CEO Farewell

Dwight Pedlow and the EWA journey.

I started at EWA as temporary CEO for 6 weeks in mid-July 2016 and was appointed as full time CEO 1 October 2016.

When I started the indoor arena was closed due to lack of maintenance and repairs, 40 plus light globes required changing, the taps for the wash basins in the bathrooms were mostly seized and the SEC looked tired. I did joke that there must have been a plan to issue candles.

We started to repair all that we could, lights, taps, cleaning , gutters, stopping the stables being flooded and worked on the septic blockages and then set about filling all possible weekends with bookings and if needed running our own events, before long all weekends had multiple bookings.

Many management functions had not been addressed, Fringe Benefit tax was not being paid, a review of HR policies identified that both EWA and SEC awards were incorrectly identified and more timely payments of invoices was established.

EWA had become an island and isolated from our stakeholders. I set about building relationships especially with Department of Sport and the City of Swan. I have on three occasions addressed the full Council on SEC matters and successfully obtained $403,183 in grants from the City, a first for EWA. I would like to thank councillors Rod Henderson and Charlie Zannino for their support.

Our relationship with DSR is now very strong and their support for both EWA and the SEC has been fantastic over the past couple of years.

There were several grants from DLGSC that had not been used when I first arrived so in the first 8 months we:

1. Replaced the front fence 50/50 grant and sponsorship with Horse Rails and Southern Cross Wire
2. Renovated the office with a solid ceiling, painting and new AC
3. Repaired all window seals
4. Reinforced the glass in the board room and office to meet standards
5. Installed over head fans in the indoor and fixed the indoor arena exhaust fans
6. Replaced the stable dividers in the original stables
7. Renovated the Caretaker’s house

We also applied for more grants

1. WA community grant for the new PA van, from Jessica Shaw state government. We partnered with Neil Zammit of All-Ways Caravan Hire who built the new PA van for $78,000 and donated the renovation of the old PA van.
2. We received a federal grant for 2 new sheds, one for the PA vans and the other for the storage of eventing jumps $40,000 with $20,000 EWA contribution towards the Eventing WA shed.
3. We have upgraded the GP field retic and new water pump with a CoS grant and re grassed the GP field.
4. City of Swan, dust suppression for arenas, grounds maintenance support and insurance.
5. DSR has approved a grant for Arena surface upgrades of $485,000 that will hopefully see the Indoor arena and Indoor warmup surfaces replaced.

The 2017 floods cause damage to the Indoor, loss of business, cross country course washed away and yards damaged, we successfully made a $230,631.52 ($29,000 EWA) that was mostly split between EWAP and WAYER, to rebuild the course with transportable fences and repair the water jump.
An opportunity was also made to include one of the RDA paddocks into the XC course giving it more room to hold long course events.

The National Polocrosse championship also provided the opportunity to clean up the cross country/Swan field’s area and remove years of stored junk and open up the crossing area.
In 2018 the City of Swan approached us to fence off the Waugal Lagoon that is now managed by the World Wildlife Fund as a significant wetland of the Swan River flood plain.

The SEC viability due to its age is an ongoing concern. In 2017/18 I drafted the SEC Redevelopment proposal. This required the review and compiling of a report for the next 10 years needs of the SEC, including capital works needs and asset management requirements. With this the fight for the SEC started.

To assist with time to make progress with SEC funding in mid-2019 DSR approved the repurposing of a $420,000 DSR grant for SEC operational support. Then Covid hit and fortunately we were successful in DSR Lotterywest funding of $300,000, Federal JobKeeper and Cash Boost. Without these grants I doubt the SEC would be open today.

The tragedy of the Wooroloo fire lead to the EWA fire fund raising $44,000 that was quickly distributed to applicants. EWA received a grant of $49,000 from Minderoo Foundation, Fire and Flood Resilience for camping facility upgrades with powered sites, lights and water. These improvements enabled BlazeAid to be home based at the SEC for 6 months to assist in the post fire rebuild.

We have continued the focus on repairs and cleaning up the SEC and grounds as best we can installing better services when possible: IT services, electrical services, roof repairs, arena improvements and a new electric indoor Rolla-Door, to name just a few.

The SEC consumes many resources of EWA in time and money and it is always a balance of resources.

EWA membership has grown from 2,314 in 2016 to 2,543 in 2021 a growth of 229 with the biggest growth area being 513 Adult and Recreational members. The number of Affiliated Clubs has also grown from 81 to 93 clubs, mostly adult riding clubs. This shows the importance of the new membership categories. Without these our membership might have fallen.

The development of the new membership categories of Adult rider and recreational was, I believe, my best legacy for EWA. This has provided growth and involvement of both Clubs and new members. The effect that Clubs have embraced the new members by providing Adult riding classes has resulted in a big win for all.

