The NSW Government has today announced a funding boost of $369,000 to a charity dedicated to supporting children living in rural and remote NSW with complex developmental needs.
The funding to Royal Far West’s Paediatric Developmental Program will help more families living in regional areas to access multi-disciplinary clinical assessment, diagnosis, planning, and referral to the specialist care they need for their children.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the charity, established in 1924 and celebrating 100 years of service this year, delivers this targeted program for rural and remote children with complex developmental needs who cannot access the services they require locally.
“We recognise that in many parts of rural areas across NSW, families face challenges when it comes to getting an appointment with a paediatrician and it is vital that these families have early intervention for their developmental issues,” Mr Park said.
“While work is ongoing to deliver long term solutions to this challenging issue, the boost to the Royal Far West program is an important one, as it will enable them to employ more paediatricians to assist more children and their families.”
“I have long been a supporter of Royal Far West and have been talking to the government about the amazing work they do for families who suffer disadvantages living in regional, rural and remote areas,” said Member for Barwon Roy Butler.
“Their quest to improve health and developmental outcomes for people in the bush is something we should all support, so it is great to see that the government is providing them this funding boost. This is an important first step and I will continue to advocate to the Government on behalf of Royal Far West.”
“It was great to visit the new facility in Manly and to discuss how we can improve health outcomes for people living in rural areas,” said Member for Murray Helen Dalton.
“Royal Far West have been providing a vital service to communities in western NSW and many families across my electorate for the last 100 years,” said Member for Orange Phil Donato.
“Many families who have experienced RFW speak incredibly highly of the medical care, attention and holistic treatment provided by this wonderful organisation a stone’s throw from Sydney’s iconic Manly Beach, a welcome respite for many country families.”
“Never has the need been greater for support for the healthy development of our children in our remote, rural and regional areas,” said Member for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr.
“The Royal Far West has played a vital role in this for a hundred years. This ongoing support from the government is welcome. We need to build the capacity of our rural health staff.”
“The Royal Far West service is a century old link between the northern beaches and regional NSW, making transformative health services accessible to kids and families who might otherwise miss out,” said Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan.
“I am so pleased to see the NSW Government further invest in Royal Far West so they can help more children, more effectively, more often.
“Based in Manly, Royal Far West has so much to offer the whole state and I look forward to see it grow its positive impact into the future.”
“As we celebrate our hundredth year of supporting country families, it is wonderful to have the Minister’s acknowledgement of the importance of our Child and Family Service,” said Royal Far West CEO Jacqueline Emery.
“The additional funding recognises the increasing complexity we are seeing, coupled with the worrying ongoing situation in paediatric out-patient services that is continuing to unfold across rural and remote NSW.
“Royal Far West is a vital part of the health infrastructure in country NSW, and we will continue to work closely with the NSW Government to improve access to services for the families who need it the most.”
The longstanding program has been jointly funded by NSW Health for many years and in financial year 2022-23 supported more than 450 children.
The program complements the services available within local health districts, helping to address complex developmental issues and design therapy plans for children to help improve their overall health and developmental trajectory.
The $369,000 funding boost is in addition to the $4.17 million per annum in funding from the NSW Government to the Royal Far West in 2021-22 to 2023-24.