Everyone is important at an RDA centre
The RDA program would not exist without the generous support of volunteers and we welcome enquiries from anyone interested in joining us.
Roles for everyone
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, treasurers and committee members…
All volunteers will receive training appropriate to their tasks and are covered by personal accident insurance when involved in RDA activities.
Volunteers register with RDA annually and are required to keep up to date their Department of Community and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Clearances – a State Government requirement for all volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults. Please see information below about the process of obtaining a DCSI Screening.
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.
RDASA accepts volunteers between the ages of 12 and 90, so we have a wide range of experiences and talents! There is no need to have knowledge of horses but it would be an advantage if you want to lead horses during the riding session.
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 undergo an induction process and 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 and the applicable NDIS Practice Standards.
Volunteers are covered by personal and public liability 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 commit to as much or as little time as they have available – all help is greatly appreciated.
Volunteer screening
All RDA SA volunteers are required to hold the appropriate clearances.
Volunteers providing direct client support, and those who have access to client files, are required to hold a Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) screening clearance. SA law requires these volunteers to hold a Child Related Employment Clearance, Disability Services Sector Clearance and the Vulnerable Person Employment Screening.
Volunteering with RDA SA is dependent upon the receipt of an acceptable screening clearance.
Information on what is assessed through this process is available at:
New volunteers, or volunteers requiring a new DCSI clearance, are advised to contact their local RDA SA centre from where an online screening application will be initiated.
Volunteers working in roles that have no direct client contact, and who have no access to client files, are required to hold a National Police Clearance. Information on obtaining this clearance and application forms are available at:
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/apply-for-a-police-record-check