Ride for Country Kids will take cyclists on a journey through Royal Far West’s heartland over three days – starting in Parkes, and travelling through Molong, Manildra, Trundle, and Eugowra, before finishing in Forbes.
Parkes holds a special place in Royal Far West’s history and future. The Parkes Sunshine Club was founded by Frank Spicer in 1939, the owner and manager of Radio 2PK. His daughter, the remarkable Betty Muzyczuk, became one of Royal Far West’s most successful fundraising members, raising around $2 million to support children’s health.
The Sunshine Club grew into one of Australia’s largest radio listener fundraising clubs, boasting over 5,000 members. Its daily broadcasts rallied the entire Central West, with households tuning in Monday to Friday to hear ‘Painting the Clouds with Sunshine’, the famous theme song for the Sunshine Club. Betty inspired decades of creative fundraising – from rabbit drives and darts competitions to selling yabbies from local creeks. No idea was too small if it helped a child in need. Funds raised at that time by the Sunshine Club helped to fund medical equipment, transport and accommodation for families needing care.
Royal Far West in Parkes today…
Today, Royal far West’s clinicians continue to support schools and preschools across the Central West, including Parkes and other townships impacted by the 2022 floods. Through trauma‑informed programs, classroom observations, and one‑to‑one support, they have helped children rebuild confidence, wellbeing, and resilience during recovery.
Royal Far West in Forbes
Forbes too, is a close‑knit community with a long history of supporting Royal Far West. The town is home to one of our long‑standing volunteer‑run Opportunity Shops, which has raised vital funds for country kids for decades.
Following the devastating 2022 floods, Forbes was one of the hardest‑hit communities in the Central West. Royal Far West delivered targeted psycho‑social support across up to 22 local schools and preschools, offering trauma‑informed therapy, classroom observations and evidence‑based programs. Our multidisciplinary team including psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, worked alongside educators, families and local health services to support recovery and strengthen long‑term resilience.
Royal Far West working in the Forbes community
In Forbes, we’ve worked with local schools, delivering classroom support, anxiety programs, educator workshops and parent sessions to help children feel safe, confident and ready to learn again. We’ve also partnered with Forbes Shire Council and Boys to the Bush to deepen local connections and understand community needs.
Forbes also holds a special place in our hearts as last year a group of passionate locals, including Stuart Thomas, cycled from Forbes to Manly to raise over $10,000 for country kids, a powerful reminder of how far the community will go to support its own. We’re now thrilled to have Stuart joining us for the Ride for Country Kids this year.
Ride for Country Kids commences with an official ribbon cutting:
7am on Sunday May 17 at Cookes Park Pavillion, 158-176 Clarinda Street, Parkes. We’d love to see you there!
As the riders roll out from Parkes to begin this year’s 12th Ride for Country Kids on Sunday May 17, it truly feels like starting from home.
We’re aiming to raise $500,000 to directly support the health and wellbeing of Australia’s country kids. We need your help to give these children the best start in life. To find out more and to support our riders click here – rideforcountrykids.com.au