|
Royal Far West involves a diverse and talented group of individuals who passionately support the organisation through their various important roles.
Royal Far West is proud of and grateful for the endorsement and generous support of our Champions for Country Kids. Many have grown up in country NSW and indentify strongly with Royal Far West patients and their families. These Champions demonstrate the power of living positively and share our values. They are sharing their skills and experiences to inspire country kids.
Lee Kernaghan OAM, 2008 Australian of the Year, raised Riverina NSW
Lee Kernaghan is a renowned advocate for country NSW after spending his formative years growing up in the Riverina area of NSW and touring the country with his father – truck driver and multi-platinum recording artist Ray. Lee is the 2008 Australian of the Year and a multi-award winning music artist who has become a towering figure in Australian country music and a great ambassador for his craft and the bush. To many people Lee represents the very essence of the spirit and values of contemporary rural Australia with his extensive charity work.
“Royal Far West cares for isolated country kids,” Lee said. “Every child has a right to health care no matter where they live. Royal Far West reaches out to country kids and helps them realise their full potential in life. We need to dig deep and give whatever we can so Royal Far West can help more country kids.”
Gerry Harvey, entrepreneur, educated Bathurst
Gerry Harvey is an entrepreneur whose links to rural NSW are strong. Born in country NSW and educated at Bathurst Gerry spent his early years hoping to avoid a “desk job” and become a farmer. Today, Gerry is the face of the vast Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne empires. He also heads up several other small business operations and is heavily involved in the Australian thoroughbred breeding and horse racing industry.
“I applaud the vital work of Royal Far West,” Gerry said. “Being born and bred in rural NSW I can identify with the plight of isolated country parents needing to access specialist health care services for their children. I strongly believe that we need to develop people to their potential because they will put a lot more back into the community. It is imperative that this begins in childhood so that every child can reach their full potential. Through Royal Far West, country children can thrive and there can be no better investment for the community than making a positive impact on these kids.”
Kurt Fearnley OAM, Paralympian, raised Carcoar
Born without the lower part of his spine, Kurt Fearnley, OAM, was raised in the small town of Carcoar in a family of five children who loved sport. Kurt is no stranger to healthcare and understands just how important access to quality care is. As a young boy his parents instilled a strong sense of determination and courage in Kurt and he has gone on to become a leading Australian athlete.
“As a child I raced around on my standard wheelchair at the school athletics carnivals but by the age of 14 took up wheelchair racing and have never looked back,” Kurt said. “I want to help show Royal Far West kids that no hurdle is too great, every barrier can be overcome.”
Kurt is a gold medallist from the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Murray Hartin, storyteller, raised Moree
For years Murray Hartin has been making audiences laugh, cry and visualise the spoken word with his unique style of Australian storytelling. A country journalist by trade, Murray grew up in the Northern NSW town of Moree and has held a strong connection with Royal Far West for several years. His poem Never Out of Reach was inspired by the dedication and hard work of those who founded and continue to realise the ideals of Royal Far West.
“It brings hope and joy to parents and puts smiles on the dials of these kids who’ve done it tough, whose hard yards stretch out for miles. . .” Murray wrote.
Murray has travelled extensively throughout Australia seeking inspiration for his stories. His work can be heard on radio stations across the nation most days. His poem Rain From Nowhere - about a rural man’s struggle with depression – created interest Australia wide.
Jacqui Lawrence, Olympian, raised Old Bonalbo
Jacqui Lawrence grew up in the northern NSW town of Old Bonalbo and quickly learnt a remote location should be no barrier to dreams or opportunity. With her sisters she trained tirelessly on her kayak in the family dam before moving to Sydney in 2002 to pursue her dream of Olympic glory. In 2008 Jacqui shot to prominence as she claimed the canoe/kayak slalom silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.
“Sweat and hard work have been the keys to my success,” Jacqui said. “I’m here to show Royal Far West kids that growing up in a small town without big city resources should not stop anyone realising their dreams. With the public’s support Royal Far West can give isolated kids access to the care and services they need and if they add the hard work and determination anything is possible.”
Sara Groen, Seven News
Sara Groen is a prominent personality on the top-rating Seven News. Sara regularly reports the weather from varied locations and in February 2008 broadcast the evening weather from Royal Far West at Manly surrounded by a sea of enthusiastic kids. After the cameras stopped rolling Sara took time to show the kids around the satellite truck and television equipment and has remained in contact with Royal Far West. Her support for the organisation is now official as she steps up as one of the inaugural Champions for Country Kids. Sara’s road to professional success has taken a number of interesting turns. Originally, a presenter and segment producer for children’s show Saturday Disney she went on to study journalism at Monash University and now regularly fills in as a presenter for Seven’s Late News updates.
“I’m really proud to be able to tell others about the important work Royal Far West does improving the health and wellbeing of country kids,” Sara said. “Hopefully, by raising awareness and money Royal Far West will be able to care for more country kids.”
Glenn Stewart, Manly Sea Eagles player
Glenn Stewart is the Manly Sea Eagles latest international player earning his green and gold jersey to cap off a magnificent 2008 season where he was one of the stars of the record breaking premiership winning side. 2008 was a massive year for Glenn who received numerous accolades including Dally M second rower of the year, being named one of the top five players of the 2008 season by Big League magazine and Manly's Best and Fairest player. Glenn grew up in Berkeley, south of Wollongong, and is now a Manly local. He is a tireless worker for charity in the northern beaches area and is excited to be on board as a Royal Far West Champion for Country Kids.
“Helping kids reach their potential is one of the most important things we can do,” Glenn said. “I’m looking forward to a big year with Royal Far West – meeting some of the kids and urging others to support this charity.”
Phil Waugh, Australian Wallaby
Phil Waugh is an Australian Wallaby, member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup team, winner of the John Eales Medal for the Wallabies Best and Fairest Player and Waratahs captain. In addition to his sporting feats Phil has been a tireless supporter of Royal Far West, serving as a Royal Far West Ambassador for the past three years.
“I know the importance of being able to get specialist treatment when you need it. Royal Far West is the only place where these kids can get the help they need,” Phil said.
Our Patron is Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, DstJ, Governor of NSW.
Royal Far West is an honorary Board that is responsible for determining the strategic corporate direction whilst ensuring transparency and good governance. The Board has convened a number of Committees to ensure it fulfils its governance responsibilities.
The current Board Members are:
Committees
Executive and Finance Committee
Asset Management Committee
Investment Committee
Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Community Liaison Committee
Children’s Services Advisory Committee
|
