ValleyCAT is a community access trial being delivered by children’s health charity Royal Far West (RFW) together with health care group Bupa using telecare to deliver health services to local kids, connecting them with specialist care via an interactive audio visual platform.

For parents like Michaela Fitzgerald and her 6 year-old son Kurtis, one-on-one specialist help has seen major improvement in his speech in six months.

“I’ve noticed a big difference in Kurtis – there were changes in his speech within the first few weeks,” Michaela said.

Vital to the success of the trial however is the community group steering it – spear-headed by Bowraville resident Jenny Zirkler, who first initiated discussions with RFW.

“I was the director of nursing at Macksville Hospital, so I knew the needs we have here,” Jenny said.

“While we might be close to major centres, we have less access to services. I now work in aged care and I can see what skills are lacking – this early intervention will help to equip the children who will be our future employees and carers.”

The committee have been hard at work fundraising with RFW and Bupa committing to match the community money raised – today that saw the launch of $50,000 worth of special services focusing on speech, occupational therapy and mental health support.

At the event were both shire mayor Rhonda Hoban and the Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey – both supportive and keen to see the project succeed.

“We might not be a wealthy community but we are rich in community spirit and it is wonderful seeing the Nambucca Valley leading in something like this which can give children the skills to fulfill their potential,” Rhonda said.

Hosting the event at Bowraville Central School was principal Malcolm McFarlane.

“Support and intervention in the early stages can affect the whole learning outcomes and lives of children,” Malcolm said.

RFW business director Richard Colbran echoed his words, adding that RFW was a “country charity in the city and all about building bridges between the two”.