Some Help for the lone Ranger Please...

Bushtracker · Last edited by Bushtracker on Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:25 am; edited 6 times in total

Those of you that know me, know that I Sponsor all of the Riding for the Disabled Childrens Programs for the Sunshine Coast, on my 30 acre horse property. I have built them a 40 Meter Indoor Arena, and they have most of the best land and 8 double stables in sharing about a dozen paddocks...

I am happy to continue to Sponsor them like I have done for years. They have the Doonan, Pomona, Palmwoods, and Carriage Driving Chapters here, and I will probably be staying on there myself and continue to help...

I would like to get them a little more advertising as they need assistance for their Programs, and since my truck stands out a lot. I would like an opinion please. This is Duty of Care, like a Doctors Code, "First Do No Harm", and I would like your opinion if you could please cast your VOTE... What does it looks like to you, your first impression:

I was concerned that someone might think the RDA owned the truck, so would not want to help them, so I put "Sponsor of" Then when I put Sponsor on there, I was concerned they might think it was a Skite... Then have come to the point where if they are such negative people as to think that, they are not going to help Handicapped Children anyway, so I am past that too...

I have it each side, and am thinking about putting it on the back of the tailgate for people passing when parked or in the slow lane. It will get major exposure driving around, and at State and National Shows where I compete Reining Horses, and anywhere the truck goes as it is an eye catcher...

Please help me with your impressions and cast your Vote:

***** Yes, it is OK and effective, I like it and it works... and/or I might improve it by my comments on this Thread....

*****No, someone could take it wrong, I don't think it is appropriate for the Bushtracker Director to have it in front of the Bushtracker Office and for the reason or reasons I will comment on this Thread...

Thank you for your Help, on how this would Strike you

rbzlj · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 3:32 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve

Go for it. You are able to & can do what you wish as horses are a passion of yours & many people are benefitting.

My retired parents are admired by myself for their voluntary efforts with the riding for disabled & I'm not convinced they know the front from the back on a horse.

My first impression was a bit iffy but I do not see the word Bushtracker on the door or vehicle & I after a bit of thought it doesn't matter.

I read it as though people are getting exposure as to whether they would like to assist where possible. Good luck to you.

Cheers Jason

Hm & Er · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 3:41 pm Post subject:

Go for it Steve.
Give the RDA all the exposure it can get.
You should be proud of what your've done so far & what you are about to do.
Keep up the great work. Your've got our vote

Hm & Er
_________________
Hm & Er

bindi · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 3:42 pm Post subject:

Good work , go for it.
Very nice artwork also.
_________________
Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.

chuditch · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:09 pm Post subject:

Steve

Very tasteful and elegantly understated by choosing not to overtly associate the Bushtracker business name with the sponsorship.

Practical philanthropy as it should be. Well done.

Lance

bobrovin · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:20 pm Post subject:

I see nothing at all wrong will this. Well done.
As said, you are not using it to promote BT unlike a lot of companies who give a pittance to some charity and than splash it all over billboards.
Only very minor point.
Asking "can you help" may be considered by some a request to help you with your sponsorship.
Maybe something like "You too can help",
_________________
Bob & Laurel

Theywent Thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:32 pm Post subject:

Bushtracker · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:37 pm Post subject:

That is an interesting angle BOBROVIN I had not thought of... But is it true Question

in light of:

1) The phone number is not mine, and not Bushtrackers

2) There is no Bushtracker marking on the whole truck. Even the License plate in unrelated (REINER)...

3) Even the Website shown is purely the RDA....

Now in light of that, do you think I need that change?
Maybe, Maybe You too can Help...? Maybe more effective? Dunno... Confused

Thank you for your responses so far... Keep the view points coming... Keep the suggestions coming... I have the Tailgate to do yet.. Wink

Grumblebum and the Dragon · Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:14 pm Post subject:

I think its great Steve, you have every right to be unambigously proud of what you are doing. I think it a great banner and I like the early comment: "You too can help"

Cheers John and Jean
_________________
Sometimes I wake up Grumpy
Other times I let her sleep in!!

