ABOUT US
Riding for the Disabled in the Top End is a not-for-profit community dedicated to providing opportunities for people of all abilities in the greater Darwin area. The centre enables participants to engage in equestrian-related activities, including horse care and riding programs.
We foster, promote and support the development of people with varying abilities into equine-related activities in a safe and supportive environment. This experience result in an increased quality of life, achievement of personal goals, and improved life skills.
RDA Top End also offers a valuable opportunity for people to contribute to the community through volunteering. We provide a fun, safe and encouraging environment for people to grow their skills and experiences.
Volunteers have opportunities such as supporting people with disabilities, horse care and a range of other general maintenance, events and fundraising activities.
Our equestrian centre is on 26 acres, 25 minutes from Darwin CBD, with a full-size sand-based undercover riding arena.
We foster, promote and support the development of people with varying abilities into equine-related activities in a safe and supportive environment. This experience result in an increased quality of life, achievement of personal goals, and improved life skills.
RDA Top End also offers a valuable opportunity for people to contribute to the community through volunteering. We provide a fun, safe and encouraging environment for people to grow their skills and experiences.
Volunteers have opportunities such as supporting people with disabilities, horse care and a range of other general maintenance, events and fundraising activities.
Our equestrian centre is on 26 acres, 25 minutes from Darwin CBD, with a full-size sand-based undercover riding arena.
MEET Our Management Committee
Tania Lesneuck - ChairMANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE FEBRUARY 2019 - CHAIR SINCE JANUARY 2021
Tania’s youngest son has a physical disability and started riding with RDA in the Top End late 2015, she has been a strong supporter of the organisation ever since. “Horse riding has been so beneficial for my son’s development and much more fun than regular physiotherapy sessions.” She joined the Management Committee as a regular member in 2019 and successfully applied for grants from Palmerston City Council, BMD Group, Darwin Turf Club and Variety NT. Early 2021 Tania took on the role as Chair of the Committee and focused on building up the Association starting with Governance and staffing while continuing to seek support from partners in the community in various areas. In her professional life Tania is a Classroom Teacher at a local Special Needs School and she loves working with kids with a range of abilities. She holds a Master in Environmental Biology and Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. “The biggest asset I bring to RDA in the Top End is my passion and enthusiasm for the Association and the programs it offers. The potential of the organisation is huge and I look forward to work with the rest of the Committee to develop and grow RDA in the Top End.” |
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Luke Roe - Vice-Chair
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE JULY 2021
Luke has lived in the territory his entire life and is originally from the small town of Pine Creek. Luke’s son has been riding with RDA in the Top End since 2019. Luke enjoys watching the joy on all RDA clients when they ride.
Luke works as a project supervisor for an electrical and engineering contracting company and hopes to bring this experience with project management to the RDA in the Top End committee to help the association flourish as a strong community organisation to ensure it can continue to support Territorians with disabilities for future generations.
Luke also sits on the committee managing his company’s corporate responsibility funds. Though this he has helped implement changes to prioritise corporate funding to many local NT indigenous STEM projects.
Luke has lived in the territory his entire life and is originally from the small town of Pine Creek. Luke’s son has been riding with RDA in the Top End since 2019. Luke enjoys watching the joy on all RDA clients when they ride.
Luke works as a project supervisor for an electrical and engineering contracting company and hopes to bring this experience with project management to the RDA in the Top End committee to help the association flourish as a strong community organisation to ensure it can continue to support Territorians with disabilities for future generations.
Luke also sits on the committee managing his company’s corporate responsibility funds. Though this he has helped implement changes to prioritise corporate funding to many local NT indigenous STEM projects.
Keshini Renilson- secretary
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE 6 JUNE 2022
Keshini was born and raised in Darwin, and has 4 children who are heavily involved in various clubs and activities. She has relevant insight into the unique challenges of operating disability and allied health services in the NT. She is currently one of the Directors of Territory Care and Support Services (TCASS) which provides a range of support services to Territorians with Disabilities. In her role as a Director she is responsible for the compliance and governance of the organization as well as liaising with the NDIS, a range of stakeholders and participants to continuously ensure that the services we provide work towards the individual goals.
