Media Release: Parkes Community have their say

Supporting Parkes’ Children

To investigate ways to combat the ever-increasing problem of local children’s learning vulnerability, on Thursday 28 June, children’s charity Royal Far West is holding a Community Meeting in Parkes.

According to the 2015 Australian Early Development Census, developmental conditions can affect up to one in five children in the Parkes region, which means that, amongst other symptoms, they can struggle to learn, make friends and regulate their emotions. Compounding the problem, children in rural areas have poorer access to early childhood intervention services, paediatricians, allied health and mental health services than their city cousins, making it more difficult for them to be ready to learn when they start school.

At the Community Meeting, participants from Royal Far West and partners Charles Sturt University and Fairfax Media will join Parkes’ local government, health and education leaders and families to discuss the state of children’s developmental health in rural and remote NSW, and the particular challenges and opportunities that exist to better support young children’s developmental issues in the local community.

Parents, teachers, health care workers, and members of the business community are invited to discuss the trends they are seeing in local children, the challenges they face in accessing supports for children and families, and what is working locally.

Royal Far West’s CEO Lindsay Cane says, “After the Community Meeting, we will work with Parkes’ organisations to create a plan for change, lobby for more targeted funding, and work with the community to build its capacity to support impacted children and families. Together we can make a positive difference to the lives of these vulnerable children.”

Event details:

Parkes Community Meeting

Coventry Room, Parkes Shire Council

Registration 5pm

Panel 5.30 – 6.30pm

To attend, please register at https://www.royalfarwest.org.au/town-hall/ or email community@royalfarwest.org.au or call 1800 961 001.

Panel members:

Cr Barbara Newton – Deputy Mayor, Parkes Shire Council

Ms Amanda Corcoran – Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Neighbourhood Central

Ms Lindy Farrant – Director, Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC)

Ms Sharon Scott – Parent

Ms Jacqui Emery – Business Director, Royal Far West