The RDA will celebrate the official opening it’s new facility on Research Station Drive and mark its 30th anniversary on the same day.

RDA President Nola Ramsey said having Professor Bashir in Bathurst for the event will be wonderful and something everyone at the Bathurst RDA would remember for years.

“The Governor will be in the Central West for three days and we are fortunate enough to have her come to Bathurst to open our centre on her way back to Sydney,” she said.

“Our centre has been operating since June 2009 but RDA Bathurst has been going for 30 years.

“We really have two good reasons to celebrate on Sunday.”

The RDA first started at a site in Gorges Plains before moving to one near the Rehabilitation Centre at Gormans Hill. When the centre was moved the RDA had to go as well.

Mrs Ramsey said the new facility is simply amazing.

“It is a wonderful sight, we have over 45 riders who come on the two days we operate every week,” she said.

“We have 10 faithful and loyal horses that take riders ranging from school children right through to adults.

“Importantly we also have a great pool of volunteers and we could not operate without them.”

The RDA helps people in our community who face the challenges of having a disability, to enjoy a ride on a horse in a safe, caring environment.

Over the past 30 years the charitable service has given many hundreds of riders in and around the Bathurst area a valuable learning experience, enhancing their confidence and self esteem.

Professor Bashir is expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon to kick off the festivities.

“The Governor should arrive around 2.45pm where we will hold a welcome and official ceremony which should take around about and hour,” Mrs Ramsay said.

“Invited guests will have a chance then to talk to the Governor while having some afternoon tea.

“We are very thankful for all of the support we have received from the local community – without their help we wouldn’t be here today.”