UncleDodgy · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:56 am Post subject:

Great stuff Steve, and good to see.
We agree with the suggestion of Bobrovin. ie."You too can help"
Cheers
_________________
John & Sharyn AKA Uncle Dodgy
Takin' the long way home, towing a Bushtracker

Petit Trianon · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:55 am Post subject:

Greetings Steve. I hope this gives you food for thought. I was chairman of the FIRE committee following our disaterous bushfires in the 80's. This wa s astate government sponsored body set up so that the communities in the hills could organise themselves, coordinate with authorities, and advise government on prevention/fire fighting etc. Totally voluntary on behalf of all the committee members and residents. Nobody received any benefit for themselves, other than living in a safer community. I had to be very careful not to have ANY connection with any body or organisation that I could be seen to benefit from. I was interviewed numerous times. The usual format was a benign, friendly opening. ALWAYS there came the question " and do you receive any benefit". This is the same technique used by the media everywhere. They ask you 100 benign questions, then slip in this one, when they think you are off guard. They disguard the 100 benign questions, and use the " your benefit" one, it makes a better "revfelation" for them. Until I was the subject, I knew, but did not fully appreciate how they will attack you, to advance their own careers.

HOWEVER, I think what you are doing is EXCELLENT, and I wish you all the best.
_________________
Two Doo @20

Bushtracker · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:14 pm Post subject:

Hello Petit Trianon,

I am not sure how there is a connection to what I am doing. Maybe you think I derive some benefits from this: No.. But thank you for your thoughts on the matter. Out on the property I have given them the sole use of the best part of a 1.5 M property. They have their own dedicated paddocks and fences and offices and feed barns and so on.. My horses are all located in their own dedicated faclilities. All donations go directly to them so they can write tax deduction receipts for it. I get nothing from the RDA, no rent or horse care or benefits. This is 100% benevolent and I receive nothing... If I read you right, you are warning me about a "conflict of interests" and there is none. Wink

Luckily I was successful before Bushtracker, so can afford to do something like this. I only need about 8 acres myself, but I bought the 30 acres with the intent of benefiting some other party, Youth Group or something similiar. It was only later that the Special Needs Childrens Riding Program needed a home and it grew from there to be the whole Sunshine Coast RDA. So anyway I seek to benefit them... I bought the larger property during a drought, because it came with Riparian (sp?) water rights to pump out of Browns Creek for the horses if we came to grief..

Is that what you were thinking about some conflict of interests? Anyway, thank you for the thoughts Petit Trianon.

Keep the perspectives coming....

Quicksilver · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 7:29 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve,

I think it is very tastfully done, and i commend you for the unselfish asssistance you have made available to RDA over the years. Well done.

Best Regards,
David
_________________
Breakin Loose

Geoff Gartner · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:26 am Post subject:

Steve
You are entitled to put what you like on your truck, especially for such an admirable cause. The object is to get exposure and generate comment as you travel about and this is certainly an effective way to do it. Go for it.

GRETINBRIKIR · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:37 pm Post subject:

Hi all

I think "Proud Sponsor of" sounds nicer. It just puts more feeling to it. You have my vote.

Greg

Windrider · Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 11:21 am Post subject:

As Veteran, I personally spent many years in voluntary service to several Ex Service organisations both as a committee member and Welfare Officer and have also co founded and Ministered a local Church.

At no time did I seek or gain anything other than the satisfaction of simply helping others.

My congratulations for your unselfish gesture on behalf of the disabled Steve.

I applaude your generosity and intent and would concur with the term "Proud Sponsor of".

Regards
John
_________________
The price of freedom is often hard won yet rarely valued by those in receipt of its gift.

crowbar · Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:21 pm Post subject:

Noble cause, noble gesture, noble animals - can't go wrong

As one of your supporters said 'philanthrophy at its best'

Damian & Claire

Bushtracker · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:45 am Post subject:

I have taken the advice that some of you gave, how does this look with the letters "YOU TOO CAN HELP"

Also: You would not believe it... Laughing

The phone number was wrong and Head Horse Trainer wrote me this morning and said She was dyslexic Herself:
******************************************************
Hi Steve

Your add looks great but the mobile phone number is incorrect.

It should read. 0406 436 571 ( must have missed this error with the first examples your sent as well)

I am not sure how this error has come about but if anyone would be at fault it is probably traceable to me as I am dyslexic and often reverse numbers or write in incorrect numbers, and no matter how often I look at them I read it the same wrong way. I am not allowed to have anything to do with finances because of this. My accountant hates me.

I am terribly sorry that this has happened and I hope this is not too difficult to change.

