Two Strong Candidates Emerge for Pony Club Victoria Board Positions

Two experienced professionals with deep roots in equestrian communities are seeking positions on the Pony Club Victoria Board ahead of the organization's Annual General Meeting.

Sally Jones, a learning and development specialist from Briagolong and District Pony Club, has been nominated for Elected Director, while retired accountant and educator Helen Simmons from the Northern Metropolitan Zone is seeking an Appointed Director position.

Sally Jones: Championing Accessibility and Development

Jones brings a compelling blend of corporate expertise and grassroots passion to her nomination. As a Learning and Development Advisor at a rural water delivery agency, she has transformed professional development outcomes, lifting employee satisfaction from below 30% to over 70% in just 12 months while achieving full compliance in organization-wide training.

Her connection to Pony Club runs deep. A former member who earned her K Certificate during 10 years of youth participation, Jones has remained active in equestrian circles through her involvement with Sale and District Adult Riding Club and Briagolong Team Penning Association.

"I believe in all kids having a fair and equitable go, and I appreciate how accessible Pony Club has become over the years," Jones said in her nomination statement. "I am motivated to be part of the change in accessibility."

Jones holds a Bachelor of Business with majors in HR and Marketing, along with certifications in training and assessment and mental health first aid. She's also pursuing her Preliminary Coaching Accreditation. Her focus areas include education, rider development, and ensuring PCV remains inclusive and member-focused.

Helen Simmons: Financial Acumen and Governance Expertise

Simmons brings an impressive record of financial stewardship and organizational leadership spanning decades. Her academic credentials include degrees from Monash University in education, librarianship, mathematics, and accounting, complementing a 34-year teaching career and ongoing work as a qualified accountant.

Her volunteer resume is particularly noteworthy. As treasurer of Melbourne East Netball Association, she closed revenue loopholes and introduced robust accounting systems that helped secure a government grant for an indoor facility. Her Pony Club involvement stretches back to 1999, including a decade as Wyena Pony Club Treasurer and two years as club President.

Most significantly, Simmons served as PCV Honorary Treasurer from November 2019 to February 2021, navigating the organization through the challenging membership decline of 2020. She continued advising on financial matters throughout 2021 and currently serves as Northern Metropolitan Zone Bookkeeper.

"As a past auditor and teacher, I emphasize fitting governance to the Association's purposes and clear communication," Simmons noted in her nomination materials.

Her expertise in auditing not-for-profit organizations—from kindergartens to sports clubs—gives her particular insight into constitutional compliance, committee governance, and financial controls that could prove valuable to PCV's board operations.

What's at Stake

Directors are responsible for strategic planning, risk oversight, and must attend at least two state-level competitions annually.

The nominations reflect PCV's push for board members with diverse skill sets spanning human resources, education, financial management, and deep equestrian knowledge. Both candidates have signed the Board Code of Conduct, disclosed potential conflicts of interest, and provided current Working With Children Checks.

Jones was nominated by Bridie Heinrich and Tracey Ryan from her home club, while Simmons received nominations from Northern Metropolitan Zone President David Potter and Secretary Genevieve Brockopp.

The elections and appointments will be finalized at Pony Club Victoria's Annual General Meeting, marking what could be a significant chapter in the organization's governance as it continues to evolve and expand access to equestrian education across the state.

Full Profiles can be found on the PCV website https://ponyclubvic.org.au/blog/2025/11/20/nominee-profiles/

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