The importance of volunteers, which are essential to many local organisations, is being highlighted this week as part of National Volunteers Week.

At a local level, Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and the Coonabarabran Show Society are both on the hunt for helpers.

RDA secretary and assistant coach, Aurely Harris said lending a hand with the group was highly rewarding.

“You don’t even have to be a horsey person,” Mrs Harris said.

“For anyone who likes helping people, the look on the riders’ faces makes it worth it - they absolutely love it!

“But there’s still plenty of things that people can help with - there’s lots that needs to be taken care of.”

Mrs Harris said there were endless benefits for the riders who take part.

“It’s good for their health, it gets them out and gets their lungs going,” she said.

“Plus, there’s the social interaction side of it and learning different terms and languages to do with riding.

“Some of our riders come from schools and we can incorporate their learning with riding.

“It’s healthy, social and educational.”

While the organisation runs smoothly, Mrs Harris said there was always room for more helpers.

“With more volunteers there’s a capacity to have more horses in the paddock and more groups could be invited to participate, benefiting more people in the community,” she said.

The Coonabarabran Show Society has also joined the call for more volunteers.

Show president, Callen Thompson said he simply volunteered for the sake of the community.

“I think people do it because they care about the community and want to see a show happen in Coonabarabran,” he said.

“I see the show as something the community needs and we do it because we’re passionate about it.”