For decades, the Parkes Sunshine Club in Central West NSW stood out as one of Royal Far West’s most dedicated and successful community fundraising branches. At the heart of it all was Betty Muzyczuk, a passionate local leader who helped raise an estimated $2 million to support country children’s access to vital health services.
Betty took over the Club’s weekly radio segment on a local station in 1948, using it to rally the community and inspire creative fundraising efforts. From rabbit drives and darts competitions to selling yabbies caught in local creeks, no idea was too small if it helped a child in need.
The Club, originally founded by Betty’s father, F.W. Spicer, became a model for other towns, inspiring similar radio-based fundraising efforts across the state. Under Betty’s leadership until her retirement in 1999, the Parkes Sunshine Club helped purchase vehicles, medical equipment and refurbish facilities at our Centre for Country Kids in Manly.
To this day, local fundraising branches like the Parkes Sunshine Club play a crucial role for Royal Far West – raising money to fund medical equipment, transport and accommodation for families
needing care.
Betty Muzyczuk’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one community – and one determined woman – can have on the lives of thousands of country kids.
If you want to find out more about Betty Muzyczuk and read other inspiring stories from our 100- year history, order a copy of our book Royal Far West – 100 Years of Caring for Country Kids on our website.