Annual Report 2018/ 19

A year of transformation Mission, Contents purpose Our mission To improve the health and values and wellbeing of children and young people who live in rural and remote Royal Far West is one of ’s The need 4 most enduring and respected communities. charities. Established in 1924, we consistently adapt to meet the changing health needs of children Who we support 6 and families living in rural and remote communities. We provide services to improve the Our values Securing our future 8 health and wellbeing of country children at the Centre for Country Kids in Manly, as well as virtually via Respect Governor’s letter 11 Telecare, and in local communities. We build the capacity of country families and communities. We Chairman and CEO note 12 leverage our knowledge, expertise Integrity and relationships to advocate for the equitable provision of health Highlights 14 and wellbeing services for country children. Energy Programs 16–22

Care Fundraising 24–26

Financial summary 27

Corporate governance 29

Thank you 30

Contact Details Phone: Web: Parents, Health Professionals, School Principals & Teachers (02) 8966 8500 www.royalfarwest.org.au If you believe a child in your care or in your community needs Free call: our help, please go to the ‘Programs’ section on our website or 1800 500 061 call our Client Services team. Fundraising enquiries: RoyalFarWest External Audit 1800 961 001 Accommodation: Conducted by Stewart Brown & Co. [email protected] (02) 9466 1700 ABN: Postal address: Royal Far West School: 37 821 970 819 PO Box 52, Manly, NSW, 1655 Ph (02) 9977 2452 This Annual Report covers the period 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2019.

2 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 3 The state The need of country 42% children’s health of Indigenous and development children are vulnerable on one or more More than Geography should not be a barrier to developmental domains disadvantage, yet children living in rural and 1 in 6 (16.2%) remote areas of Australia are up to five times* children and as likely as children living in urban areas to have adolescents aged 4-17 challenges with their developmental health. in rural areas have In addition, NSW Health reports that 32% of mental health rural children cannot access the services they 377,000 arn problems need. Lack of access to services creates systemic children are barriers to optimising health and wellbeing aterne outcomes, so children and families affected developmentally by these challenges who live in regional areas ununurra are often doubly disadvantaged, with life-long vulnerable* on one or more domains across This is closer to implications. rooe Australia aged 3-11. The physical, emotional and social development 1 in 5 (19%) attained in childhood sets a trajectory for ount a in outer long term outcomes in health, education and 114,000 children* ort ealan regional areas wellbeing. Delays or vulnerabilities are linked are developmentally vulnerable on onrea † with poor educational outcomes, disability, one or more domains across Royal Far Ale prn NSW Ministry of Health data chronic mental health problems and a higher West’s core markets (Regional, Remote risk of unemployment, personal relationship and Very Remote areas) aged 3-11. arnaron difficulties, contact with the criminal justice Roa system and homelessness. ooer e rane There are currently 377,000 children aged 3-11 in Australia who are developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains, based on 2015 AEDC* aloorle roen ll estimates and current population data. This uo means that more than 1 in 5† children across Australia are starting school with a significant Physical Health ert Aelae ne developmental vulnerability. More than 1 in 6† and Wellbeing anerra perane children and adolescents are experiencing a recent mental health condition. It is clear too elourne many children are falling through the cracks. Communication Social Despite its critical importance, childhood Skills and General Competence development does not get the attention or Knowledge investment it deserves. Domains of Child The rate of developmental vulnerability in Development Remote Australia is 10% higher and Very > 1500+ km oart Health workers Remote Australia is 53% higher than in major < 20 km > 1053 km in rural and remote cities. These increasing rates of developmental areas serve a population vulnerability, combined with the decreasing Language and Emotional at least number of clinicians, exacerbates inequity Cognitive Skills Maturity between city and country. For example, there Major cities Remote Very remote 5 times are 12 times the number of children per 21% 28% % Developmental vulnerability Developmental vulnerability 42.4 psychologist in very remote regions of Australia Developmental vulnerability greater than their city compared to city areas. 111 1 1 35 1 60 counterparts * 2015 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). 237 Too many country kids are missing out on Children who score in the bottom 10% of the AEDC Speech Psychology OT Clinician / child ratio 158 138 the vital services that are integral to a positive are developmentally vulnerable. Australian children 1 1 1 767 living in rural and remote areas are more likely to be Speech Psychology OT trajectory for life. Clinician / child ratio 429 developmentally vulnerable, and the gap between urban 354 and rural children is widening. 1 1 1 Speech Psychology OT † NSW Ministry of Health data Clinician / child ratio 4 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 5 Who we Our reach Royal Far West is always transforming to support meet the ever-increasing demand for our services as well as supporting the growing complexity in needs of children and families from rural and remote Australia. Through the use of technology and in-community programs, over the coming years Royal Far West will expand further and deeper into We believe every Australian child has the right NSW, , WA and beyond. to the health, education and developmental care that will help them unlock their potential, wherever they live. We boldly go where the system stops, to wherever we are needed, and use technology to ensure no community is beyond our reach. In the last year Royal Far West supported 9,668 Our impact country children, parents, We work with research partners to build a strong evidence base for children’s carers, educators and health developmental health in rural and professionals remote areas and to demonstrate the through multidisciplinary services provided impact of our programs. in our Centre for Country Kids in Manly, via This year: Telecare into schools and homes and through community-based programs. 85% of parents/carers/teachers with children on our Telecare and Windmill Programs noted In 2018/19 improvement/great improvement in the targeted Royal Far West: area of function (e.g. speech)