Kind regards Matty
*************************************************************

So: Pictures above are corrected with new photos... And: How does this look now, with your suggestions and changes on board?

So, what do you think now? Is this OK?

Wink

schommys · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 6:26 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve, the logo looks great and it's all positive, positive, positive.
Regards AL
_________________
Going Going GONE

Searenity · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 6:31 pm Post subject: Logo

Hi Steve,
your logo certainly looks professional and gets the message across.

cheers

Searenity
_________________
Horizon Chasers

Bushtracker · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:18 am Post subject:

Alright, maybe I am getting carried away now??

This is on the Tailgate, I started thinking people passing me or stuck in traffic could benefit from the message....

I put the same Logo on the right, but there is some sensitivity in the "Politically Correct" part that says this might hurt their feelings... So Disabled is viewed as not politically correct, and RDA becomes "Riding Develops Abilities"... I counter that and tell them no one outside of the RDA would know what it means, and if you only put the Riding Develops Abilities, they are not going to respond with help as it sounds like a Business or Riding Academy...

Sooooo, I put both on the back... The Riding for the Disabled on the right, and the politically sensitive version on the right...

How does this strike you?

Wink

CD&JW · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:40 am Post subject:

Having both on looks a good idea allthough I understand that some people who have had bad experiences are a bit sensitive about the word "Disabled", but then what other word would you use to describe who the activity is for.
Looks OK to me but maybe others will tell you different.
_________________
CD&JW

If I don't have fun now,
when do I start?

M&Ms · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:39 pm Post subject:

We think it is a lovely jesture. It is such an overwhelming vehicle it also takes the edge off. Not that we think you need to justify it, we know you use it.
You have our Vote, and we are getting closer to becoming Bushtracker Owners ourselves! Very Happy

Love the Forum, Martin and Marion
_________________
A change of scenery,
always good to explore.

Searenity · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:57 pm Post subject:

Steve,
you pride yourself on being "straight up and down" so why change now? - supporting the disabled using the word "disabled" is quite valid and gets the message across clearly. "Riding develops abilities", while quite a nice phrase, does not clearly represent what the RDA is about.

My thoughts for what they are worth.

cheers

Searenity

Thanks for that Searenity, on the political correctness angle, I think I am right on that track... The other thing I was just thinking the Tailgate covered like that was maybe a bit much? But then again it gets the job done in Traffic and for people passing me? Wink

I just thought maybe it was toooo much of a good thing?
Too Busy?
_________________
Horizon Chasers

Petit Trianon · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:18 pm Post subject:

Greetings Steve,
I think the tailgate is the most visible area when you are on the move. Stationery (the sides of the truck) gets more "at your home people", but the taildgate gets more people who are out of your "usual" catchment area.
On purely a funny note, I showed your sign to some friends who were in one of their "witty" modes, they all thought the idea was excellent, then come the funny comments: "does he really think the horse has eyes to stare into", "he hugs horses, how about trees" (all from the sign). They were however EXTREMELY impressed with you and your project. No stopping the aussie humour, no wonder other nations wonder about us.
Kindest REgards, Warwick
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Two Doo @20

Bushtracker · Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:41 am Post subject:

Hello all,
There is an RDA Committee meeting this month and the AGM next month. I think I have decided to stay on for the long haul. I do not believe they could raise the funds to buy this property or any property with facilities like this 40 M indoor, nor do think they can necessarily manage this large of a Property on their own. They need a Sponsor, provider, with regards to property management, as they have a hard time just raising enough funds to run their Programs. They could not replace this type of facility, flat paddocks, undergroud water and 8 double stables....

All of the Organizations related to the RDA in the Sunshine Coast, Doonan, Pomona, Palmwoods, carriage driving, all of them have amalgamated into one Legal entity, " Sunshine Coast RDA" and are Headquartered at this location now..

If any of you would like to help, that is their phone number on the Posts above. It is to bad the Government does not recognize the good they do more.. I think there are about 120 Children in the Program that benefit from this, but I will get a current number as that was a couple of years ago. Anyway, I think this will be my pet project, to provide and maintain this for them, as there is just no way they can raise the funds needed to replace this...

************************************************************

Our Public Thank You to Phil of Scotchline, that does the striping on Bushtracker vans, for the Artwork on the truck. He has refused payment for his work, that is very kind. On behalf of the RDA I thank him..