Keshini’s worked in various insurance roles as a Rehabilitation and Return to Work consultant, this allowed her to gain insight into how to work within the workers compensation act, and use these resources for positive outcomes. Her background in rehabilitation started with a degree in Biomechanical Engineering from the University of New South Wales and roles in hospitals both in the UK and Australia.
Keshini was born and raised in Darwin, and has 4 children who are heavily involved in various clubs and activities. She has relevant insight into the unique challenges of operating disability and allied health services in the NT. She is currently one of the Directors of Territory Care and Support Services (TCASS) which provides a range of support services to Territorians with Disabilities. In her role as a Director she is responsible for the compliance and governance of the organization as well as liaising with the NDIS, a range of stakeholders and participants to continuously ensure that the services we provide work towards the individual goals.
Keshini’s worked in various insurance roles as a Rehabilitation and Return to Work consultant, this allowed her to gain insight into how to work within the workers compensation act, and use these resources for positive outcomes. Her background in rehabilitation started with a degree in Biomechanical Engineering from the University of New South Wales and roles in hospitals both in the UK and Australia.
MADDIe MCBEATH - public officer
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE MAY 2022
Maddie grew up surrounded by horses and developed a deep appreciation for the incredible impact that Riding for the Disabled can have on riders from a very young age. In her day job, Maddie is the Commercial Manager for Industry Capability Network Northern Territory (ICN NT), a not-for-profit focusing on connecting local Territory businesses with procurement opportunities in major projects.
Maddie grew up surrounded by horses and developed a deep appreciation for the incredible impact that Riding for the Disabled can have on riders from a very young age. In her day job, Maddie is the Commercial Manager for Industry Capability Network Northern Territory (ICN NT), a not-for-profit focusing on connecting local Territory businesses with procurement opportunities in major projects.
Chris Heron - Treasurer
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE February 2023
NICOLE JACOBSON - committee member
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE NOVEMBER 2021
Nicole is a parent to one of our riders and has an interest in rider wellbeing.
Nicole is a parent to one of our riders and has an interest in rider wellbeing.
LORRAINE HODGSON - committee member
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SINCE DECEMBER 2021
Lorraine is a director with the Australian Special Education Principals Association (Company by limited guarantee) and is the Chair at the Teacher Registration Board NT.
She has a wealth of knowledge and experience getting the best outcomes for young people of all abilities. She has worked as a teacher and principal in school and recently retired as principal from Nemarluk Special School.
She enjoys walks in the George Brown Botanical Gardens with her 2 lovely dogs.
Lorraine is a director with the Australian Special Education Principals Association (Company by limited guarantee) and is the Chair at the Teacher Registration Board NT.
She has a wealth of knowledge and experience getting the best outcomes for young people of all abilities. She has worked as a teacher and principal in school and recently retired as principal from Nemarluk Special School.
She enjoys walks in the George Brown Botanical Gardens with her 2 lovely dogs.
VACANT - COMMITTEE Member
Get in touch if you are keen to join the management committee.
MEET Our AMAZING team
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Coaches wantedWe are currently looking for casual coaches.
If you are interested get in touch with us. Training provided for the right candidates. |
Treasa O'KaneOFFICE AND VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATOR
Treasa O'Kane started with RDA Top End in mid-March 2022. She hit the ground running with some events including, our Open Day, Deckchair Cinema fundraiser, and sausage sizzles. Originally from Ireland Treasa called Darwin home for the past 17 years. With a background in project management, events, fundraising, community engagement, administration, governance, and experience with horses, she is a perfect fit for the Top End Team. 
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JULIE BLISSCARETAKER
Julie Bliss joined RDA Top End as our caretaker in July 2022 and was a dedicated volunteer long before that. She has a passion for horses and ensures the horse and the centre are well looked after. 
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