Children consistently met/exceeded their Supported more Telecare goals (using Goal Attainment Scaling or Health professionals and educators: people Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) 2,637 Up 17% Our work was published in three international, 9,668 people compared to 8,258 peer reviewed journals – Digital Health Journal, American Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and Health Economics Review Parents/carers: Reached more 3,398 communities We developed innovative partnerships to broaden our impact – trialling a wearable device 30+ new to understand the signs of emotional distress and prevent escalation (CSIRO) and starting a postcodes study on the diets of children in rural and remote Children: Australia (Macquarie University) 3,633 Delivered Telecare into more schools The child voice has been increased across our research and evaluation, using the Child 122 schools Outcomes Rating Scale and the child and young up from 102 last year child session rating scale.

6 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 7 Thank you Securing Government The Centre for Country Kids would not have been our future possible without the significant funding contributions from the Federal and NSW Governments.

FDC Construction and Fitout Pty Ltd & Architectus FDC and Architectus were the design and Royal Far West has been supporting the health construction partners for our world-class building. and wellbeing of country children and families for Both parties worked closely with Royal Far West to almost 100 years. Our focus in 2018/19 was to secure bring our unique requirements to life. A 21st century our future and that of the country communities we building, the Centre for Country Kids was shortlisted in the “public architecture” category in this year’s serve for the next 100 years. The growing prevalence Australian Institute of Architects NSW Awards of behavioural, mental health, speech and language as well as being a finalist in the Master Builders challenges coupled with a gross inequity of Association Awards. services between city and country has been driving unrelenting demand for our services. In the last Sargents Charitable Foundation 10 years we have grown tenfold in the numbers of people we have supported, and it is essential Royal Philanthropy is an important component of our Far West transforms and innovates in order to meet funding mix and a generous donation from Sargents future need. allowed us to open the Oral Health unit within the Centre for Country Kids to continue to deliver vital This year marked some very tangible achievements dental and orthodontic services to our clients. on our journey to become a national charity providing health, education and disability services HP PPS Australia Pty Ltd & Cisco Systems across rural and remote Australia. The generosity of our technology partners to donate all our end user computing needs, infrastructure and communications systems has enabled The Centre for Country Kids: us to become more secure, agile, mobile and The Centre for efficient. This is a massive contribution toward our transformation and our ability to support thousands Country Kids more country children into the future. In December 2018 we ushered in a new and exciting Clinic rooms: era in our 95-year-old history with the opening of And a special thank you to Australia’s only integrated health, education and 25 disability service for children and families, the Centre Nick Gassmann, our Centre for Country Kids for Country Kids. This state-of-the-art facility positions Classrooms: Project Manager for his constancy, wisdom and Royal Far West to be able to support thousands more commitment to Royal Far West and gentle guidance throughout an exceptionally big year. Nick was vital country children and their families. 6 in helping us achieve our goal of opening our new Funded by Royal Far West in conjunction with the Centre before Christmas 2018. Playgrounds and NSW Government, Federal Government and Sargents recreation spaces: Our long-term friends the Moorambilla Voices, who Charitable Foundation, the opening of the Centre for delighted everyone at our Grand Opening with their Country Kids marked the culmination of more than a 4 pitch-perfect choir and the song they composed decade of planning and building. especially for the occasion. Our purpose-built Centre is designed specifically to Telecare pods: support the growth of our Telecare offering as well as enhancing our dedicated benevolent service, the 20 Paediatric Developmental Program, and other Manly based services. The Royal Far West Department of Clinicians: Education School is now integrated into the Centre, enabling a seamless experience for our children and 85 families when they are staying in Manly. Total staff: 151

