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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-AU link=blue vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Centre Secretaries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Please find attached Letter from Heather Baker in response to the email below from the Board of Directors <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Kind Regards<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Lucy Pentony<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Office Coordinator <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Quad 1, Level 2, 8 Parkview Drive<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>(PO Box 710 Sydney Markets NSW 2129)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Ph: (02) 8736 1256<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Email: <a href="mailto:stateoffice@rdansw.org.au"><span style='color:#0563C1'>stateoffice@rdansw.org.au</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Web: <a href="http://www.rdansw.org.au/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.rdansw.org.au</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=200 height=279 style='width:2.0833in;height:2.9062in' id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:image004.jpg@01D96D50.72E7B7A0"><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><img border=0 width=99 height=71 style='width:1.0312in;height:.7395in' id="Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:image001.png@01D90B0A.04D310A0"> <img border=0 width=60 height=60 style='width:.625in;height:.625in' id="Picture_x0020_8" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D90B11.55D56BE0" alt="ACNC-Registered-Charity-Logo - small"> </span><img border=0 width=60 height=60 style='width:.625in;height:.625in' id="Picture_x0020_9" src="cid:image005.png@01D96D50.72E7B7A0"><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div><blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><div><div><div><div><blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p class=xmsonormal>---------- Forwarded message ---------<br>From: <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Joseph Orland</span></strong> <<a href="mailto:joseph.orland@telstra.com" target="_blank">joseph.orland@telstra.com</a>><br>Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 at 00:30<br>Subject: [Centres] Statement from the Directors of RDA (NSW)<br>To: RDA (NSW) Centres <<a href="mailto:Centres@rdansw.org.au" target="_blank">Centres@rdansw.org.au</a>><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></p><div><div><div><p class=xmsonormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Centre Secretaries.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xmsonormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xmsonormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The Directors who are listed at the end of this email have requested that I send this message out to all Centres. This message relates to the upcoming election for Directors to the Board of RDA (NSW). The following concerns are worthy of careful consideration by Members of RDA (NSW).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xmsonormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>One thing that many of the current directors want to ask Centres is whether Centres are prepared to have certain changes introduced to the operation of RDA (NSW) and, as a result, whether they are prepared to contribute the substantial additional fees that they would be expected to pay towards the operations of RDA (NSW) from what they are paying now if those changes are introduced to the operation of RDA (NSW).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>This is a very important question that each Centre has to consider in order to be prepared to identify the potential consequences.<span style='color:#38571A'> </span> The choice of candidates who will be successful in the current round of elections will determine if RDA (NSW) either:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:39.0pt'>1.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>stays as it is now, a volunteer-based organisation which has, as its main aims, the provision of therapeutic horse-related activities for those who have a disability, or</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:39.0pt'>2.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>becomes a company which has the making of profits as its main aims – in effect, becoming a commercial horse-riding business which is tailored for those who have a disability.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>If the second option is chosen, information that has been advised to the Board by an external organisation more than a year ago indicated that substantial additional annual costs will have to be incurred by RDA (NSW).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>While RDA (NSW) operates through 34 Centres, the organisation, in the overall scheme of things, is a relatively small organisation. This increased level of expenditure on wages and related on-costs for paid staff to do what directors do now on a voluntary basis is not considered to be warranted.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The Board has become aware that there are elements in the organisation that want to shut down some small Centres so that the organisation can concentrate on the larger Centres. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>One of the reasons given for this is that the smaller Centres do not make much money for the organisation. This was an actual statement made by one of those who, it is reasonably understood, is involved in the current move to change RDA (NSW) and its Centres. The Board is aware that there are those who are involved in trying to lobby for like-minded persons to be elected onto the Board in the current round of nominations, presumably to achieve this result.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The RDA (NSW) organisation does have large Centres, but many Centres are small to very small.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>While RDA (NSW) operates in a business-like manner, the Board also understands that, in addition to potentially closing the smaller Centres, those same elements are involved in wanting RDA (NSW) to change so that RDA (NSW) is converted to what may be better described as conducting a business.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>RDA (NSW) directors, in addition to their roles as directors, are also volunteers, each having a particular portfolio and/or tasks, as well as being available, in their capacity of directors, to help Centres as may be needed.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Under what the Board understands is being aimed at by those who want to change the role and structure of RDA (NSW), is that directors become what may be described as “fly in, fly out” persons who attend Board meetings using reports which have been prepared by paid employees of the company.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The volunteer work that is now done by directors will then be done by the paid employee(s).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The independent information referred to above which has been provided to the Board is that each such employee will cost approximately $200,000 with on-costs. There would need to be at least one and up to three full-time employees if the tasks of the current directors are taken over by such employees.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>There is also the potential issue of additional office accommodation and on-costs which, like the substantial costs of wages, are not needed under current arrangements.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Those additional costs can only be met by RDA (NSW) greatly increasing the fees that it charges to Centres.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>If the smaller Centres are closed down, this further increases the financial burden on the remaining Centres. What is worse is that it will also leave many of our riders from those smaller Centres without the very important support and services that these small Centres are able to provide to their local communities.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The decision is now up to the voting Centres to choose between these two options:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:39.0pt'>1.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Maintain the current reason for existence of RDA (NSW), along with the current structure and role of RDA (NSW) as a volunteer organisation which has, as its main aim, the provision of therapeutic horse-related activities to those who have a disability, with these services continuing to be provided by volunteers at relatively little cost to the riders, or</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:39.0pt'>2.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Change the structure and method of operation of RDA (NSW) by:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:75.0pt'>a.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Closing the smaller Centres if they do not make much money for the organisation;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:75.0pt'>b.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Employing high-cost staff (including substantial on-costs) to do the work that volunteer directors do now;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:75.0pt'>c.<span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Centres (and therefore riders) facing substantial increases in fees to cover these additional costs;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:75.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>d.</span><span style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Producing a significant upheaval to the original concept and philosophies of RDA (NSW) and its ideals; and</span><o:p></o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0cm' start=2 type=1><ol style='margin-top:0cm' start=5 type=a><li class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsolistparagraph style='margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-list:l1 level2 lfo3'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Centres potentially having to justify their operations and fund-raising activities to a company that appears to have, as its main aims, the making of money.</span><o:p></o:p></li></ol></ol><p class=xmsonormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:3.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>The decision is that of each and every Centre to choose the future that they want for RDA (NSW).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Does your Centre want to put riders or profits as its main aim?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>For, and on behalf of, the Board of RDA (NSW),</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Allan Burton,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Jenny Cameron,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Tracy Lucas,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Joseph Orland,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Jan Pike,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Clarry Quirk,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Olwen Smith,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xm-10684672268071342m3248108926747946918xmsonormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ian Travers</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=xmsonormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div></div></div><p class=xmsonormal>_______________________________________________<br>Centres mailing list<br><a href="mailto:Centres@rdansw.org.au" target="_blank">Centres@rdansw.org.au</a><br><a href="http://rdansw.org.au/mailman/listinfo/centres_rdansw.org.au" target="_blank">http://rdansw.org.au/mailman/listinfo/centres_rdansw.org.au</a><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div><p class=xmsonormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:36.0pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'> <o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div><p class=xmsonormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:36.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:36.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>