Australian of the Year

John Riley has brought joy, social connection and empowerment to many people living with disabilities through his volunteer work with the charity, Pegasus Riding for the Disabled. 

Pegasus has been operating for more than 50 years in the ACT, delivering horse-assisted programs to help children and adults with disability develop confidence, physical prowess and social skills. John joined Pegasus as a volunteer at a challenging time in his life after the loss of his son. Initially drawn by a desire to work with horses, he soon found that it was the participants who most inspired him.  

John qualified as a coach and, over the past 12 years, has made an immense contribution across all aspects of the organisation, not just with guiding participants but also looking after the herd, sourcing new horses and mentoring new volunteers and coaches. 

John’s knowledge, compassion and selfless devotion to helping others highlights the positive difference one individual can make to a whole community.