Tahmoor apprentices take the lead with horse riding project

Community work helping those living with a disability

It would be hard to find a community organisation more deserving of assistance than the Tahmoor Riding for the Disabled Association and its Wollondilly Centre in New South Wales, Australia.

That’s why the SIMEC Mining Tahmoor Coking Coal operation had no hesitation sending a team of its apprentices to help the association recently when a list of jobs presented itself.

The association, which provides a magnificent service to those living with a disability, needed assistance to connect power from its main building to a shed while its horse stalls needed to be removed and relocated.

They were so helpful, respectful, polite, friendly and nothing was too much trouble … a lot of our lady volunteers wanted to adopt them!

Tahmoor Riding for the Disabled Association president Alan Burton

Led by Mechanical Engineering Manager David Waldock and Electrical Engineering Manager Craig Hooke, a team of electrical and mechanical apprentices hit the ground running to have the job done in a matter of weeks. They then went above and beyond to shovel some soil and level out another area while also installing new horse troughs, installing power and lights to a storage shed and upgrading other electricals.

Tahmoor Riding for the Disabled Association president Alan Burton said the volunteers were thrilled with the works that will make the Wollondilly Centre more user friendly for riders and horse handlers.  Alan and his wife Jill presented Tahmoor Coking Coal with certifications of appreciation following the completion of the work.

“The boys did a magnificent job and did more than we expected them to,” Allan said.

“They made more area for us to work with, put the stalls into a shadier area and even fixed the sensor lights down at the shed.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them and a big thank you to Tahmoor Coal and their supervisors … it makes such a difference for our riders and volunteers.

“They were so helpful, respectful, polite, friendly and nothing was too much trouble … a lot of our lady volunteers wanted to adopt them!”

Tahmoor Coking Coal Executive General Manager Coal Operations, Peter Vale praised the work from David, Craig and the apprentices.

“This was another great learning exercise and their professionalism and hard work is always appreciated in our local community,” Peter said.

“Congratulations to Dave, Craig and the apprentices for again showing how Tahmoor Colliery is an important part of the Wollondilly Community.”

This project follows on from another recent community project from Tahmoor apprentices that saw significant building works completed at the Buxton Community Association Hall.

MAIN IMAGE: Apprentice Rhys Flaxman and David Waldock put together new yards at the riding association.