Below are a series of 45-minute webinars with Royal Far West’s leading clinicians, developed for our major donors.
Each webinar explores a key topic affecting children in rural and remote communities — from navigating neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism, to understanding the impact of natural disasters on mental health, and the importance of play in healthy development.
You’ll hear directly from our clinical team as they share clinical insights, real-life stories, and the latest approaches in child health. You’ll also learn about the evidence-based strategies our clinicians use to support children experiencing these challenges and gain a deeper understanding of how we treat and care for children across a range of complex health needs. Most importantly, you’ll see how your generosity is helping to transform the lives of children and families across Australia.
Why Kids Do What They Do
Presented by Dagney Hopp – Royal Far West Allied Health & Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead
In this session, developed for Royal Far West parents and carers, we explain in easy-to-understand language some of the brain science behind behaviour. We aim to help parents/carers understand many of the reasons for behaviours we see in kids and give some general principles around how to help kids’ nervous systems feel safe so ‘behaviours’ are minimised, and engagement, learning, and wellbeing can be optimised.
Understanding ADHD in Kids
Presented by Jacqueline Cheyne – Royal Far West Clinical Psychologist
In this session, developed for Royal Far West parents and carers, we explore how ADHD affects children’s behaviour, attention and emotional regulation. Using clear, accessible language, we unpack the brain science behind ADHD and offer practical strategies to support children in feeling safe, understood and engaged.
The session aims to help families recognise common patterns in ADHD-related behaviour and respond in ways that promote connection, learning and wellbeing—both at home and in educational settings.
How to help children after disasters
Presented by Sarah Eagland – Royal Far West Head of Schools & Early Years
This session explores how natural disasters impact children’s behaviour, attention, and emotional wellbeing. By recognising common post-disaster patterns and responding with empathy and care, families and communities can nurture healing, stability, and resilience.
Understanding Autism
Presented by Deanne Goodchild – Senior Clinical Psychologist, Royal Far West
This session explores what autism is and how it shapes the way children experience, communicate and interact with the world. Drawing on her extensive work in our NDIS program—where the majority of her clients are autistic children—Deanne uses clear, accessible language to unpack the diagnostic process and what it means for families.
The session offers practical, strengths‑based strategies to support autistic children’s differences across home, school and community settings. With a strong focus on the neurodiversity‑affirming approach, Deanne highlights ways families can nurture children’s wellbeing, identity and sense of safety as they grow and learn.
Helping children with worries
Presented by Darby Salter – Clinical Psychologist and Tayla Iellamo – Occupational Therapist, Royal Far West
This session explores what anxiety really is, how it shows up in children’s behaviour and emotions, and why some responses can accidentally keep the worry cycle going. The session offers practical actions you can try at home, giving you clear, gentle ways to support children as they build resilience and learn to manage their worries.