PCA Board Members

A life with horses starts here

Pony Club Australia is overseen by a board of eight independent directors, who each bring special skills

There is currently one vacancy for an appointed director. Applications close 1st May 2023. More information here

HEATHER DISHER, Chair

Heather has many years experience as a Vice President, Business Leader, Director, Consultant and Advisory for start-ups, SME’s and Corporates by creating sustainable operations, superior customer communication and high growth. With previous experience as a Director/Board and Committee Member Heather brings global expertise within the areas of Governance, Operational Development, Communication, Digital Transformation, Strategic Development and Growth.

Growing up Heather and her sisters where members of the Beveridge Pony Club, she remembers the joy of riding to events, the bond of horse and rider and being a part of a community that encourages education and teamwork. Heather looks forward to continuing a focus of participation, education and awareness along with increasing the profile of PCA and equestrian sports.

Heather was appointed to the board in 2019 and elected as Chair in May 2020.

JACOB McLOUGHLIN, Secretary

Jacob is a solicitor currently practising at a Commercial Litigation firm.

Jacob began his Pony Club journey at grassroots level as a volunteer at Tallebudgera Pony Club, Queensland. He then obtained a horse and began participating as a rider, volunteer and official. He has been Chief Scorer of state events in Queensland and was Deputy Venue Results Manager for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Jacob held committee positions at club, zone and state level including Secretary of Pony Club Queensland. Jacob was elected to the board in 2020 and elected as secretary in 2022.

JO MORGAN

Jo is a senior marketing and finance industry professional with over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. She holds a Master of Applied Finance. She held senior executive roles across blue-chip, national and boutique firms, and worked on strategic business and marketing planning, brand, media liaison, marketing campaign development, digital/web content and marketing analytics. Jo is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

She has been a member of Arcadia Pony Club NSW for nearly 10 years, and her three children have grown up with the Club. Jo has been instrumental in recruiting members and increasing the Club’s digital footprint, including establishing online certificate work for members during the pandemic.  Jo Morgan was a 2019 Finalist for PCA Volunteer of the Year and Arcadia Pony Club was a finalist for PCA Club of the Year in 2020. She is passionate about member engagement and satisfaction across all States and the long-term growth of Pony Club. Jo was elected by members at the 2021 AGM for a two-year term.

CAROLE-ANNE HODGES 

Carole brings many years of experience in the business and financial sector, and a passion for Pony Club, to the Board. She is a Quality Assurance ISO 9002 Auditor and a past winner of the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award. In 2017, she was the Sports NSW Community Sport Administrator of the Year and PCA Volunteer of the Year.

She has worked in finance and administration for over 40 years, first in the banking industry and now the private sector, specialising in human resources and finance. Carole also runs her own bookkeeping business with private clients.

A current Level One Pony Club Instructor and  State Scorer for PCANSW, she has been a member of various Pony Clubs in Zone 9, NSW for over 20 years. Carole was elected by members at the 2021 AGM for a two-year term.

MARIS BECK

Maris is a corporate compliance consultant at Deloitte and is currently completing a PhD in horse welfare. Maris is also director of a horse retraining and tack business. The combination of experience in designing risk management training programs, and an extensive knowledge of horse welfare standards will be valuable to Pony Club Australia.

Maris’ career began as a journalist at The Age in Melbourne, where her work was awarded the Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill Award and a United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Prize. Her career in risk and compliance has included managing a global audit for a major international bank, conduct of due diligence on high risk projects, and delivery of training in the areas of health and safety, wildlife trafficking, anti-corruption, and modern slavery.

Maris was appointed to the Board in 2022.

KATE FENNER

Kate is a Lecturer in Equine Science at the University of Queensland and director of Kandoo Equine. Kate has strong industry connections and national and international academic and industry partnerships. Kate holds an undergraduate degree with Honours in Equine Science and a PhD in Horse Behaviour, Training and Welfare.

Her expertise is in horse behaviour, the horse-human relationship, the use of learning theory, ethics and One Welfare in handling and training. She has been recognised for teaching innovation in distance learning, developing online teaching resources and delivery modes that have been recognized as industry best practice.

Kate is currently Treasurer and Trustee with the International Society for Equitation Science.  Kate was previously an EA and BHS certified coach and international competitor in dressage, showjumping and polo.

Kate was appointed to the Board in 2022.

NICK HASSETT

Nick has a depth of horse industry involvement, as a thoroughbred horse owner, racing club board member, and a past Pony Club President. His career includes 30 years’ experience in providing advice on strategy and governance to the banking, energy and telecommunications sectors including leading major projects, mergers and acquisitions, operating model transformation, and digital enablement.

Nick has had 28 years as a company director and experience as an advisory board and board committee Chair, and multiple club committee and board committee memberships. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), has Governance in Sport qualification from the Governance Institute of Australia and a Masters in Public Policy and Management from Monash University.

Nick was elected to the Board in 2022.

TONIA MURTAGH

Tonia started life as a grass roots Pony Clubber and has maintained a strong connection with the sport for well over 45 years. Tonia works in Sales and Property Marketing and is a past Vice President of Pony Club Queensland.

Tonia has been active at the state level in sponsorship, managing grievances, supporting the insurance portfolio. Her experience includes Zone President and Treasurer roles and event management, and as the parent of an active member.

Tonia has already been working at the national level as the Queensland representative on the PCA National Safety Committee.

Tonia was elected to the Board in 2022.

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A life with horses starts here

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