Over the past years the Show Horse committee has been re-established, Coaching committee and Welfare committee established a first in EA.

A large number of new policies and better governance when combined with member services has resulted in our DSR funding increasing from $120,000 in 2016 to $180,000 in 2021 with a possible increase in 2022.

The support I have received from the EWA Board, EWA/SEC team, Sport committees, members and my family over the past 5 years has made all the above possible. I wish EWA well for the future.

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EWA Sport Fund ROUND 2

21/04/2022

The EWA Sport Fund has been established to support EWA Clubs and EWA Organising Committees in funding State events/activities from Grass roots to Competitive level.

Funds are collected by way of a levy imposed on all EWA Senior and Junior Competitive members, Officials, Senior and Junior Participant and Adult Riding members.

The Fund supports events that promote high level events and/or grass root participation.

Funds raised in 2021 through Sport fund levies paid as part of EWA membership was $21,820. The funds raised in 2021willbe distributed in 2022.

Funds that were not allocated in 2021 have been carried forward to 2022.

Round 2 applications are being called to enable clubs to apply for grants for funds that were not allocated in the initial request for applications in 2022.

Total funds initially available, Competitive levies (2021) of $11,335for the Competitive Competition criteria with Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Show Horse committees; each receiving $2,834for grants in this category. Participant levies (2021) of $10,485initially available for the Participant& Grass roots criteria with Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Show Horse committees; each receiving $2,621for grants in this category.

Funds available for grants in ROUND 2

For more information click here

State Equestrian Centre - Arena Surface Upgrade Project 2022 Tender's Open.

Equestrian Western Australia is seeking tenders from suitably qualified individuals or business to provide a quote for each of the State Equestrian Centre arena surface upgrades options.

For a copy of the tender Scope of Works Click Here

Tenders are to be lodged by 5pm, Friday 6 May 2022 and sent via electronic mail to EWA CEO ceo@equestrianwa.org.au

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Please note:

The General Purpose field is CLOSED due to some grass renovation. Apologies, but this means surrounding arenas may also be closed as it is a safety concern with them using heavy machinery. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Keep an eye on the website and social media for updates.

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A Friendly reminder! 

Dogs must be on a leash on at all times! This is a safety issue.

State Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP) Education Series for 2022.

The Goldfields Sports Development Network is pleased to present the wide State Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP) Education Series for 2022.

The RASP education Series aims to provide Goldfields high performance athletes, coaches and officials continued professional development opportunities locally in the Goldfields. The Education Series will provide specialised education to further develop knowledge and skillset to assist athletes, coaches and officials to achieve at a higher level.

The GSDN would like to invite the Goldfields athletes, parents, coaches and officials to participate in the upcoming Webinar education session on the 5th May 2022 at 6.00pm with guest speaker Nikala Smith , former West Coast Fever and Perth Orioles player and current Southside Demons WANL player to learn the important role goal setting plays in the development of young athletes.

It will be a great opportunity to develop their skill and knowledge to help them improve towards their goals in their chosen sport.

Further details regarding this session can be found on the GSDN Facebook page and attached flyer.

The session is FREE although registration is essential. Please encourage your athletes to RSVP to goldfieldssportsdevelopment@gmail.com to register. Don't let them miss this great opportunity!

Click Here

CE/SSTA Course for EA Coaches

Equestrian Victoria, on behalf of Equestrian Australia, is pleased to be conducting a Coach Educator (CE) and Skill Specific Trainer and Assessor (SSTA) Course for EA Coaches.

After a very long break between courses, there is now a chance for you to become a Coach Educator (CE) or Skill Specific Trainer and Assessor (SSTA).

If you are a currently registered EA coach and have been so for no less than 5 of the previous 7 years (Level 1 for at least 3 years) you are able to attend this EA endorsed SSTA training course and if assessed as competent, complete the subsequent requirements to become a SSTA.

If in addition, you have been a registered Level 2 or 3 Coach for at least the last two (2) years, and have been a registered SSTA for at least the last two (2) years you are able to attend this EA endorsed CE training course and if assessed as competent, complete the subsequent requirements to become a CE.

Bookings are now open at TryBooking

28/04/2022

High Performance / Next Gen Clinic

Phil Lever and Frida Lindgren are coming to WA to do a High Performance (Phil) and Next Gen (Frida) clinic on 27-29 May in the Swan Valley.  We are very excited to have them over.  Spectators are welcome and we will put more details on the Jumping WA Facebook page closer to the date.

