Over the next three years, the partnership will continue supporting children aged three to five in the Queensland communities of Collinsville-Scottville, Clermont and Springsure, and introduce the proven service to the New South Wales towns of Gulgong and Dunedoo. These areas often face significant barriers to accessing timely and specialised health services.
RFW CEO Jacqui Emery said the partnership will deliver a combination of in-person and telehealth services, including speech pathology, occupational therapy and psychology.
“We know that early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life,” Ms Emery said. “This partnership with Glencore allows us to reach children who might otherwise miss out on the support they need to thrive at school and in life.”
The comprehensive service includes annual intensive in-community support visits for each community with consistent weekly telehealth support between visits. Delivered by a multidisciplinary allied health team, the program includes consultations with parents and carers, developmental screenings, assessments and therapy for children, and professional development for early childhood educators.
Glencore’s Social Performance Manager, Craig Strudwick, said the company is proud to support the health and wellbeing of children in the communities where it operates. “We’re committed to making a positive impact in our operational communities,” Mr Strudwick said. “This partnership is a meaningful way to support families and educators, and to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The initiative builds on a well-proven existing service in Queensland and introduces services to new communities in NSW. It will run from July 2025 to June 2028.