TRAMBY and Hanks at Gurley and McGregor Gourlay in Bellata, along with a local farming family, have helped with the cost of new perimeter fencing at the Gurley Public Recreation Reserve.
Revenue from caravanning campers has also gone into major upgrades, which will greatly assist Gurley Pony Club be compliant for future horse sports events.
Gurley Public Recreation Reserve Trust president, Karen Munn, said a collaborative effort from local businesses and individuals, including fencing contractor, Josh Hocking, made the project possible with little cost to the Trust.
“We thank everyone so much and the donations are really appreciated, some of which were organised by Josh, who is an excellent fencer,” Mrs Munn said.
“This fence will last forever, and allow the Pony Club to be compliant for their events in the future.
“Over the years, we have managed to get Crown Lands funding to upgrade connection to underground power and upgrade the amenities block as well as replace a floor in the community building.”
Improvements to the grounds have been ongoing, with Regional Australia Bank donating a kitchen when the bank refurbished its Balo Street branch in Moree.
“The kitchen is a welcome addition to the community building,” Mrs Munn said.
An advertising campaign on Wikicamps Australia has also boosted revenue.
“We advertised for caravan travellers, and have been able to put all this money back into the grounds,” Mrs Munn said.
Caravanners have access to power, hot showers and flushing toilets for just $15 per night.
Gurley Pony Club’s chief instructor, Rita Rodgers, named NSW Volunteer of the Year in 2016 by Pony Club NSW, said the Trust has put in the hard yards.
“They’ve really improved the grounds because the fence needed a lot of repairs for safety for the horses and kids, and this work really makes it an asset to the little community,” Mrs Rodgers said.
“We have to be safe and undertake safety assessments and ground checks all the time.
“Our club is so appreciative of the donations from McGregor Gourlay and Tramby and Hanks. They’ve put a lot of dollars into it, and the Gurley Trust works so hard to keep the grounds so tidy.
“It’s always hard for the little volunteer groups. We’re very happy, and just want to see things keep happening,” she said.
Rain stopped the 2024 Gurley Pony Club jamboree, but Mrs Rodgers said the club was preparing for next year’s event at the new-look Gurley Public Recreation Reserve.
“We usually have our annual event around October, the same time as everyone else, and a ribbon day after jamboree, but we got washed out this year,” she said.
“We get a lot of kids from around the district, and it’s always a great little day.”
