Volunteering at RDA

Volunteers are the backbone of RDA SA. We welcome enquiries from anyone interested in helping with our programs.

Roles include horse leaders and sidewalkers (walking beside the horse to assist the rider if necessary), coaches, poo-pickers, handy-persons to help with grounds maintenance, fundraisers, presidents, secretaries and treasurers (familiar with computers preferred).

All volunteers will receive training appropriate to their tasks and are covered by personal accident insurance when involved in RDA activities.

All volunteers need to complete an annual registration form and every two years undergo a police history clearance check (only if you are over 18 years old). This is a requirement of the State Government for all volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults. Please see information below about the process of obtaining a National Police Certificate.

In South Australia RDA riding and driving programs are delivered totally by volunteers. This includes the coach, the helpers and the management committee at each centre.

Volunteers are accepted into the program between the ages of 12 and 80 so we have a wide range of experiences and talents! There is no need to have a knowledge of horses but it would be an advantage if you want to lead horses during the riding session.

The roles for volunteers are wide and varied

• preparing horses for lessons
• leading horses
• sidewalking
• making coffee
• setting up for lessons
• poo picking
• fundraising
• working bees
• office duties
• management roles on the centre committee
• etc. the list is endless

Volunteers will receive any training needed for the role they choose. This training will include an awareness of the policies and procedures which govern RDA SA.

Volunteers are covered by insurance during their time at RDA SA. RDA SA coaches conduct a very rigorous accreditation process for each horse used in the program. RDA provides training to all its volunteers and has a very high regard for the safety of all participants. As such the likelihood of accidents is minimised.

Volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they have available - all help is greatly appreciated.

Contact state office to find out how you can become involved at your local RDA centre. Phone 08 8331 1833.

To obtain a National Police Clearance, please visit the SA Police website and open the National Police Certificate application form.  This form cannot be printed until all the information has been filled in.

1. Complete the form on the website.
2. Print the completed form
3. Gather 100 points of identification
4. Photocopy your identification evidence
5. Take the completed form, your identification, and your copied identification to your local police station for verification.
6. Take your verified form to your RDA Centre or State Office and ask an authorised VOAN officer to sign form and add the VOAN.
7. Mail the form and copy of your ID to SA Police.

Once the Certificate has been processed, it will be sent directly to you for privacy purposes.  You will need to  take it to an Authorised Officer at your centre for sighting.  The required details will be recorded and State Office will be notified.  Alternatively you can post your Police Certificate to State Office to be sighted and returned to you.