8 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 9 Extension of Securing the Royal Far West campus our future With the rural demand for support from communities across Australia and the rapid growth of our speciality services, our plans have evolved to extend the Royal Far West campus in Manly. Individual Giving Royal Far West has commissioned Program architectural luminary and Demand for our services and the needs of country children internationally-renowned architect, has significantly grown in the last year, particularly in the Glenn Murcutt AO, along with area of mental health. accomplished architect and designer, Angelo Candalepas, In order to meet this growing need and serve more to design the approved campus children and families well into the future, Royal Far West masterplan that will allow Royal Far is strategically investing in growing our Individual Giving West to grow our work for country Program. kids in need and future-proof our We are pursuing a diversified service for the next 100 years. Individual Giving strategy “Our vision is to deliver a with the aim to grow our base of regular givers. beautifully integrated health Regular Giving is a critical and wellbeing “campus” that is income stream for most inclusive, open and innovative. charities as it ensures a One that draws different people level of funding certainty, 605% and local businesses together as and has been an unrealised increase a community to support our work opportunity for us in the past. This strategy is already of bringing vulnerable country yielding incredible results kids to the beach to receive with a 605% increase in our specialist services while enjoying regular giving donor base. the warm hospitality of the local We will continue to focus on building and inspiring our community.” generous base of regular givers to help us support more Lindsay Cane AM country children to reach their full potential. CEO, Royal Far West

National Paediatric Telecare Service In May 2019, Royal Far West received $19.7m over seven years from the Commonwealth Department of Health in recognition and support of our innovative project proposal – a National Paediatric Telecare Service (NPTS). The NPTS will build on our existing Telecare program and will be dedicated to addressing developmental vulnerability through rural preschools and schools, which will benefit children, families, communities, local services and the government with national reach and impact. By 30 June 2025, the NPTS will deliver world-class, technology assisted developmental health services to more From left: Angelo Candelepas, Glenn Murcutt AO, than 25,000 beneficiaries in rural and remote Australia. Lindsay Cane AM

