Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Cowra Centre have been successful recipients of one of the Elders Community Giving Project Grants.
The grants, which are given out across the state annually, saw RDA Cowra along with 15 other applicants, successfully receive $18,450 from 467 applicants who applied. The Cowra RDA's successful application will allow them to install water tanks to collect rainwater off their new undercover area, aligned with the Sustainability and Environmental pillars of the Elders Community giving project criteria.
"We are absolutely rapt with this," said Cowra RDA president, David Hawkins.
"We have already started works by clearing bushes and shrubbery from the perimeter of the new undercover area but we are just waiting now on some paperwork from Cowra Shire Council," he said.
"It is great to see after more than ten years of lobbying that this is all getting done. Slowly but surely we are ticking all the boxes from the installation of the new disabled toilet recently to the undercover area and water tank to the flood repairs - it is fantastic," said David.
"These new additions will also allow us to not have to cancel events on wet days as well as allow other groups to maximise the space for their activities such as Cowra Pony Club, who are here every second Sunday."
The Cowra RDA Centre currently runs six classes including one from Canowindra High but has to cease in November each year due to heat. With the new undercover area and water tanks, this may not be an issue anymore for the organisation. Hawkins is optimistic and feels the organisation has never been in better shape.
"Hopefully we can run well into the summer months now with the additional cover and the capacity to collect our own rainwater," said Mr. Hawkins.
"It's a game changer for us as we can also utilise the undercover space as a venue for hire."
For Cowra Elders Branch Manager, Rylie Cherrey, it is all apart of the Elders mantra to give back to regional communities.
"It's heartwarming and so nice to see the difference this grant funding makes for an organisation like RDA Cowra," said Rylie.
"Cowra RDA is the first ever Cowra community organisation to be a recipient of an Elders Community Giving Project grant from across the nation," said Ms Cherrey.
"It is a credit to them and their organisation for the quality of their application."
NSW Governor General, Margaret Beazley, a NSW patron of RDA, will also be on hand this Sunday as part of the Cowra POW Breakout 80th anniversary to check on the latest developments from 11:30am.
"We can't wait to show her all the renovations and amendments," said David.