Children growing up in rural and remote communities face higher rates of developmental vulnerability than their metropolitan peers. Access to timely allied health support — delivered in partnership with local preschools and early childhood services — makes a profound difference to a child’s readiness for school and long-term wellbeing.

Thanks to Glencore’s ongoing support, Royal Far West’s Early Years team returned to Dunedoo and Gulgong this week, continuing our work with local children, families, and educators.

Across the visit, clinicians Ella Todd (Speech Pathology), Rosani Rajendra (Occupational Therapy), and Eleanor Weisel (Psychology) spent time at Dunedoo Preschool, Gulgong Preschool, Happy Days Childcare and Kindergarten, and All Hallows Primary School. They provided a mix of observations, assessments, one-to-one therapy sessions, and practical strategies tailored to each child, family and learning environment — helping children build the foundational skills they need to confidently engage, socialise and learn.

Supporting the clinical team and centres with logistics, Imogen Kelly (Operations Coordinator) joined Felicity McDonnell (Head of Partnerships) to update Glencore Ulan Operations community representatives on the program’s progress—coincidentally welcoming some much–needed rain.

Regular, intensive community visits, coupled with weekly telehealth services delivered by the same clinicians between visits, form part of a long-term, relationship-based model of care. By partnering closely with preschools and schools, we help identify children who may benefit from additional scaffolding or supports during the all-important preschool and Kindergarten years and then deliver the services they need.

Continuity and consistency are especially important in communities classified as Modified Monash Model (MMM) 5 and 6, where access to allied health and early childhood development services is limited. Both Gulgong and Dunedoo are classified MMM5 communities.

Glencore’s commitment to the communities in which they operate, evidenced through multiyear support of Royal Far West’s Early Years program in Queensland has enabled us to establish and refine our early years model for mining and agricultural communities. We are thrilled to now be rolling it out in and New South Wales. Their support ensures we can honour our commitments, respond flexibly to local needs, and deliver meaningful, sustained outcomes for country children.

Together, we’re helping kids in Dunedoo, Gulgong, and beyond thrive in their early years and build strong foundations for the future.