Royal Far West has been working with Australian country communities for over 90 years, to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people who live in rural and remote areas.
There are a number of factors that influence how a child grows and develops, including access to crucial health and wellbeing services. Royal Far West believes that country children deserve the same access to these services that children living in metropolitan areas have.
Early life trauma, poor mental health, disability and developmental disorders can all negatively impact the way a child is able to learn. Royal Far West directly addresses these issues through early intervention single discipline (eg speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health services) and multidisciplinary (tailored combination of therapies overseen by paediatric specialists) programs onsite in Manly, and in local communities via technology. But demand is fast outstripping current capacity to meet the needs of these children and their families.
That’s why, with the support of the James N. Kirby Foundation, Royal Far West has embarked upon the construction of the Centre for Child Health and Learning.
Due for completion in 2018, the Centre will be a unique, world-class facility dedicated to the health, wellbeing and education of as many as 15,000 rural, regional and remote children and their families each year. With health services, education and accommodation in one facility, Royal Far West will be able to continue to provide its integrated specialist children and family services whilst extending its reach deeper into rural and remote Australia.
Our sincerest thanks to the James N. Kirby Foundation for helping Royal Far West help country kids achieve their full potential.
Kevin Bone
Operations Director