By Matt Helmers, PCA CEO
As we welcome 2026 and commence another exciting calendar year, we also reflect on the achievements of the 2025.
The annual report is being compiled with a detailed summary of the contributions from our broad network of stakeholders, in preparation for presentation and publication at the AGM scheduled in May.
Pony Club Australia is fortunate to have the recognition and receive funding from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), which resources several priority projects within our 2025-2027 strategic plan.
One of those projects, is a National Facilities Plan, which celebrates and strengthens the facilities that support riders, horses and communities. We are grateful to the 162 clubs who completed the Pony Club Facility survey in the final quarter of 2025.
The data provides information on riding spaces, stabling & agistment, ancillary amenities and parking and camping which members can access through Club Finder in Just Go. Facility guidelines have also been developed as a resource to support investment attraction and will be finalised with the plan following the next state executive meeting scheduled for February 25. The prioritised improvements will ensure the network can support sustainable growth and deliver better experiences for members volunteers and spectators.
We are also grateful to members who provide feedback through the surveys circulated which provide invaluable insights to support future planning. These insights were reviewed as part of a participation planning workshop in Melbourne this month, with representatives from every state and territory.
It reinforced the importance of a member-centric approach in planning to ensure our collective resources maximise impact. There will be five priority projects identified for 2026-2028 (to align with the next ASC Play Well funding cycle), which will be further developed over the coming months with working groups.
Expressions of Interest will also be released to renew our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), to ensure that the voice of our young leaders remains prominent as we navigate sector challenges in a rapidly changing world.
