Location: Darra
Based on his theory that he 'never saw a kid go wrong that had a horse to look after', Allan Seppanen has dedicated most of his spare time for the past 50 years to the Darra Oxley Pony Club. Now a thriving club, it has given more than 1,000 young people the opportunity to experience the commitment, fellowship and enjoyment of horse-riding.
After fundraising for half a century, Allan knows how to draw the crowds. From bingo games to barbeques, Allan has raised thousands of dollars to not only maintain, but expand, the club. His novelty races, featuring guest jockeys from Eagle Farm on wooden horses, remain a firm crowd favourite!
Raising more than $30,000 through Lucky Number envelopes at his coin-operated laundry allowed Allan to establish the club at its current location on Boundary Road in Darra. He also helped to purchase and establish the club-house, which is available for community hire and continues to raise vital funds.
Together with the club's co-founders and committee members, Allan has helped young riders develop their sporting ability and learn to share resources, run an activities program, camps and competitions, and manage a successful club. He has also provided opportunities for life-skills development with lessons on communication, negotiation, tolerance, respect and collaboration.
Allan is still involved in the pony club and together with his wife, Zena, his children, grand-children and other pony club members, he continues to volunteer his spare time to give others the joy and benefits of looking after a pony.
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