10 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 11 From the CEO It’s been an enormous privilege to serve Chairman Royal Far West during this incredible year of our charity’s transformation. Our footprint is and CEO now truly national and our new Centre for Country Kids (CCK) sits as Australia’s only integrated health, education and disability note service for children living in rural and remote communities, enriching our ability to operate and innovate in a very special way. The CCK and all the services within it, is a deliberate and beautiful gift to our rural Chairman CEO families. The relationship with our clients and Joan H Treweeke OAM Lindsay Cane AM families is all-important. They keep us honest with their feedback and are generous and constructive in helping us improve what we do. It also delights me to meet Manly residents “The debilitating who warmly congratulate us on such a “The Centre for From the Chair beautiful gift to the local community. pressure from As Chairman, I’m delighted to once again report on our activities. Country Kids Our fantastic staff have shown great strength the nation’s The highlight of the year, the completion of our Centre for Country and creativity during the period of transitioning longest drought continues to deliver Kids, brought a monumental change to everyone who works at to the CCK. Our close relationship with our Royal far West, the children and families who come here to receive teaching colleagues in the Royal Far West is exacerbating all the benefits we Department of Education School is a very our services, our visitors and the Manly community who are finding the challenges for had hoped for plus ways to do their community business in our space. special and valuable feature of our new environment. country families that others we had not We are working hard to safeguard our charity’s future for the next 100 years. To support more services and children, we’re It has been deeply satisfying this year to be we are seeing at envisaged.” implementing a five-year strategy to give more people a chance to acknowledged and supported by our State become regular givers; developing new corporate partnerships at and Federal Governments, partners, health Royal Far West.” national and community levels; and renting our vacant beachfront providers, philanthropists, universities and medical centre building until it is redeveloped. corporates, and we sincerely thank them all for their generosity and ongoing support. We As we are a charity, it is imperative that we develop and grow our warmly received our new friends, HP and Cisco, Far West progressing through to be one of donor base, as these benevolent funds enable us to provide services who gifted world-class technology equipment 12 finalists for Macquarie Foundation’s 50th where we see the need and build the case for future funding from and services to us so we can deliver first-class Anniversary Award to scale-up developmental governments to the children in rural and remote Australia. Our therapy and support in the most remote parts and mental health services in very remote future depends on us making a big commitment now. of this country. communities across Australia. Over the last few years our CEO has built a very professional and Across this year we have witnessed first-hand Thank you to all the wonderful people who creative executive management team who have brought us to the oft-harsh reality of living in regional Australia. have helped Royal Far West this year. I give where we are today, and where we plan to be soon. The results they Coupled with the inequity of services between sincere thanks to our outgoing Patron, General have produced and their sound advice to the Board has enabled the city and country, the unrelenting demand for The Honourable AC DSC (Ret’d) Board to invest with confidence. our services continues. Governor of and Mrs Hurley, This year we farewelled our Deputy Chair Michael Gill, who had and welcome our incoming Patron, Her We supported close to 10,000 children, parents, brought many fine skills in business and charitable enterprises to Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley siblings, teachers and health professionals. The the Board along with a great passion for the work of Royal Far West. AO, QC and her husband Mr Dennis Wilson. largest increase came from our Telecare for On behalf of the Board I wish to congratulate Ted Waters on being Kids programs, delivering allied health therapy It is a pleasure to acknowledge and thank awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours, and Lindsay Cane and capacity-building services from Manly via Richard Barron for his many years of service an AM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Both Awards are richly technology. and expertise. In October, Richard transitioned deserved and reflective of what Ted and Lindsay have contributed to from being a Board Member and Chairman Our strong advocacy with Charles Sturt for 17 years, to become our second only Life Royal Far West and other causes. University resulted in a funding partnership Member. I thank my Chair Joan Treweeke I have the privilege to chair a Board of people who willingly give of with the Federal Government to upscale for her keen interest and commitment and their knowledge and time to maintain this magnificent organisation our current Telecare Service for Schools over her leadership of our Board of Directors, and and to work with our dynamic CEO and her exceptional staff to the next seven years, enabling us to double most of all I thank my diligent, tenacious and progress the work and range of services to the children and families our capacity and exponentially increase the energetic staff team who really have lived up to in the bush. number of children we can support. our motto of “no distance too far”. My heartfelt thanks. Our work was recognised globally, with Royal Well done, and my sincere thanks to everyone.

12 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 13 Innovative Highlights virtual school counselling 20% pilot project initiated with the NSW increase Department of Education 7 years in health service funding delivery from the Federal Government to future- proof Telecare delivery

royalfarwest.org.au 1800 961 001 Global finalist New fleet for Macquarie 50th 605% of buses and cars Anniversary award increase thanks to the NSW in regular givers Government

CEO Lindsay Grand opening Cane of the Centre for awarded Country Kids AM 10 million with Premier , people reached Deputy Prime Minister Michael through earned media and partnerships McCormack and Governor General, with Australian Community News, The Honourable David Hurley Prime7 and Channel 7 AC DSC (Ret'd) 13% increase in skilled/clinical "Stories workforce of the Invisible Children" New community $1.6m donated report launched in technology goods and nationally to and corporate services from HP and Cisco wide acclaim in partnerships partnership with with Novotel, Sebel, Doyles, Mirvac, Charles Sturt Manildra and Manly Fast Ferry University

