'Caring for Country Kids' Newsletter Edition 1, 2026
Donate NowWelcome to our first newsletter for 2026!
This edition is filled with updates and stories highlighting the work we do at Royal Far West to support country children and their families.
From national advocacy on the Thriving Kids initiative and NSW’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, to Max’s remarkable journey of finding his voice through early intervention, this edition highlights both the challenges facing country families and the life‑changing impact of timely support.
You’ll read about our milestone celebration with the Governor‑General at Government House, the inaugural Spin Off Challenge raising $100,000, and the deep community partnerships – from the Marurra‑U collaboration in the Fitzroy Valley to Boyce Chartered Accountants’ regional commitment – that strengthen our work. We also share updates on expanding psychiatric services in the Murrumbidgee, inspiring grassroots fundraisers, and the enduring dedication of local branches and volunteers.
Explore stories of resilience, connection and innovation, and discover how you can help us continue closing the gap for country kids through Giving Day, community events or leaving a lasting legacy.
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In this issue...
Max’s Story – Finding His Voice, Finding His Place
Max, a young boy from rural NSW, first came to Royal Far West struggling to speak clearly. His words were often misunderstood, leaving him frustrated, isolated, and unsure of himself during those crucial early years at school.
Leadership Update at Royal Far West
Royal Far West is pleased to share that Mark Driessen commenced as Acting CEO at the beginning of this year, following the departure of Jacqui Emery at the end of December.
Advocating for Country Kids: Our Response to the Thriving Kids Inquiry
At Royal Far West, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive – regardless of where they live. That’s why we recently submitted a comprehensive response to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability’s Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative.
Royal Far West Welcomed by the Governor‑General
Royal Far West had the honour of joining Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, at Government House in Canberra to celebrate her patronage and mark the close of our 100th year of caring for country kids.
Putting Country Kids’ Mental Health on the Policy Agenda
We also made a submission to the NSW Government’s new Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing, highlighting urgent mental health needs of rural children and calling for systemic change.
Ten Years of Walking Together: The Marurra‑U Partnership
December 2025 marked a decade of the Marurra‑U Partnership – a powerful collaboration between Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in Fitzroy Crossing, WA, and Royal Far West, based in Manly, NSW. The name Marurra U is a Bunuba word meaning “to embrace with love and care,” perfectly capturing the spirit of our joint work.
NSW Health visit the Centre for Country Kids
Royal Far West welcomes NSW Health leadership to discuss growing needs, shared priorities and future collaboration.
Royal Far West Apology to the Stolen Generations
We marked a deeply significant moment in Royal Far West’s Reconciliation journey on Thursday 11th December with then CEO, Jacqueline Emery giving a formal apology to the Stolen Generations.
Annual Report & 100 Year Wrap
In FY25, Royal Far West supported more than 30,000 children, parents and carers, educators and health professionals across four states, in more than 400 schools and preschools, and in 387 rural and remote communities. Read our annual report for more details on our work.
The Profield Foundation supports children’s mental health in the Murrumbidgee
Thank you to The Profield Foundation who recently made a generous investment in children’s mental health in the Murrumbidgee. Their support will enable Royal Far West to provide psychiatric services for children struggling with their mental health in the region.
Spin Off Challenge
Our inaugural Spin Off Challenge on Manly Beachfront was nothing short of spectacular! With incredible energy and community spirit, riders went above and beyond – raising
$100,000 for Royal Far West.
The Ride for Country Kids 2026 is set to be an incredible event
This year's Ride begins in Parkes and travels through Molong and Manildra, before visiting schools and communities in Trundle and Eugowra, before finishing in Forbes. These towns and the surrounding communities hold a special place in our history, with deep-rooted partnerships and enduring connections.
Strengthening Regional Communities Together
Boyce Chartered Accountants has partnered with Royal Far West to support the health and wellbeing of country kids. In this Q&A, Boyce shares what inspired the partnership, the initiatives they’ve championed, and the impact it’s had on their team and regional communities.
Graduate Trivia Night Sparks Big Impact
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Graduate Fundraising Committee generously raised $4,210 at their trivia fundraiser in November.
Running for Country Kids: Thank You, Francois!
Francois Fournier’s Bondi to Manly Ultra raised $1,325 to help deliver vital care to country kids.
West Wyalong Branch Marks 90 Years of Service
The West Wyalong Branch recently celebrated its 90th anniversary alongside Royal Far West’s 100-year anniversary. Members, patrons and guests gathered for a special lunch to honour decades of commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of country kids
Royal Far West’s Spin Off 2025
Spin Off 2025 brought the energy, the sunshine, and the community spirit to Manly as teams pedalled their way to 100km—and together, we raised over $100,000 for country kids!
This video by @mcnflights captures the highlights of our inaugural event: the determination, the celebrations, and the joy of coming together for a great cause. From the starting line to the final kilometre, every moment was powered by purpose.
Leave a lasting legacy
For more than 100 years, Royal Far West has been a lifeline for country children and their families, providing essential support, hope, and the promise of a brighter future. Our story is one of resilience and transformation, where children facing big challenges have found the support they need to grow and thrive. These stories are more than our past; they’re the heartbeat of our mission. And with your help, we can continue to write new chapters.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a powerful way to help Royal Far West continue to go beyond the barriers of distance and disadvantage, delivering life-changing support to rural children for generations to come.
