'Caring for Country Kids' Newsletter Edition 2, 2026
Donate NowWelcome to our second 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 advocating for greater support for country children in NSW and launching our 2030 Strategy, to Riley’s story of wrap-around care and the life-changing impact of early intervention, this edition shines a light on Royal Far West’s growing reach, strong partnerships and commitment to ensuring no country child is left behind.
You’ll read about our in-community clinics with Little Wings, our expanding work across regional, rural and remote Queensland, and the communities, volunteers and supporters helping make our work possible. We also share moments of culture and connection from NAIDOC Week, celebrate the Aurora building milestone at our Manly site, and reflect on the generosity behind Ride for Country Kids, our Op Shops, school fundraisers, regular giving and community events.
Explore inspiring stories of children, families, partners and supporters, and discover the many ways you can help country children access the developmental, mental health and wellbeing support they need to grow, learn and thrive.
Thank you for being part of the Royal Far West community and helping us create brighter futures for country children and their families.
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In this issue...
Riley's Story- When Wrap-Around Care Connects
Riley is a bright, curious and creative seven-year-old Kamilaroi girl from Western NSW. Despite her strengths, Riley has faced developmental challenges, including delayed walking and speech, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with emotional regulation and social interaction.
2030 Strategy: No country child left behind
Royal Far West’s 2030 Strategy sets our direction for the years ahead, guiding our work to create lasting change for country children, families and communities.
Reaching New Heights
Royal Far West has reached an exciting milestone in the transformation of our Manly site, with the Aurora building officially topping out at its highest point.
Advocating for Country Kids in NSW
Royal Far West recently made a submission to the NSW Youth Advocate’s Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027-2030. In our submission, we called for greater recognition of the unique challenges children and young people in rural and remote communities in NSW are facing.
Walking Together Through Culture and Connection
During NAIDOC Week 2026, we came together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, storytelling and connection to Country. Staff celebrated with a special morning tea, while students participated in cultural learning through the Weaving Stories program, culminating in the Saltwater Exhibition at Curl Curl Creative Space.
Bringing specialist care closer to home – our partnership with Little Wings
In June a team of nine Royal Far West clinicians travelled to Broken Hill with Little Wings to provide comprehensive developmental assessments for local children and families.
Growing our impact in Queensland
As Royal Far West continues to expand its services across Australia, we're proud to be supporting more children, families and educators throughout regional, rural and remote Queensland than ever before.
Going Beyond for Country Kids: $500,000 Raised Through RFCK 2026
Our Ride for Country Kids 2026 brought together 64 riders and hundreds of supporters across regional New South Wales for an unforgettable journey
in support of country children.
New Holland in Action: Supporting Country Communities
For organisations embedded in regional Australia, the wellbeing of country communities is about more than business – it’s personal. As one of Australia’s leading agricultural equipment brands, New Holland, works alongside farmers, families and regional communities every day.
Why I Support Country Kids Every Month
Regular giver Daniel shares how his regional upbringing, lived experience and belief in equal opportunity inspired him to support country kids through
Royal Far West.
More Than a Shop: Community, Connection and Country Kids
For many communities, Royal Far West's Op Shops are much more than places to find a bargain. They are community hubs where volunteers, customers and supporters come together to help improve the health and wellbeing of country kids.
Community Support: St Luke’s Students Step Up for Country Kids
Year 6 students recently organised two fundraising initiatives, including a vibrant Country Fair and a “Wild West” lamington drive, raising more than $5,400 to support Royal Far West’s work across rural and remote Australia.
Royal Far West at the Manly Fun Run & Walk
Royal Far West was proud to take part in this year’s Manly Fun Run & Walk, joining more than 2,000 participants for a day of fitness, fundraising and community spirit.
Spin Off Challenge gears up for 2026
Following the success of our inaugural Spin Off Challenge, Royal Far West is excited to announce the event will return to Manly on Thursday 12 November 2026.
Go beyond for country kids
A life in the country is a life beyond the ordinary.
But for country kids, facing developmental and mental health challenges, isolation and distance can make it hard to access the specialist help they need.
Royal Far West is dedicated to going beyond for Australia’s country kids, providing vital supports where and whenever it’s needed.
To reach every country kid who needs us, we need you.
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.