14 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 15 Programs * People supported: Case study: 3,954 Oliver was seven years old when up from 3,729 last year he was referred to the PDP. Oliver lives with his family in a farming Paediatric 1,403 children community in outer regional NSW that has been significantly impacted Developmental 1,367 parents/carers by the drought. 270 educators Oliver is a happy, easy-going and 914 health professionals cheerful kid with many friends. A Program (PDP) persistent and hard worker, he has experienced significant difficulties with learning and language since Client sessions: starting school. Oliver struggled with Our flagship benevolent program the PDP offers 10,551 expressive language, and sometimes could not communicate his needs, a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, becoming distressed when he could diagnosis and review service for children from rural Postcodes: not complete activities and becoming and remote NSW with complex developmental and increasingly frustrated, leading to him behavioural issues. 153 feeling sad about the things he could This specialist service is a family-centred and not do that his peers could. trauma informed service, assisting some of the Gender split: His mother, Rachel, was extremely most developmentally vulnerable children in committed in looking for support rural and remote NSW communities to access for Oliver locally, because things multidisciplinary expertise. were not improving with his speech and learning. In desperation she The PDP is a proud partnership between NSW went to her GP, who referred Oliver Health and Royal Far West. It is free for NSW families Aboriginal and to the PDP program in Manly for who meet our specific eligibility criteria. Torres Strait Islander: assessment. Children and their families travel to Manly, staying 28% During their visit to Manly Oliver on-site for a week, where they access multidisciplinary received comprehensive learning, services including: Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics; Age: speech and other key developmental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Speech Pathology; assessments. Psychology; Occupational Therapy; Social Work; Special Educators; Dietetics; Orthoptics; Ophthalmology and With input from their local services including their school, the family Oral Health. received a clear diagnosis, an 0-6 7-12 13+ When not in appointments, children attend the on- understanding of Oliver’s strengths site Royal Far West Department of Education School, and needs, and recommendations on and after school they participate in our Therapeutic how to support him moving forward. Recreation Program after school. Royal Far West also supported the family to connect with local services Highlight and to access funded therapy support at school.

To support the growing demand for the PDP, and the Oliver, his family and local supports increased complexity of children and families needing now have all the information they our help, this year we commenced a major program need to continue providing him with redesign to reduce waiting times, improve experience the right support at the right time to and in doing so reach more children with greater have the best possible developmental, education and social outcomes for impact. Central to this is greater use of technology. Oliver to reach his full potential. The future Our service has had a life-changing impact on the family. Rachel reports • Continue with the PDP redesign to fine-tune the Oliver is much happier, making program. progress at school and she feels • Commence a new community outreach model much more positive about her role for assessment to help improve access and reduce and direction in supporting him. waiting times, supported by additional funding *This story has been de-identified to protect the privacy of the family from NSW Health.

16 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 17 Highlights Programs People supported: 1,162 Expanding our reach into more remote communities. These 481 children towns are often overlooked Community 481 parents & carers because they have small 100 educators populations but are often desperately in need of services. Programs 100 health professionals Developed a more effective follow-up service which includes Assessments: empowering parents with the Healthy Kids Bus Stop 2,249 right information and tools to (HKBS) be able to support their kids. This has resulted in increased Supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities, Referrals given: referral take-ups of children post HKBS is a free developmental screening service for screening. country children that is run in partnership with Local 90% Health Districts, Aboriginal Medical Services, Primary up from 80% last year Health Networks, preschools, schools and community The future service organisations, all working together to identify Bus Stops: Due to the success of the Healthy any barriers to children so they are ready to learn Kids Bus Stop, we’re developing when they start school. 7 a wider suite of services to take to the bush to respond as best as The HKBS travels to country communities across we can to the needs of regional, NSW offering comprehensive health checks primarily Communities: rural and remote communities, for children aged 3-5. At each Bus Stop a range including our Windmill in- of health professionals provide developmental 40 community immersion program. screening for each child, testing for developmental milestones, and identifying potential barriers to their Gender split: development, therefore maximising their learning opportunities. Pathways to care are developed for children who would benefit from extra support and early intervention, with ongoing support provided to parents in the follow-up process. Aboriginal and Fitzroy Torres Strait Islander: Crossing * 30% Royal Far West and Case study: Marninwarntikura Women’s When the Healthy Kids Bus Stop visited the Hunter New England Resource Centre in Fitzroy region earlier this year, four-year-old Ben came in for an assessment. Our HKBS program, supported by Age: Crossing are working together The results indicated that further follow-up was required for Ben in Ronald McDonald House Charities, on an innovative partnership to multiple areas. has gone from strength to strength increase support and improve since its inception five years ago. 0-2 3 4 5 6+ outcomes for children and Ben’s oral health was concerning, he failed his hearing test, he had an families with complex needs, extremely poor diet, his expressive language was well below average + including those impacted and he was behind with his fine and gross motor skill development. As 2,900 by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum a result of tragic circumstances, Ben’s Grandparents became his carers. Total children screened Disorders (FASD) and Early Life Through ongoing collaboration between the Local Health District Trauma (ELT). This partnership and Royal Far West, Ben was connected with local speech therapy for 52 is called Marurra-U, a Bunuba weekly sessions, visited the Dentist, and had fortnightly appointments Bus Stops word meaning to embrace with with a Dietitian and a Physiotherapist at a local clinic. Ben’s hearing love and care. The partnership issues were also dealt with, and as there was no Occupational Therapist 170 brings together community near his home, he was connected with an Occupational Therapist via Communities reached leadership and a strong will to Telecare to improve his fine and gross motor skills. change trajectories for children Ben’s Grandparents report he has made wonderful progress, in 81% in the Valley, specialist expertise fact, he’s a ‘brand new kid’. This is one of many examples of the of children referred to in child development, and clever Local Health District and Royal Far West coming together to services use of technology to build local identify health and developmental problems, then providing and expertise and enhance services. connecting services. This co-ordination has ensured that Ben can start school next year with far more capacity to maximise his learning opportunities, and that he’s school ready. People supported: *This story has been de-identified to protect the privacy of the family 134

