Chief Executive Officer of children’s charity, Royal Far West (RFW), Jacqui Emery, today welcomed the announcement in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2024–25 (MYEFO25) of $3.4 million to continue its paediatric allied health services, which supports children with developmental delays in rural and remote schools and preschools across Australia.
“This funding will mean the continuation of this vital service until July 2026 and is wonderful news for thousands of families, teachers and early educators in the communities we work with” Ms Emery said.
“The Government has listened to these families and communities and responded to the continuing need for this service, which is very welcome news,” Ms Emery said.
RFW’s Schools and Early Years Services provides allied and mental health services to children aged under 12 years, living in rural and remote areas of Australia, who face significant barriers in accessing local and affordable services. In the past six years, the Schools and Early Years Services has helped 5,600 vulnerable children in over 150 rural and remote schools and early learning centres, across four states.
The Schools and Early Years Services is delivered via telehealth but increasingly complemented with in-community visits. The service is co-funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, Government schools, Catholic Dioceses, corporate and philanthropic donations. The $3.4m underpins RFW’s ability to deliver the service into thin markets where there is limited local workforce.
Ms Emery said while the one-year funding provided certainty for schools and communities for the next twelve months, RFW would continue its efforts to ensure funding for the service over the next four years.
The service has been independently evaluated by Dandolo partners. The evaluation shows that the service has achieved some considerable outcomes for country kids and their families including over 85% of children achieving their therapy goals and over 90% of educators agreeing they gained skills and confidence in supporting children with additional needs. Additionally, 88% of parents and carers reported that they learnt skills and strategies and as a result felt better equipped to support their child’s learning and healthy development.