• Margaret River Community Centre secures $20,000 in Lotterywest funding for xxxx 
• Funding will enable  

On Friday 20 October I had the great pleasure of presenting our friends at the Margaret River Community Centre with a certificate to mark their successful Lotterywest funding application.  

Their $20,000 Lotterywest grant will be used to Towards crisis and emergency relief for families experiencing financial disadvantage in Margaret River community. 

Romeo, a former WA Police horse, is the largest of HorsePower’s stable of horses and, along with the purchase of a larger float, will enable the organisation to broaden its services to more teen and adult members of the community living with physical, intellectual, emotional and learning disability or difficulty.   

For example, one of HorsePower’s long-term adult participants, Phill, was denied riding lessons on five occasions in 2022 when the only horse capable of accommodating him was unavailable due to health issues.  He is such a keen participant, and despite being able to walk ‘in hand’ with another horse, was devastated at not being able to ride. 

The arrival of Romeo and the purchase of a float to accommodate him means people like Phill can ride again and reap the benefits of equine therapy. 

HorsePower also offers interactive lessons with horses for children with autism, cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome; teens with emotional stress from abuse or physical disabilities leading to exclusion; as well as adults living with special needs or recovering from life-altering illness.  

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River also contributed $8,059 towards the purchase of the new float.  

Comments attributed to Jane Kelsbie MLA, Member for Warren-Blackwood 

“I’m delighted that our friends at the Margaret River Community Centre have secured Lotterywest funding to purchase their new ‘Romeo-friendly’ float. 

“The Community Centre’s work with people living with special needs is well known in the region, providing significant mental and physical benefits and a greater attachment to their community. 

“For some participants, simply being around these beautiful animals can be life changing. 

“To everyone at HorsePower, to which most of you volunteer your own time, thank you for your amazing work and ongoing commitment to improving the lives of others.” 

Media Contact: Stephen Smyth 9848 3171