Top award for Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club President

By: Meryn Cooper/zebramezmedia

Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club has been recognised for excellence at the sport’s award night-of-night’s, with Club President, Lisa Mortlock, taking out “Volunteer of the year”. 

Lisa was recognised for her commitment and passion to the sport, working as president for the club, but also volunteering at other events at Toowoomba, Noosa Equestrian Centre, Tamborine, Burpengary and at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

“It was lovely to receive this award, but as I said in my acceptance speech, this award is for all the volunteers at the club. A President is only as good as the team and volunteers around them, and in my case I’m extremely lucky to have such a passionate bunch to work with,” Mrs Mortlock said.

However Club secretary Pam McGarrigle brushed aside Mrs Mortlock’s modesty, saying the President put in countless hours at competitions and an average 10 hours every week to keep the club grounds up to scratch.

“She does everything from wielding a chain saw to remove fallen trees, fixing water troughs, building cross country jumps, driving the tractor to welcoming competitors on the PA system. She’s definitely one that leads by example.”

Mrs McGarrigle also attributed the success of the Queensland State Eventing Championships to Lisa’s hard work and dedication.

“She easily spent more than 200 hours in preparation for the event. She opened her home to officials for meals and gladly liaised with competitors and sponsors. A large part of the 200 hours was actual physical labour too, to ensure the club kept costs down – day after day she was out assisting the course builder in all facets of carpentry and sourcing of materials,” Mrs McGarrigle said.

Unlike many volunteers in the sport, Lisa does not currently have a child competing, nor does she assume any remuneration or contra for the countless hours she puts in.

Lisa beat 12 other Queenslanders and is now a finalist at the Equestrian Australia awards in the national volunteer category. The winner will be announced in May.