The Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV) will relocate its long-standing Aintree facility to a new purpose-built centre in nearby Bonnie Brook, within the growing Woodlea community.
Backed by Woodlea and guided by project consultants Urbis, the upgraded facility will enable RDAV to expand its equine-based programs for children and adults living with disabilities. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the new centre scheduled to open in early 2026.
The new facility has been designed with inclusivity at its core and will feature a sensory garden to help participants build trust and comfort with horses before riding. This garden will form part of RDAV’s Unmounted Equine Program, where participants grow, harvest and use produce to feed both horses and themselves while learning about food production, pasture management, composting and horse care.
Margaret Behan, Melton RDA volunteer for more than 30 years, said for more than two decades, she has seen firsthand how life-changing this program is for riders and their families.
“The new facility in Bonnie Brook, Woodlea, will give us the space, resources, and accessibility to reach even more people, and I know it will make a world of difference.”
RDAV’s community partnerships will continue to play a key role, including its collaboration with Melbourne University, which provides veterinary students with hands-on experience at the centre.
Woodlea Project Director Matt Dean said the development reflects the community’s commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.
“We’re incredibly proud to be supporting RDAV’s move to Bonnie Brook within our Woodlea community.
“This isn’t just a relocation, but an investment in people. RDAV plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive community, and the new facility will provide lasting benefits for generations to come.”
The project builds on Woodlea’s previous support, having developed the current Aintree facility that has served the community for the past decade.
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