************************************************************

Disclaimer: There are no conflicts of interests. Bushtracker does not receive any benefit from this, and is not involved, tax wise or otherwise. This is Privately funded by myself. If you would like to help in anyway, please contact them on the number on the truck. I derive no benefit from this, nor do I collect or solicit funds for this. I am only the Sponsor with regards to the property and arena. They could of course, always use some help, volunteer or otherwise, please call them direct.

Cheers, stg

surfy53 · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 2:42 pm Post subject:

The signage looks great. You are doing a marvellous job, stick with it.
We have a grandson, 14 now, who was born blind so I know from experience as to how much support the kids and parents need, and its never enough. Jayden also attends these wonderful riding schools for the disabled and he just loves it.
Again...........thank-you Steve.
Chris.

the grizwaulds · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:13 pm Post subject: RFD

Hey Steve,
When one can do something good and does, it always good. When they can and dont then it's sad. Great work and keep your soul doing what it feels. cause when the soul stops so does everything else! The RDA and it's supporters should be thankfull for you assistance and the exposure that you have given them, one small sugestion for someone who in a formal life was in marketing, perhaps put their web address on the signage, them when people see your truck the can investigate further as to the work they do!
_________________
Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

Bushtracker · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:39 am Post subject: Re: RFD

FOF · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 4:05 am Post subject:

Bushtracker · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 5:40 am Post subject:

Hello FOF,

First of all WELCOME TO THE FORUM, POST NUMBER 1 !!!

When you make it down from Broken Hill to the coast, you are welcome to have a good look at the F-450. It is worth looking at, can tow ten tons and still drive like a luxury car. This is the culmination of 10 years of R&D trying to have not only a luxury vehicle for everyday, but also the big capabilities and it is only with the introduction of this latest Super Duty that I have been able to sell my Mack Horse truck... I have tried it many ways, and finally the technology caught up to make it possible.. You are welcome to have a good look at what may be the top tow vehicle in Australia in its class.. Overkill for Bushtracker Owners, but with my big Goose Neck home away from home, I put it to use.

And thank you for the kind words on the RDA. It is interesting that no one voted for your "quote" that was one of the two choices in this Poll. It is gratifying that 100% voted for the other way approving of the RDA lettering on my truck even though it is usually parked in front of Bushtracker..

It is a reward on its own to see the happiness in their faces. One of Children just won a Silver, Bronze, and Gold medals at the Equestrian Special Olympics and was proudly carrying them around with Her. I think I will be hanging in with them, as the Property requires the kind of management and manintenance that they struggle to provide, and that is where I can benefit the program. I am in the process of building a half dozen hard yards in the center with four more stables starting next month. These will be "Stallion yards" of about 600 metres of posts and 150 x 50mm treated hardwood rails to condense my operations down to a smaller central area around my other stables, so I can give them the yards and stables and 15 acres in the back to expand their operations for winter grazing and trail riding... It is all a very very expensive endeavor, but rewarding on its own. Here is the back I am giving over to them:

I think I will end up with my activities condensed into the center 5-6 acres, with post and rail around the center stables, picture on the left.. Then next month I am starting to have a crew build stallion yards across from it in front area picture on the right...

The RDA really want to purchase the whole property some day when they can. Their wish is to have me Lease my little piece of it from themselves so they can get Government Grants to expand their activities with Professional Trainers and help.. I will facilitate this if they can ever do it, and be stuck in the middle surrounded by their Festival... Wink

A Guy could do a lot worse...

Anyway, I am Thankful that I was successful before Bushtracker, so I able to do this. It is a hard Life, working 24/7, too hard for my Wife and most of my Children, save one that helps me when She can. I rally am doing it tough, but a Guy has to do something, and I find this rewarding in the smiles I get. It really is tough though, dawn to dusk and after dark 7 days a week, and it does wear me down at times.. It is too tough for most, I really am the lone Ranger out here. Not only expensive but also for my Personal Life. It is an endurance run, of how long I can hold up under the load to be truthful. I joke about needing three of me, but it is really not very funny.. I only hope I have the health to bear up under this load, long enough for them to raise the finance take it over.

