2020 marks 20 years at the current site at Box Hill (Gables). Over the years there have been many memorable moments, achievements and events and we are very proud of our Centre. So many participants have benefited from our programs in that space of time, wonderful volunteers have continued to help and our programs have grown and developed with the changing times.
Along with the usual fundraising events, annual events and programs each year had some significant events, milestones and awards. Below is a very brief capture of the some of the highlights of the past 20 years.
2000
Tall Timbers settles in to our new location, moving from the encroaching development in Kellyville. Princess Anne visited Tall Timbers and met our volunteers, participants and their families. Jenny Denby presented with Life Membership. Hosted RDA(NSW) AGM.
2001
Mary Arnold awarded The Premier’s Award for Active Citizenship. Jenny Denby awarded a Federal Award “Community Champion”. Doug Denby and Leslie Pickering presented with Life Membership.
2002
30 years of Tall Timbers – founded in 1972 by Mrs Pearl Batchelor. Natalie Fulton awarded the Dynamic Achievement Award in the Excellence in Youth Awards, part of the Orange Blossom Festival of Baulkham Hills Shire Council. Glen awarded the Shush Memorial Award to the best RDA Horse/Pony in NSW. Judy Brightman completed her Coach training. Robyn Given presented with Life Membership.
2003
ABC Creature Features films a segment at TT. New access path from rider shed to arena. Huge hailstorm hits the Centre.
2004
Giant Book Fair held at Tall Timbers. Children’s Week activities are run – funded by a grant from Hills Shire Council. Paralympic Games are held in Athens with Jan Pike competing in Dressage. Host Regional Workshop. Kaye Bracken completes her Coach training.
2005
Function held to farewell Doug and Jenny Denby and the outgoing Committee. We welcomed Nicole as Staff Coach and Chanida as Horse Manager. Hills Shire Council support the Adventure Trail. Amanda Wilson was presented with her ‘Australian Government Sport Achievement Award’ by Mr Phillip Ruddock Federal Member for Berowra.
2006
Bonnie awarded Shush Memorial Award, Charlie Aquilina awarded RDANSW Volunteer Encouragement Award. Wendy Moreland and Karen O’Neill presented with Life Membership. Sonya Phillips Mayor of Hills Shire visits TT.
2007
Horse industry affected by Equine Influenza Virus with TT horses and personnel in lockdown at SIEC. Development commences at Tall Timbers. Karen O’Neill awarded Volunteer Award Electorate of Mitchell. Myer Castle Hill donation from Myer Community Fund. ING Foundation grant received to support our riders. Janet Muspratt presented with Life Membership of TT. Amanda Wilson receives a Community Recognition Award from Hornsby Shire Council. Rotary Horse yards and additional shade structure are built.
2008
Round yard installed. Primary Club fund arena extension. Harrison Luke attends Glenhaven Bridge Opening on horseback in De Groot style re-enactment. Community Water Grant for 2 concrete water tanks to be installed. Official Opening of the new Development by Sonya Phillips, Mayor of Hills Shire Council. TT hosts RDANSW AGM and State Workshop. Life Membership awarded to Kerry Souter. Pilot Program for Tots commences. Carmel Norris awarded Lions Club Community Service Award. RDANSW Promotional DVD filmed at TT. Rubber added to arena surface. Kirsty Hardman completes her Coach training.
2009
Inaugural Horses’ Birthday Lunch held. Castle Hill Country Club holds a Charity Golf Day to benefit TT and other charities. ABC films at TT. Tots on Horseback expands. Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Grant received to purchase helmets and equipment.
2010
Joan Edwards awarded a Seniors’ Week Award for Community Service/Volunteering. Joan Guppy and Mary Crowe received Volunteer Recognition Awards from their local Shopping Centres. Tall Timbers is announced winner of the Rouse Hill Times Business Achiever Award Community Service. Kerry Souter finalist Administrator of the Year FABO Awards. Pip Lovely presented with Life Membership of TT. Robyn Scott completes her Coach training.
2011
Paul Akers – Rotary Club of Glenhaven Quiet Achiever Award. $5,000 received from Goldman Sachs as part of their Community program. John and Carmel Norris presented with Life Membership of TT. Major Grant from The St George Foundation to extend programs. Project Local funds new pathways. Community Building Partnership grant awarded to commence Life Skills building and training room. Lynn White winner of Castle Hill RSL Give Back Award. We hold our first Bingo Night. The Kerri-Anne Show films a segment at TT. Glenorie Bakery support Tall Timbers at the Kid’s Cupcake Challenge.
