Safety upgrade for Hunter Valley Ranch Sorting.

Hunter Valley Ranch Sorting has recently added a brand new fully automatic defibrillator to their first aid kit with the help of a grant from Zeal Futures.

As part of the Zeal Futures Community Grants Program, which launched last year, HV Ranch Sorting applied for funding to cover the cost of a defibrillator to ensure the organisation can continue to provide a safe environment for its competitors.

Rosie Dooley, HV Ranch Sorting treasurer and co-founder, thanked Zeal Futures for their support.

"The club has been fortunate to have Corey Bowles, who is fully first aid qualified, offer his services. We applied for the Zeal Futures grant for a fully automatic defibrillator as this is a vital piece of equipment to have in our first aid kit," Rosie said.

"By receiving the grant, we have been able to add it to our first aid kit sooner."

HV Ranch Sorting is an independent not for profit organisation creating opportunities for competitors of all riding abilities, including special classes for youth and riders aged over 45 years. Ranch Sorting is a team cow horse sport, where two riders aim to sort 10 head of cattle from one pen into another in approximately 60 seconds.

Together with her husband, Rosie started HV Ranch Sorting in 2017, running approximately 4 shows per year, with up to 100 competitors attending each show.

Their goal has always been to make sport affordable and fun at a grass roots level. As the cost of everything has increased, the club has absorbed a lot of the costs to keep the sport affordable.

Zeal Futures Group HR & Safety Manager, Allyson Malloy, said the organisation is pleased to be able to give back to community groups like HV Ranch Sorting through its Community Grants Program.

“The Community Grants Program was driven by the Zeal Futures Health, Safety & Wellbeing Committee to give back to the communities that support us. This program allows us to support causes and projects that matter most to our people,” she said.

“Safety is a priority at Zeal Futures, which is why we understand the club’s need to keep their competitors safe. Securing the grant has allowed the club to fast track the purchase of the defibrillator, saving them money while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of their people.

“While it’s the kind of thing you hope you never have to use, we are pleased that HV Ranch Sorting has the equipment they need to be fully prepared for the unexpected.”