29 April – 1 May

More than 65 cyclists are keenly counting down the days until the start of iconic children’s charity Royal Far West’s premier event, Ride for Country Kids. A massive adventure, this year’s Ride starts in Lightning Ridge on Sunday 29 April 2018, traversing a challenging route through Walgett and Brewarrina before a triumphant finish in Bourke on Tuesday 1 May.
Royal Far West has enjoyed 94 years of support from outback communities in NSW. This year’s riders will have a life-enhancing opportunity to meet with local children and families who are currently supported by the charity, and also hear heart-warming stories from those helped by Royal Far West in earlier years, who are now are friends and supporters.
The reason for the Ride? Children and families living in rural and remote communities are up to five times more likely than those living in urban areas to have challenges with their developmental health. Care and support for these people are core to Royal Far West’s mission and purpose.
The further west in NSW you go, the greater the proportion of children at risk of developmental vulnerability who need specialist care, and the scarcer the services and resources which are available to support these children.
To improve the inequalities of services available in these areas, every dollar from Ride for Country Kids 2018’s $500,000 rider fundraising target will go towards specialist health services that are not currently accessible to these children and their families, including Royal Far West’s Paediatric Developmental Program and Telecare for Kids service.

The route
Sunday 29 April – Lightning Ridge to Walgett – Everyone is welcome to attend the 7am for 7.30am start at Lion’s Park at Lightning Ridge.
Monday 30 April – Walgett to Brewarrina
Tuesday 1 May – Brewarrina to Bourke
Learn more about Ride For Life and how to get involved
To help achieve the goal of supporting more country children, please donate to Royal Far West.
All funds raised through the Ride will support country kids.
The Ride would not be possible without the support of Principal and Founding Partner FDC Construction & Fitout. For further information/interview opportunities/images please contact:
Deb Gibbons 0413 554 834 debg@royalfarwest.org.au