Pony Club is grounded in communities that volunteer, shaped by local clubs and local people, across capital cities, country towns and rural communities.
The Australian Sports Commission has this month, released it’s new “National Sport Volunteering Action Plan”, setting out 14 actions designed to make volunteering in Australian sport easier, more rewarding and more sustainable. Over 250 participants from across different sports and clubs participated in the co-designed 2 year action plan.
What can Pony Clubs do?
For local Pony Clubs, some of the most effective changes can also be the simplest.
- Make it easy to help. Not everyone can join a committee or commit to an entire year. Break larger jobs into smaller, clearly defined tasks that might take an hour, a rally day or a few weeks. Someone may happily manage social media, organise ribbons, coordinate one event or help with grounds maintenance without wanting an official committee position.
- Find out what people are good at. Instead of repeatedly asking for “volunteers”, ask members and parents about their skills and interests. Your club community may include accountants, tradies, teachers, marketers, photographers, administrators, grant writers or people who simply love organising things. Matching people to jobs they enjoy can make volunteering far more rewarding.
- Share the load. Look beyond your own club. Could several Pony Clubs within a Zone share particular roles or resources? Ten clubs could potentially contribute towards a shared administrator, social media coordinator or other specialist role. Clubs can also work together on events, training and volunteer education rather than each club reinventing the wheel.
- Support people once they volunteer. A new volunteer shouldn’t need ten years of Pony Club experience to understand their job. Simple position descriptions, checklists, handovers and mentoring can make an enormous difference. The ASC recommends clubs have a volunteer plan that identifies the jobs that need doing, responsibilities, induction, succession planning and how volunteers will be recognised.
- And most importantly – say thank you. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive. A thank-you at a rally, volunteer spotlight on Facebook, certificate, morning tea, annual award or simply acknowledging someone’s contribution can help people feel that their time is genuinely valued.
The ASC’s approach is ultimately about creating a volunteer experience where people feel welcomed, supported, valued and able to contribute in a way that suits them. That’s something every Pony Club can work towards.
We want to hear from you!
What does your Pony Club do particularly well to attract, support or reward volunteers?
Pony Club Australia would love clubs and members to share their best ideas – big or small. Tell us about something that has worked at your club and helped make volunteering easier, more enjoyable or more rewarding.
- Share your idea with us and you’ll go into the draw to win a Pony Club merchandise pack! Enter at https://form.jotform.com/PonyClubAust/volunteer-tips-for-pony-clubs
Your idea might also inspire another Pony Club around Australia to try something new.
- Read the ASC National Sport Volunteering Action Plan 2026–29: https://www.ausport.gov.au/volunteering/national-sport-volunteering-action-plan
