chores of the Committee and I would also like to thank the EFA Office staff for their continued assistance. Judith Odgaard-Baker Chairman 2003/4 Showjumping WA

12 EFAWA SHOWJUMPING COMMITTEE 2004 has been a very productive year for the EFA Show Horse in Western Australia. We have held 4 successful shows and the committee although small has worked very hard to pull the shows together. We are trying to address the needs of the competitors from a perspective of better shows at value for money. Its seems to have paid off to date as we have had good entries at all but one of our events. Across the board the numbers of competitors seems to have dropped, we believe that this is due to the economics of our sport and that people now have only one competition horse and may very carefully chose the shows they attend. Also as we are the only discipline with an active competitor in the Show Horse Council that are still able to offer a much lower membership than the EFA. It is our plan to get the message out to the competitors that our insurance coverage is far more comprehensive and has been tried successfully and to offer members more in the line of seminars and squads. Our squads as always have gone extremely well, the country squad is strong and extremely popular, as are our two city squads, junior and senior. We have also been able to hold several open schools this year to EFA members riding registered horses, an added advantage to being a member of the EFA with top Eastern states instructors. I believe that show horse can go from strength to strength, as National Chairman of Show horse in the EFA I have just attended a most successful meeting with the national board. Nationally we have completed a 5 year strategic plan that aims at show horse holding the bulk of the EFA membership across Australia by At this point I would like to say that this is to be my final report as Chairman of EFA Show Horse WA. Due to personal reasons I am unable to continue in this position but will see out my term of 1 year on the committee to assist and advise wherever possible. I have been associated with the show horse committee for the last 7 years and seen very much change. Not all of my time has been positive but with the strength and support of a good committee it proves that much can be achieved in the face of adversity. I will continue in my role as National Chairman EFA of Show Horse I would like to take this opportunity to thank, the current branch for their fantastic support, especially the Chairman Mr Peter Hickson and acting CEO Robynne McTaggart. The EFA members are very fortunate indeed to have such professionalism at the helm of the sport, our Branch is made up of motivated business men and woman, who put so much of their personal time and effort into making the EFA both financially viable and offering the best services possible to the members, because of this WA continues to be miles ahead of every other state in all ways. I must also say a very big thank you to the wonderful office and grounds staff for their good humor, hard work and support, thank you to you all it has been very much appreciated and I wish you all the very best. Kerry Tempest Chairman 2003/4 Show Horse WA

13 STATE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE MANAGER The SEC, built in 1984 has been under the lease of the Equestrian Federation of Australia, WA Branch from the Shire of Swan since In order for the SEC to maintain and upgrade its facilities as well as expand to meet other equestrian activity demands, we will need to in the not too distance future obtain a large influx of funds. This year following the Feasibility study undertaking by George Vassiliou, the State Equestrian Centre has taken the first steps to become independent from the EFAWA. Following the Feasibility study it has been identified that there is an immediate need for remedial maintenance, a need for capital improvements and need to improve management/governance procedures. With improved management and governance currently being addressed, funding issues are now a major priority. The study also showed the importance of establishing strategic partnerships within the equestrian industry. These included Riding for the Disabled WA, Mounted Police Division, WA Jockey School and TAFE. With the guidance of the Department of Sport and Recreation, the SEC is working along side RDAWA to unite the requirements of both parties and in such form a partnership and sublease and relocated the RDAWA to the Centre by the beginning of The Centre will allocate a piece of land for RDAWA use throughout the year and assist with indoor use should it be available during the winter months. Government funding in the 2007/2008 bid will aid both parties for future development of the Centre. The Centre has been very well utilised over the past six months and with the SEC initiative of training and practice days in dressage, show horse and show jumping, increased funds have allowed major improvements to be done. The indoor arena surface has been improved with the addition of blue gum fines and river sand. To decrease the dust factor the indoor sprinkler system has been fixed and the arena is now irrigated on a weekly basis. A new sound system (amplifier and speakers) has been installed in the indoor arena and the connection restored to allow sound in the bar area. We have also increased grounds maintenance and general repairs around the Centre and as a result we receive continuous praise with regards to the work of our staff. Their efficiency and cooperation with help at workshops, shows and events are also noted on an incessant basis. All the ground staff have been working long hours and we only hope all EFA members can appreciate their dedication to helping the Centre function efficiently. The Centre is very proud to be hosting one of the World Cup Qualifiers in a few weeks. We have done heaps of preparation for this big event and should it be the success we are hoping, we would look to host one annually in the future. Not only is it great exposure for the Centre, it is fantastic for the development and exposure of equestrian sports. We continue to expose the Centre as much as possible to new and existing markets resulting in improved utilisation. The installation of the large sign on the Great Northern Highway has already had fantastic positive feedback. We are currently working on an advertising/promotional proposal which we aim to use for approaching major sponsors in the equestrian industry. Positive feedback from the Sport Horse Expo has also resulted in the Centre and EFA members being filmed by Postcards WA in early September. Finally I would like to thank the Board and the EFA members for their continued support of the SEC. Hayley Lethlean SEC Centre Manager