Royal Far West

🌟 National Close the Gap Day 🌟 Today and every day, we stand together to support health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At Royal Far West, we believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to thrive. Last year's Closing the Gap report revealed that only five of the 19 targets are on track. Take target number one for example: Everyone enjoys long and healthy lives. Despite some improvement, the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women remains eight years shorter than that of non-Indigenous Australians. This highlights the ongoing challenge of closing the life expectancy gap by 2031 and underscores the need for sustained efforts and commitment. Join us in marking National Close the Gap Day by raising awareness and taking action. Sign the petition here: https://lnkd.in/gMnZMSB3 Together, we can help close the health gap and ensure a brighter, healthier future for all Australians. #CloseTheGap #HealthEquality #RoyalFarWest #FirstNationsHealth #TogetherWeCan

When we think of cycling enthusiasts, images of sleek gear and high-performance bikes come to mind. But for Chris, Royal Far West's Acting Clinical Governance Lead, the inspiration to join this year's Ride for Country Kids came from a desire to support a meaningful cause. “I’d considered it previously but I’m not a cyclist, so I’ve always been a bit reluctant. This year, Royal Far West's 100-year celebration and the big RFW staff contingent is what got me over the line,” Chris shares. Balancing training for the Ride with professional and personal commitments is no easy feat. “Balance is a generous word,” he admits. “I’ve been riding the short distance to and from work in the potentially delusional hope that every kilometre counts, then doing longer training sessions when I can. I’m not a morning person so I’ve been making the most of daylight savings by getting out for evening rides, and I’ve dialled back on some other training in order to prioritise training for the ride.” One unique aspect of Chris’s preparation is his decision to take on the challenge with a 100-year-old bicycle. “Turns out it’s really difficult to find a semi-functional bike that old. I’m in the process of restoring the bike, which is fun and interesting. I’m sure when I start training on it, I’ll update my opinions on what has been the most challenging part of my preparation,” he says. Raising funds and awareness for children in rural and remote areas is a cause close to Chris’s heart. “There are so many service gaps, and such an unrelenting unmet need in rural and remote areas. Every little bit of awareness and advocacy helps,” he explains. Although he doesn’t have personal connections to the regions being ridden through, Chris looks forward to getting out there. “Like so many RFW staff, I’ve had the great privilege of supporting a large number of children and families from Bourke, Cobar, and the region more generally, and I’m looking forward to visiting these communities in person rather than via telehealth,” he says. Chris’s work with RFW has allowed him to witness firsthand the impact of the organisation on children and families in rural areas. “As clinicians, we often see small gains towards big goals, then say goodbye. The intention and the hope is that the families, schools, and other supports around the child will be able to continue making progress and that the progress we’ve made results in a bit of a positive feedback loop where they can build on those gains,” he shares. While he’s had many memorable moments, Chris finds motivation in the strength and resilience of the children and families they support. “At those times I’ve seen the most incredible strength and resilience in children and families, and the most inspiring and supportive teamwork I’ve ever had the privilege of being part of. That’s worth riding for,” he says. Read more about Chris's journey in his own words: https://lnkd.in/gVJmmChR

🌟 Happy Social Work Day! Today, we celebrate and acknowledge our incredible Social Workers at Royal Far West! With nearly 20 dedicated professionals, our social workers fill various roles, from social work students to key members of our Multidisciplinary Teams, and leaders within our organisation. Whether they serve as team leaders, heads of programs, or in clinical leadership like Kristen Renshaw pictured here, their impact is profound. Thank you for transforming lives through your challenging and rewarding work! This year’s theme of Social Work Day is ‘Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing’, emphasising the importance of caring and respecting across generations to build strong societies, sustain the environment, and share wisdom for a better future. It's no small role – take a moment today to appreciate the social workers around you. Their dedication and hard work make a significant difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities. #SocialWorkDay #ThankYouSocialWorkers #RoyalFarWest #SocialWork #CommunityImpact #HealthcareHeroes #WSWD2025

Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor General of Australia, joined our CEO, Jacqueline Emery, and Jenny Stevenson, Head of Government Relations and Policy, at NSW Parliament House in Sydney to view our photographic exhibition. The exhibition vividly tells the organisation’s story of care and compassion — from our bold and ambitious founding as a beacon of hope in the bush in 1924 to today’s innovative, urgently needed specialist child development service. For 100 years, Royal Far West’s vision has remained unchanged: every child, regardless of location, deserves access to equitable healthcare and developmental support. The further a child lives from a metropolitan centre, the greater their risk of developmental vulnerability. Our team of paediatric clinicians — including psychologists, nurses, dietitians, speech pathologists, OTs, and social workers — along with partner organisations, work to remove barriers to essential health services. They provide rural and remote children with vital care that supports their development, mental health, and education — improving outcomes and empowering them to live their best lives. If you’re in Sydney, we encourage you to visit the Parliament of NSW and see our ‘100 Years of Caring for Country Kids’ exhibition as we celebrate a century of making a profound difference in children’s lives. 📸 Exhibition Details: 📍 NSW Parliament House – open to the public 🗓️ 4 to 27 March 2025 🕘 Weekdays only, 9am to 5pm 🚪 Enter via Macquarie St, Sydney

🌟 Celebrating International Women's Day 🌟 Listen as our Royal Far West staff share their thoughts and commitments for International Women's Day. Let's celebrate the achievements, strength, and resilience of women everywhere. 💪✨ #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #RoyalFarWest #WomenInLeadership #GenderEquality

Discover Annette Westwood's inspiring journey; from a 16-year-old volunteer to a dedicated worker at the Royal Far West Children's Home, Annette Westwood's story is filled with cherished memories and unforgettable moments. Read more about Annette's heartfelt journey and her impact at Royal Far West, including her most memorable moment of the Royal visit from Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne! 👑 👉 Find the full story in our blog here: https://lnkd.in/gWNgWb2Q

Obesity rates in regional and rural Australia have been historically higher than in major cities. Now, an international study warns that by 2050, one in two Australian children will be classified as overweight or obese. When it comes to changing that trend, what do we need to see in our regional communities? Listen to this important discussion with Marcel Zimmet, Development Paediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Royal Far West, as he speaks to Sally Sarah on ABC's Radio National Breakfast. https://lnkd.in/ewDE4YN4

📸 Join us for a special photographic exhibition '100 Years of Caring for Country Kids' - now on at NSW Parliament House. Since 1924, Royal Far West has provided essential medical, developmental, and mental health services to children in regional communities, ensuring they receive the care they need, no matter where they live. This special exhibition of photographs and artefacts beautifully captures our remarkable journey and the lasting impact we’ve had on the children of NSW. Join us and reflect on the organisation’s incredible journey—from its early days of medical outreach to its modern, innovative approach to child development. ️Exhibition Details: 📍 NSW Parliament House – open to the public 🗓️ 4 to 27 March 2025 🕘 Weekdays only, 9am to 5pm 🚪 Enter via Macquarie St, Sydney #RoyalFarWest #100Years #HealthAndWellbeing #CountryChildren #NSWExhibition #ChildDevelopment #CommunityCare #RuralHealth #HistoricalExhibition Special thank you for hosting James Griffin MP

Country children’s health and development advocates have welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to new early childhood education and care affordability measures, according to reports. Our CEO, Jacqueline Emery, described the commitment as transformational. “One of the most significant barriers to accessing early childhood education and care in regional, rural and remote Australia is high out of pocket costs. “Many country families pay more than $40 a day to ensure their children can attend early learning.** “Anthony Albanese’s commitment to reducing parent fees for childcare to no more than $10 to $20 a day would change country families’ lives, particularly during the current cost-of-living crisis. “This, sitting alongside a clear demonstration of investment in a universal early childhood system for all Australian children will be transformational. “High quality early learning and care helps set kids in the regions up for life. “By supporting families to better afford early education and care, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to get the best start. “Royal Far West looks forward to working with the Federal Government to implement this commitment, alongside the recent establishment of the three day childcare guarantee and educator wage rise, and the commitment to establishing a $1 billion fund to address childcare deserts.” Read our full media release here: https://lnkd.in/gwSCGaBk Jay Weatherill Minderoo Foundation John Cherry Goodstart Early Learning SNAICC - National Voice for our Children Georgie Dent The Parenthood Brad Chilcott AM Social Ventures Australia Emma Sydenham

A recent report by the National Rural Health Alliance, which Royal Far West is a member of, sheds light on the challenging conditions faced by rural and remote Australians. It reveals that these areas suffer from higher mortality rates, restricted access to healthcare and a scarcity of local services compared to urban regions. This critical report emphasises the urgent need for increased investment and policy reform to guarantee equitable healthcare for all Australians, regardless of their location. You can find the report here: https://lnkd.in/gcp2NykP Ageing Australia Advanced Pharmacy Australia Angel Flight Australia Faculty of Pain Medicine (ANZCA) Australian College of Midwives Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation CRANAplus Mable Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RANZCOG Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Rural Aid Rural Doctors Foundation SARRAH - Services for Australian Rural & Remote Allied Health