Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre during the 2018 International Horse Trials
UPDATE: Tonimbuk International has been cancelled but will take place again in 2020
The Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre has escaped largely unscathed from the devastating Bunyip State Park bushfires but this weekend’s International Horse Trials has been postponed
It has been a very difficult time in areas around Melbourne, Australia with bushfires causing devastation in three main areas south east of the Victorian capital. One of the main fires in the Bunyip State Park has burned through more than 14,500ha and, although cooler weather conditions have brought some relief, a large area remains on ‘Watch and Act’ bushfire alert
The Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre, owned by Hanson Quarries who kindly allow the Cardinia Shire Tonimbuk International Horse Trials to run here each year, has remained largely unscathed with the outdoor sand arenas, large indoor arenas and most of the cross country area and its fences untouched however others in the area have not been so lucky with seven buildings burned to the ground. Thankfully, unlike the Black Saturday fires of 10 years ago, no lives have been lost.
However the devastation in the area and the ongoing threat of fire means that the Tonimbuk International Horse Trials, scheduled to take place from Friday 8th – Sunday 10th March has been postponed to a date to be decided later this week
Kate Wallis, President of the Tonimbuk Horse Trials Committee has posted on the event website and Facebook page
“Tonimbuk Horse Trials Committee would like to thank everyone for the support and kindness shown over this very challenging weekend. Our volunteers, committee and public who have been involved in fighting the fires have done an amazing job and we thank them and acknowledge that our thoughts are with those who have lost homes and buildings. Many of our Committee members have been directly impacted. The venue has escaped largely unscathed due to the phenomenal work of CFA & DELWP firefighters. Our event cannot run without our community and given the circumstances we need to advise that our 2019 Tonimbuk International Horse Trials will be postponed with further details to be released by Friday the 8th of March. We ask for your patience and support at this time and leave you with the photo of our portables and water fence which is safe and our unplanned grass control on the hill”