Enough of my ramblings, again, WELCOME TO THE FORUM FOF OF BROKEN HILL... It is nearly dawn and I have to go load horses for the Pacific Coast Reining Championships.

lone Ranger

Bushtracker · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 11:29 am Post subject:

Hello Friends,

I have a problem, maybe some of you "Legal Beagles" can comment on. Laughing

I would appreciate your help.. Wink

The RDA needs to own the Property, in order to gain Grants from the Governement for paid Trainers and facilities. I have offered it to them, if if successful would put my horses with my Trainer and retire to my Gooseneck on his property when working the horses.. Now I don't really want to sell it, but they NEED to buy it, so to help them I am willing to let it happen...
The problem is the Banks are running shy, and the RDA cannot qualify.

What if I sign on as "Guarantor" ? If they default on a CBA loan for instance, I take it back over as Guarantor and either keep up the loan until the RDA get back on their Financial feet... Or, pay off the loan and I am back with owning the Property. How is this anything but a Win-Win ?? That is if the RDA can make the monthly payments on say a 15 year Amortization, is this a win for them?

Or am I not looking at it right?

Thank you for you comments,
Cheers from the lone Ranger

JAFAS · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:34 pm Post subject:

Steve,
If you don't need the cash then why involve the bank? You could finance the RDA. The RDA could make their monthly repayments to you and if they fail to pay you call in the loan. At least they get to stay on the property. Just an idea?
Kind regards
Frank
_________________
Life is too short to be-little.

Remarkables · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 7:11 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve

I have a similar problem where by the bank didn't want to become involved.

I have borrowed the money for those concerned and hold the mortgage over the property. Hopefully mortgage repayments will continue. If not, it will be sold, the mortgage repaid and the people concerned will have what's left.

This is one way you could keep them in the property and protect your investment until the bank is more comfortable with the debt equity ratio.

Cheers
Bruce
_________________
Cheers
Bruce

Queenstown
New Zealand

aubs · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:39 pm Post subject:

Steve, consider vendor finance, similar to what has been suggested but I would suggest you talk to the Public Trustees office, they will have good advise and help you through the problem. Just a thought.

Cheers and all the best with it.
_________________
Some things are worth keeping to yourself

Bushtracker · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:10 am Post subject:

JAFAS, Remarkables, Aubs,
Thank you for your thoughts and help, but I have an issue to avoid: That is my Childrens inheritance so to speak, for them in the next 5-10 years as they settle, and while I do not need the money it would have to be secured by the property. If I were to finance it, and the RDA fell apart in hard times, I would have to take the property back if they could not resolve their finances in a reasonable period. That could look bad. Some disgruntled parent, Channel 7 or 9: "Mean Landlord puts Handicapped Childrens riding program out of their home" sort of thing... Sad

Even associating Bushtracker with it possibly.. Rolling Eyes

You know how the Public news media is...

If a Bank were involved, it would be between say the CBA and the RDA. I would only pick up the pieces if the Bank was foreclosing, and could take it back over as Guarantor to either make the payments or pay it off.. What it is about is the RDA cannot get the Grants it needs unless it actually owns the property. Without a major Benefactor, this may be the only way forward for them. I am trying to help. I only need about 6-8 acres myself, and the whole idea of buying the place in the first instance was to benefit others in sharing a bit.

Even if a "White Knight" comes along, I would be staying on with a lease for years to come.... Thank you for your ideas, it is a work in progress...

Cheers, stg

BobnDi · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 12:01 am Post subject:

Hi Steve

Are you aware whether they are seeking grants from State or Commonwealth govt and under what programs.

Cheers
_________________
BobnDi

Bushtracker · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 9:55 am Post subject:

Hello Bob and Di,

No, I am not sure of what Grants, but would probably say ALL..... I am not involved in the actual running of the RDA Programs, only as a Sponsor and Provider so to speak.. I know they have a relationship with Jupiter Casino, and also with the State and Local Government People....

I think the Programs are designed this way, to keep corruption out of the system. There could be some graft, with Land Owners profiting from the Grants and improvements given to the organizations themselves. I can understand that, and while in my case that is not true, I can see how it must happen. The rule is ONLY if they own the place, and that is what I am going to try and facilitate.

Luvntravln · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 7:47 pm Post subject:

Steve, as you know I have been slowly reading all of the recents posts on the site. I came across this thread and have always had a strong opinion about the sponsorship.

Frankly, I would make only one change to the "logo". I think it should read PROUD Sponsor etc!

While you and I have had disagreements in the past I have always respected the work you do in this regard. Frankly, if there was a way to assist within my own situation, as a former horse owner, I too would PROUDLY display the fact of my support.

Keep up the good work.