18 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 19 Programs People supported: 3,469 30% increase from last year

Telecare 1,156 Children 1,156 Parents and Carers for Kids 1,156 Educators

Our globally recognised Telecare for Kids program gives children across rural and remote Australia access Client sessions: to affordable and specialised paediatric health services 11,714 via video technology. Working in partnership with Telecare sessions preschools, primary schools, parents and local health by discipline: professionals, our Telecare for Kids program provides assessment, therapy and professional capacity-building across Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Psychology. Psychology Each Telecare session involves the child connecting Occupational Therapy from their school or home via video link to a clinician in Manly. In addition to the child, the session requires a ‘therapy aide’ who can be a school principal, classroom teacher, parent, or guardian. Sessions typically run for Schools: 30-45 minutes once a week for eight weeks of a school 122 term and are conducted by one of our specialised up from 102 last year Paediatric Clinicians.

Highlights Postcodes:

130 * The move to the new building with its purpose-built Case study: Telecare pods with increased client privacy, and new Gender split: laptops, webcams, speakers and internet system ensuring Six-year-old Cameron lives with his the best possible experience and outcomes for children mother Therese, dad Sam and four-year- and clinicians. old sister Rosie in Dubbo, NSW. With a background of hearing loss and middle ear infections, Cameron has 30% growth in our contracts with schools, enabling us to Aboriginal and delayed phonological awareness skills. increase the number of children we support. Torres Strait Islander: His school engaged Royal Far West and 20% Cameron now receives Speech Therapy Increasing support provided to other Royal Far West through our Telecare for Kids program programs to enable them to leverage technology to at his school. grow and expand. His therapy is focused on building his phonological awareness skills and articulation up to speed so he can keep The future up with his class mates and transition The recent Federal Government grant will help us smoothly into literacy. Therese and Sam double our school contacts and beneficiaries over the are very supportive and engaged in his next seven years. therapy. After four sessions, Cameron is making excellent progress with his pre-literacy skills. He is also very engaged, and his school is very supportive of the program. Cameron and his parents and the school are looking forward to continuing with therapy next term. *This story has been de-identified to protect the privacy of the family

