34 businesses allow event organisers to reduce the costs imposed on riders through entry fees and levies for the purpose of covering the ever-increasing service costs. We are excited to continually develop these relationships with both new and loyal returning organisations and thank the many supporters of the organisation who contribute to the sport. In September of 2017, Vice Chair Colin Chantler resigned from the Equestrian WA Board and later joined the Board of Equestrian Australia. Whilst it was a loss to us, it is a benefit to Equestrian Australia as he has experience and knowledge of State Branch issues along with a passion for ensuring our high performance and elite riders are supported at a national level. We thank Colin for his many years of service. At the annual Equestrian WA elections, Ann Avery was elected to replace the vacancy left by the resignation of Sophie Stott, which had been filled on a casual basis by Kathy Van Eykelenborg. Kathy has remained on the Board as a co-opted Director, filling the important Finance Director role for which she is well qualified as a practicing accountant. Merinda March resigned from the board in early 2018 and this vacancy was filled by Anita Marchesani. Equestrian WA continued to receive funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to support our membership services which we are very appreciative of, however the financial position of the organisation is not where we would like it to be. We are constantly looking at the new opportunities for income and to ultimately reduce costs to our members. Infrastructure has remained a key focus area in 2017-2018 with the expiration of the SEC lease fast approaching in December 2020. Equestrian WA is working to obtain Federal and State funding to implement a Redevelopment Plan to address the substantial structural work required and to complete upgrades to the arena surfaces and general facilities. We are also requesting a commitment for funding through a proposed Facility Operating and Maintenance Program model to address some of the operating and maintenance costs associated with the management of a 30-year-old facility. The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the State Equestrian Centre for equestrian use, to obtain recognition as a valuable state sporting facility, and to reduce the reliance on member funds for facility maintenance and development. October 2018 marks my second year as CEO of Equestrian WA and I am committed to working with Equestrian Australia to deliver the programs and performance expected by our members. I believe that practical planning, good relationships, regular communication and being accountable across all levels of the sport will determine our future. On behalf of the Equestrian WA Board and staff, I thank our members for your continued support and wish you every success for the coming year. Dwight Pedlow CEO, Equestrian WA WESTERN AUSTRALIA