2012
40 years of Tall Timbers celebrated with a Family Fun Day and Reunion Dinner. Pip Lovely winner of Castle Hill RSL Give Back Award. Project Local funds new pathways. Community Building Partnership grant awarded to commence Life Skills building and training room. Nicole King attends London Paralympics as Paralympic Groom for Hannah Dodd. Glenhaven Rotary hold a Golf Day to benefit TT resulting in a $10k donation. Horse yards concreted and rubber matting applied. Nicole Craig (Fleming) completes her Coach training.
2013
Horses and More…land official opening by Ray Williams MP. Senses and Fun Life Skills Program commences. Charlie Aquilina presented with Life Membership of TT. Riverstone Memorial Club Grant to support riders. Monty Roberts Clinic Canteen held to raise funds for TT. Calendar to fundraise for RDA(NSW) produced with photos from Centres across NSW. Hills Shire Council support volunteer training. John Wright complete his Carriage Driving Whip training. Michelle Murray, Katrina Rosier and Sophie Scarlett complete their Coach training. Christie Wallace joins the Coaching Team.
2014
Toro donated ride-on mower. Riverstone Memorial Club grant. Castle Hill RSL hold an auction to raise funds for TT to buy a pony. Generous donation assists us to purchase an Equissage for the benefit of the horses. Catering for the Collectors Plant Fair commences. Raffles held at the Rodeo. Elaine van Es completes her Coach training.
2015
Joan Edwards is presented with an Order of Australia Medal. Blacktown Workers supports TT with vehicle sponsorship. TT purchases a Defibrillator (anonymous donor). Tall Timbers put on a display for RDA(NSW) at the Mounted Police headquarters for Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall. Nicole King recognised by The Centre for Volunteering 2015 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Excellence in Volunteer Management Category. Nicole King presented with Life Membership of TT. Renee Smith represents RDA(NSW) at the RDAA Dressage Championships. Julie Wilson completes her Coach training.
2016
Blacktown Workers supports TT with vehicle sponsorship. TT registered as an NDIS Provider. Occupational Therapy program developed for TT. Sandra Wright complete her Coach training.
2017
Today Extra films at TT. Allan Gollan awarded RDANSW State Volunteer Encouragement Award. Chocolate announced Shush Memorial Horse of the Year. Commbank Foundation Grass Roots grant awarded to integrate Allied Health into our programs (over 3 years). We represent RDA(NSW) at a visit to Tall Timbers from the RDA (NSW) Patron, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of NSW and Mrs Linda Hurley. TT is the winner of the Local for Locals Community Award. Blacktown Workers supports TT with vehicle sponsorship. Corn Cob Fundraiser held at Farm Machinery Expo. Today Extra filming at TT.
2018
We start the year in drought conditions. Solar panels have been installed on the arena roof to reduce energy costs. Promote RDA(NSW) at Government House along with other Centres on Australia Day. Pip Lovely presented with an Order of Australia Medal for her community work. The Hills Annual Gala Charity Ball is held by Bivianos to support TT. New ramp to outdoor arena is donated by The Primary Club of Australia. Playschool films a Through the Window segment to promote RDA(NSW) at TT. James Kirby Foundation grant to support Senses and Fun Program. Riverstone Memorial Club grant to support riders. Mackenzie Saava announced RDA(NSW) Rider of the Year. Mechanical Horse Sessions added to our programs.
2019
Karen O’Neill is awarded Hills Shire Council Citizen of the Year. Janet Muspratt is awarded an OAM. Museum of Contemporary art opens an accessible exhibition by Liam Benson in their Bella Room inspired by the movement of the horse. TT is honoured to represent RDA(NSW) at the Centre with a visit by the Governor of NSW, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC for a demonstration and to meet our participants and volunteers. Occupational Therapy is offered by TT. Awarded Best Group Display at Riverstone Parade. Madeleine Yeaman completes her Assistant Coach Training. Wendy Brooks joins the Coaching Team for the Senses & Fun Program.
2020
Challenged by COVID 19 pandemic. Support received from Government with COVID recovery grants and Jobkeeper. $5000 Volunteer Small Equipment grant received. Nicole King received a Rotary Club International Womens Day Award. Blacktown Workers ClubGRANT $2500 to support vehicle costs.
Thank you to everyone who support Tall Timbers in so many ways. It was impossible to name or show pictures of all our supporters, participants and volunteers in this post. A more comprehensive list of supporters can be found here.
We hope you enjoyed reminiscing along with us.
