Port Stephens Community Award for Robyn Parsons
On Friday 5th September Robyn Parsons (RDA RT&LH Thursday Coach) attended the Council Chambers at Port
Stephens for the annual presentation of Community Awards, hosted by the Mayor - Councillor Swan.
Robyn had been surprised several weeks before when she was notified that she had been nominated for, and had
won recognition for her services to the community through her activities at RDA.
A judging panel comprising the Mayor; Executive Manager Corporate Services; Recreation Services Manager and three
prominent members of the community were appointed by the Council to assess all nominations. The nominees are
assessed on their results, focus, determination, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence.
Robyn's family, RDA volunteers and the EquAL students attended and had a most enjoyable evening. When presented
with her award Robyn responded with a speech that was modest but graceful - acknowledging her commitment to RDA
and the riders and volunteers. RDA has every reason to be proud of Robyn and her achievement.
Photo From Left to Right:Vicki Robinson, Robyn Parsons, Col Campbell & Nance Eaton
Port Stephens Community Award for Vicki Gaunt-Burns
On the 4th of Sept 2008 I received a phone call from the Port Stephens Council Executive assistant Alison McCandish
requesting my presence at an Awards Night to be held the next night at the council administration office due to being
nominated for a Community Award. I was excited straight way, while still being unsure what it meant.
I was informed that the evening was to be formal dress, and with this information I got all dressed up. The drive to
Raymond Terrace was one to remember with the rain and wind. When I arrived I found many people dressed
differently to what I expected.
A request came down the line for all people who had been nominated for awards to move quickly to the far end of the
Mezzanine level of the Port Stephens Council building. The presentation got underway and several people’s names
were called out and then one of the councillors started to talk about my achievements. I felt proud; a huge smile arrived
on my face as I heard what the councillor was saying about me. I was presented with the picture frame that states that I
have won Port Stephens Community Award.
I was thrilled that my horsing riding had been honoured. I have worked hard over many years to improve my
horse riding while at RDA and I am very proud of where I am at present. I want to go to Nationals.
I will take this time to say a special thanks to everyone involved at RDA Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter Centre
Photo: Mayor Ron Swan & Vicki Gaunt-Burns
New Coaches and Assistant Coaches
After a great deal of training, which included practical and theory based components,
our Centre can now boast two new qualified Coaches.
Congratulations go out to Veronica Caban (Tuesday) and Rachel McDonald (Saturday 2) on reaching the rank of
Coach during May. Congratulations also go out to Fran Gordon (Wednesday Dressage) and Melissa Nash
(Saturday 1) for qualifying as Assistant Coaches in July.
Like all of our Riding Coaches and Driving Whips Veronica, Rachel, Fran and Melissa
(seen below in order from left to right) are dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and experience
freely to enable RDA to operate.
Steel Magnolia Award Winner for 2008
The following article appeared in the Newcastle Morning Herald on 7 March 2008.
We were all so proud that we have chosen to display this achievement as it originally appeared.
Best Practice in Volunteer Management 2007
Our Centre entered the Hunter Volunteer Centre's awards which celebrated the achievements of volunteer organisations in the Hunter Region. Our Centre developed a sound application that highlighted our commitment to positively managing, training and encouraging our volunteers to fulfill their potential. Our Centre aims to involve our volunteers at all level and in all activities and enterprises that we undertake. We welcome community members from all walks of life and our volunteer team benefits from its mix of cultural and social backgrounds.
We were awarded the Best Practice in Volunteer Management Award for 2007. This is a wonderful achievement for our Centre, our Volunteers and our hardworking Volunteer Coordinator, Mr Jack Henry.
