Royal Far West has been recognised for Outstanding Achievement (OAA) in The Australian Charity Awards 2020. The program was established to recognise organisations for the exceptional work undertaken through their charitable activities. The Australian Charity Awards are a partner program of The Australian Business Awards.
Royal Far West’s Senior Disability Advisor Fiona Phipps says the award provides recognition of the organisation’s innovative disability program, Windmill. The Windmill program is a therapy intervention service specifically designed for children aged from 2-12 years old who have a disability and live in rural and remote areas.
Ms Phipps said: “We are proud to have been recognised for this program because it is making such a positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families who live in rural and remote areas. Being able to connect country children with vital services lies at the heart of everything that we do – no matter where they live, or their therapy need”.
The program was developed in response to extensive research and community consultation and involves any combination of therapies that a family may choose. This could include speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, or developmental education and can be delivered face-to-face in Manly or online via telehealth. Central to its success is the additional focus on capacity building and creating support networks for parents, so that they are empowered and supported to become active participants in the child’s ongoing therapy and support.
“The 2020 Australian Charity Awards have recognised thirteen organisations for their contributions and achievements in the management of programs, projects and services that improve people’s lives,” said Australian Business Awards Program Director Ms Tara Johnston.
“Australia’s charitable sector has been hit hard by COVID-19 this year, including unprecedented fundraising and operational challenges. Despite this, many charities are showing resilience during this difficult time, by adopting an innovative working approach to ensure that they can carry on their important work – now and in the future.
“The awards exist to highlight charities that adopt a culture of innovation as the sector seeks to transform in response to COVID-19 and continue to provide fundamental support and services to millions of Australians,” Ms Johnston added.