Jumping Committee

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REMINDER: HELMET TAGGING FOR JUMPING NOW MANDATORY WITH THE LENIENCY PERIOD EXPIRED

A reminder to everyone that at all EA Affiliated Jumping events Helmet Tagging is now mandatory. There was a period of leniency in January and February and this period has now expired...read more

LEADERBOARD DATES

• Gosnells – 25 April
• Autumn Pageant – 8 May
• Riverside Advanced Feeds Gala Hack Day 15 May
• Winter Gala – 12 June
• HOY – 9-11 September
• WAAHA – 8 October
• Albany Horsemans 9 October
• Perth Horse & Pony Club - 16 October

UPDATES

• Workouts to the Stable Affairs EWA Newcomer are now available online here. The program is now on Cavaletti and Nominate
• Autumn Pageant – program now on Cavaletti and Nominate

28/02/2022

SHOW HORSE HANDBOOK

The Show Horse 2022 Handbook has now been updated and is now on the EWA website. Please read it carefully as some things have changed.   Our three shows this year are:

• Autumn Pageant (and Newcomer) on Sunday 8 May 2022
• Winter Gala on Sunday 12 June 2022
• Horse and Rider of the Year on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2022

28/02/2022

SHOW HORSE TRIPLE CASH BONANZA & SPOT PRIZES

Following on from the popularity of these two initiatives last year, the Show Horse Committee will again be conducting the Triple Cash Bonanza and Spot Prizes at its shows in 2022.

The Triple Cash Bonanza is a random draw for a prize pool of $1,000 for all eligible EWA members. To be eligible for the Triple Cash Bonanza you must attend and compete at the Autumn Pageant, the Winter Gala and Horse and Rider of the Year. Please note that competing in a Newcomer event does not qualify as not everyone has a Newcomer.

You are eligible if you own any horse or pony which has competed at all three shows. It does not have to be the same horse or pony.  You are eligible if you ride and compete at all three shows even if you do not ride your own horse or pony.  Your name will go into the random draw at the Show Horse Awards function to be held provisionally in November and you could win the top prize of $500, or one of four prizes of $125.  Come along and support all our shows to be in with a chance for this great prize draw.

The random draw for Spot Prizes at the three shows last year was also a popular concept. One of our Committee members prepares these and they are drawn on the day of the show.  Listen to the public announcements and you could be the lucky winner.

Interschools is done!

Firstly, a big THANK YOU to all competitors, Team Managers, parents, helpers, volunteers, Judges and Officials and our valued Sponsors for making the 2022 Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian State Championships a huge success.

Overall everything ran to plan and to time and for that, we commend the competitors for being on time to ensure classes did not run late. Our judges commented on the polite and respectful behaviour of all competitors which is a signature of our Western Australian equestrians. We have received some lovely feedback, thank you to those who took the time to do so. 

We saw kids having fun.  We saw smiling faces.  We even saw parents laughing.  We saw camaraderie and the love of horses.  We saw the best.

The scores and results are currently being compiled to determine the Champion Riders, Schools and Teams.
The date of the Awards Night is yet to be decided but we will let you know as soon as possible.

If you have qualified to represent WA at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships to be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from 26 September to 30 September 2022 and you would like to apply. Information regarding Interschool Nationals will be available shortly.

All Dressage Tests not collected during Interschools have been posted to you.  We understand some people could not find their tests in the folders. We guarantee that all tests were placed in the folders and we have none floating around. Perhaps someone else, or a Team Manager, collected your test?
Any rosettes and prizes not collected have also been posted out.

Qualifying for Interschools in 2023.

If you obtained the minimum qualifying score in dressage or jumping at the 2022 Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian State Championships, either as a Competitor or Participant rider, then you have most likely qualified for 2023 on the horse or pony that you rode. So keep a record of that and then you can easily submit it with your entry for next year.

Please note that the Qualifying period for the 2023 Interschool State Championships will be from 20 March 2022 to the close of entries for 2023 (likely to be mid-March 2023).  Any events that you compete at between now and then that are conducted by EA officiated clubs or officials will allow you to obtain qualifying performances.  Check the EWA website for the full list of events.  This applies particularly if you start competing on a different horse or pony.  So off you trot, support the clubs and events and good luck.

NOTICE

April 23rd (Saturday) SEC EWA Interschools.  7am- 10am
April 25th ( Monday ) Karinya Park 7am-10am
May 8th SEC 7am-10am
May 15th Riverside 7am-10am
May 28th SEC SHC Classic  7am-10am
May 29th SEC SHC Classic  7am-10am
 

ARCA - UPCOMING EVENTS

1 May - Gidgegannup Dressage Club - Autumn Competition Click Here     
14 May - Avon Valley ARC - Hunter Trials Click Here
15 May - Peel Metropolitan ARC - Show Jump Training Day Click Here
4/5 June - Gidgegannup ARC - Clinic Weekend - Click Here
18 June - Magenup ARG - Dressage & Show Jumping Series Event 2 Click Here