For 40 years, Shepparton Riding for Disabled Association (RDA) have run horse-riding lessons for those living with a disability. Operating out of a leased paddock, RDA had built some basic amenities to run programs, however, having no disabled toilet facilities has been an issue.
“RDA have run these programs without proper bathrooms, and they’ve run the programs the best they can. Having suitable facilities is the decent thing to do and because they’re portable, RDA aren’t limited to this one site,” said Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed secretary, Richard Lilley.
“It was decided that if RDA could raise $17,000 for the materials, we would build the toilet block for no charge.”
They were successful in raising funds from the Freemasons Foundation Victoria. The toilet block was built and was later transported to RDA. The project, which began May 2020, has involved all members of the Men’s Shed and the RDA committee and Mr Lilley says it has been a project of much pride for group members.
“Our Men’s Shed has three members who are volunteers with RDA, Brian Thompson, Frank Steen, and Russell McDonald,” he said.
Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed president, Don Baldwyn said, “We’re all very proud of what we’ve achieved, and how we’ve worked together.
“The project has been helped by the skills our members have and their giving up their time. Butch has been a plumber for more than 50 years, he’s semi-retired now but he has generously done all the plumbing, which was a huge effort!”
The completed project has been valued at $30,000 and includes two standard toilets, a disabled toilet, a wash basin foyer, and a storeroom.
