On Wednesday, February 21, Royal Far West, Fairfax Media, and Charles Sturt University are hosting a community discussion about developmental vulnerability, and how we can work collaboratively to better support children and their families in the shire.

Royal Far West CEO Lindsay Cane said Royal Far West has been serving country children and communities in Australia for 94 years.

Shire families who have benefitted

“It’s crucial that children have the opportunity to be ready to learn when they start school,” she said. 

“Some children have difficulties making friends, concentrating in the classroom and struggle with learning. 

“With help, we can turn this around, ensuring children have a successful school experience, which provides the foundation for greater health, happiness and success in life.”

There are signs that children’s developmental health is worsening in rural and remote Australia.

Shining a light on Australia’s invisible children

Demand for Royal Far West’s programs is growing, as is the complexity of the children and families who seek help.

Developmental vulnerability comes at a high cost to individuals, families and to society as a whole.

Vulnerable children are at risk of growing up to be vulnerable adults, with poorer educational attainment, higher rates of chronic disease and mental health, and a greater tendency towards unemployment, homelessness and crime.

Here in the Nambucca Valley, a group of residents has got active and formed a committee, ValleyCat, that was able to host a trial of RFW’s telecare program in local schools from mid 2016.

ValleyCat founding member Jenny Zirkler has a nursing background and saw the work RFW was doing out in western NSW.

“I knew there were kids here on the coast needing help so I got this group together,” Jenny said.

Trial offers helping hand to our kids

Helping Valley kids to learn and grow

“The telecare trial started in June 2016 and 122 children were engaged during the trial, a further 48 were helped last year and now we are looking at how we can keep the momentum going.

“This community meeting gives people the opportunity to hear about this and for us to showcase the successes we’ve had … for those who have already donated, they need to know it’s making a difference.

“Plus perhaps there are others who want to get involved in some way now.”

The meeting will be in the style of Q& A with seven panel members:

·         MC Brad Cooper - Fairfax

·         Lindsay Cane – CEO Royal Far West

·         Cr Rhonda Hoban – Mayor of Nambucca Shire Council

·         Janine Reed – Governing Board, Local Health District

·         Rod Edwards – Rotary

·         Tanya Bajda – Principal (Relieving); Macksville Public School

·         Cr Martin Ballangarry OAM - Deputy Mayor

Everyone is invited to join RFW on Wednesday, February 21 at the Macksville Ex-Services Club to hear an update on the progress of the Valley Cat project and have your say on next steps to keep this project moving forward in the community.

Registration and afternoon tea kicks off at 5pm and the meeting will run from  5.30pm to 6.30pm. . 

To register, visit www.royalfarwest.org.au/town-hall