20 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 21 Programs People supported: Case study:* 406 495% increase from last year Nine-year-old Andrew has Down Syndrome, Dyspraxia, Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism. Sociable and energetic, he enjoys engaging in play with others and has a cheeky sense of humour. Windmill 108 Children Andrew has limited communication skills and needs a lot of one-to-one 216 Parents and carers attention as he can display difficult and socially inappropriate behaviour. 57 Educators Andrew is sensitive to loud noises which can cause him to become very distressed and act out. Windmill is our therapy service for country children 25 Health professionals aged 2-12 with mild to moderate disability, and Andrew’s family reached out to Windmill hoping to find ways to support him their families. Windmill can be accessed either at in developing more positive interactions with his family and his peers. Manly in our popular immersion therapy weeks, or Andrew made significant progress during his first visit to our Windmill Program. via technology at home, or at school. We also offer Client sessions: camps and blended services in Manly. 1,818 Mum Kate shares her Windmill Program experience: This innovative service is for National Disability “Having spent this week at Royal Far West, I now have renewed hope that we can help (our son) Andrew develop skills we didn’t think would be possible. Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or Early Childhood Early Clinical service hours: What you do is incredible, and you and the team here really need to be Intervention (ECEI) participants. 1,956 commended. We work with families to develop integrated, “As I mentioned, I have attended therapy with Andrew since he was six weeks therapeutic solutions to achieve their goals. Our old. Honestly, I have never felt so empowered and confident in knowing how to services are flexible and tailored for each child Postcodes: help him or understand what is driving his behaviour and learning. It has been according to their individual learning potential and fabulous, and I look forward to coming back again in January.” functional ability. 50 up from 31 postcodes *This story has been de-identified to protect the privacy of the family Immersion Weeks Families stay with us at Manly and access therapy Windmill program sessions with our team of Occupational Therapists, breakdown: Speech Pathologists and Psychologists, who work together to support the family, focussing on their Camps specific goals. Immersion (in Manly) Windmill Camps Telecare Highlight Our specialist recreation and therapy school holiday camps run for four days. They are for country kids 150% increase in Windmill aged 9-12 with an NIDS plan who need support to Gender split: participants, with the build self-confidence, create positive connections support of the Disability with peers and carers, and explore new activities to Sector Scale-Up (DSSU) step outside their comfort zone. Business Acceleration The camps work towards NDIS Capacity Building Grant Program we received and Social and Community Participation goals, last year from the NSW combining group therapy sessions with recreational Department of Industry (DOI). The grant is enabling activities such as rock climbing and cooking, which us to scale our technology, are designed to encourage and develop teamwork, infrastructure and staff positive relationship building and emotion recruitment, for increased management. services for remote Parents and carers have opportunities to network communities with a focus with other parents, as well as attend group training on Aboriginal families sessions. across NSW.

Windmill Telecare The future We provide therapy services remotely to our clients • Due to the success of in their schools or homes via video conferencing to this year’s school holiday allow country kids to access our services locally on Windmill Camps, we’ll a regular basis. have monthly camps next year. • Testing community immersion weeks.

22 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 23 Fundraising

Ride for Country Kids 2019 April of this year saw us travel to the Riverina in New South Wales for our 6th annual Ride for Country Kids. Sixty-three riders, plus our crew and support team undertook the challenging and inspiring event as it travelled through the heartland of Royal Far West, from Albury to Lake In profile: Cargelligo. These are communities where Our Branch children and families are in need of our services. It was very meaningful 18 Branches, for our riders to receive a unique network including 4 op shops, insight into the challenges these communities face, and the riders raised were able to share their compassion and support to families, schools and $280,000+ community groups along the route. Royal Far West’s Branches continue to play a crucial This year our first Royal Far West role in our 95-year history. family Ride Ambassador, Nathan Historically, Branches raised the majority of our funds Taylor, joined the ride, adding a each year, and even with an ageing member-base valuable dimension as he shared his and drought in many of their communities, the personal story so that the riders could dedicated Branch Members and volunteers continue understand first-hand how Royal Far to contribute significantly to our fundraising. West has positively impacted on his Branch regions: family’s life. April 2019 – Ride for Country Kids comes Bourke to West Wyalong! Coonamble It was a pleasure to be hosted by the West Wyalong Coffs Harbour (op shop) Community fundraising Branch Members during this year’s Ride. The Members Deepwater Royal Far West was supported by our wonderful friends put on an amazing afternoon tea at Wyalong Public Dubbo 63 riders in the Northern Beaches and other communities who School to refresh the riders on their last stop for the donated their time and effort to help fundraise for day. The Branch then hosted more than 90 riders and Dubbo Wagon Wheel Club country kids. Albury to crew for dinner at the West Wyalong Bowling Club, Forbes (op shop) We continued our long-standing friendships with the Bold where everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of Lake Cargelligo Gravesend and the Beautiful swim squad, the CWA throughout NSW, the Branch and their community. We are exceptionally Grenfell various chapters of Rotary and Lions, Boyce Chartered grateful to them. Accountants, along with wonderful new relationships, Hay 450km+ such as Doyle Brothers and The Sebel Manly Beach. June 2019 – Annual Conference Leeton We were delighted to welcome 31 Branch Members Manildra Over $550,000 from 12 Branches to our 2019 Branch Conference – the Nyngan total revenue raised Venue hire first to be held in the Centre for Country Kids. for kids With the opening of our state-of-the-art Centre for Orange Country Kids has come the opportunity to hire various The three-day conference was a wonderful opportunity Port Macquarie (op shop) spaces of the Centre outside of working hours as an to acknowledge the marvellous contribution of all Quirindi additional welcome income stream. We now have several Royal Far West Branches and their Members, as well as ongoing weekly arrangements with local businesses and celebrate a number of milestone anniversaries – Port Trundle (op shop) community groups as well as playing host at corporate Macquarie’s 85 years, Forbes and Trundle each with 80 West Wyalong events, Board meetings and functions. years, and 70 years for Coffs Harbour.

