For the Gibbons family from Parkes, New South Wales, what began as concern about their son Finley’s speech development has grown into a powerful story of resilience, support, and transformation.
Like many parents, Michael and Tahnee first noticed that Finley’s speech was not developing at the same pace as other children his age. Communication – something most of us take for granted – was becoming a daily challenge. For families living in regional areas, accessing allied health services, like speech pathologists, can often feel out of reach, but the Gibbons family refused to let geography limit their son’s future.
Finley’s developmental speech delay was something his parents knew needed support. Early intervention is critical when it comes to speech and language development, and acting quickly can make a profound difference in a child’s confidence, learning, and social connections.
Determined to give Finley every opportunity, the family connected with local supports at their school, who put them in touch with Royal Far West.
Through Royal Far West, Finley received speech therapy tailored to his needs. This support didn’t just focus on words – it empowered him with communication skills, confidence, and the ability to express himself clearly.
The structured weekly therapy sessions held over a two-year period via telehealth care, gradually transformed into something much bigger. Finley started finding his voice, building confidence, and engaging more with the world around him.
In an inspiring turn of events, Finley recently achieved something that once may have felt unimaginable – he won an inter-town public speaking competition, two years in a row!
With his confidence returned and his belief in himself growing, Finley then went on to speak about his experience with Royal Far West to a room of 100 adults at Parkes Services Club during Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids event. With his parents, Michael and Tahnee, by his side, he revealed his experience, progress and the positive impact the weekly telehealth speech pathology sessions had on his life.
“His literacy and reading have taken off. His confidence and social skills have improved, and he now experiences the joy of being able to communicate with other people and being understood – something that we take for granted,” Michael Gibbons said.
“Every parent wants their child to grow up with the hope that they can be successful, and this has allowed that to happen. It has helped our son to flourish and put his best foot forward,” Michael Gibbons added.”
For a child who once struggled to express himself, standing up and speaking with confidence in front of others is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a moment that reflects not only his hard work and determination but also the unwavering support of his family and community.
Families in remote communities, like Tahnee and Michael, face enormous barriers in accessing specialist health services. In fact, one in five children in remote and very remote areas are developmentally vulnerable – almost double the rate seen in major cities. Children in remote or very remote areas are twice as likely as those in cities to start school developmentally vulnerable in two or more domains (AEDC Report 2024).
It is support services – like speech pathology, occupational therapy and psychology – that are leading to measurable improvements in confidence and classroom engagement.
Finley’s journey has touched many beyond his hometown. The Gibbons family have shared their story in interviews with Seven News and WIN News Central West, shining a light on the challenges and triumphs faced by regional families.
By sharing their experience, the Gibbons family are hoping to raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and access to Royal Far West’s services in country communities.
These interviews, featured below, add a powerful voice to an already inspiring story – showing others in rural and remote communities that support is available at Royal Far West, and that progress is possible.
Because every child deserves the chance to find their voice.