24 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 25 Fundraising Financial summary Government, Philanthropy & The following summary provides an overview Executive team of the financial performance for the year. Corporate Partnerships The 2018/19 year had a degree of extraordinary Lindsay Cane AM financial activity for Royal Far West. A Chief Executive Officer net surplus of $20.746m was recorded, largely driven by the final instalments of 2018/19 saw us go from strength to Highlights: strength in the level of support and extraordinary funding for the completion of the new purpose-built Centre for Country Kids recognition for our services from Katherine Burchfield (CCK) in Manly, occupied in late 2018. This the NSW Government, business Thanks to the NSW and Federal Governments' long-term support of our Health Director surplus was derived from $23.825m in non- and philanthropic sectors. Our mission, their granting of significant funding allowed Royal Far West to recurrent revenue which were contributions open our state-of-the-art Centre for Country Kids in December 2018 partners are crucial in assisting us to to the Centre for Country Kids construction, advocate for country kids, families offset by a planned operating deficit of $3.1m and communities to address the Jacqui Emery Business Director for the year. unrelenting demand for our services. Secured $19.7m over seven years from the Commonwealth Department of Health to expand our Telecare for Kids program and The Royal Far West business operations for the The future create a National Paediatric Telecare Service 2018/19 year had a strong growth focus and Mark Audet the Board and Executive invested significantly More than ever, we need the Chief Financial Officer in delivering more services to a greater support of individuals, corporations, With the assistance of The Hon. Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Royal Far West, in number of children and families in need. philanthropists and governments to partnership with Charles Sturt University, launched the "Stories of the Larger expense items that contributed to the enable us to deliver our benevolent Invisible Children" report at Parliament House in Canberra. The report operating deficit were the $3.2m planned services deeper and wider into our documents the lived experience of rural families who struggle to get investment in people and infrastructure necessary health and developmental support for their children nation’s rural and remote communities. How our funds were sourced to deliver services, $1.4m of non-cash depreciation, and $0.5m for the individual giving initiative to create a larger donor base. Increased support for children with mental health issues, thanks to The investment in our people and services the Thyne Reid Foundation Assets & Investments $2,257,237 continues to increase Royal Far West’s impact in terms of growing the number of children Fundraising Commenced a pilot program with the NSW Department of and families supported, while the investment Education to provide school counselling services to students in $6,047,577 in brand and fundraising capability is driving remote communities Government Grants Royal Far West towards a more financially sustainable future. $3,907,200 Of the $23.825m in exceptional revenue and Service Revenue Global Finalist in the Macquarie Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Award expenses, $10.825m was for CCK construction $3,419,581 funding and $13.0m was the cash contribution from NSW Department of Education (DoE) in Growth of our scholarship program with funding support from the connection with the execution of a 50-year Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of NSW Stephen Dixon Keir Memorial Fund and Pop Foundation for children lease between RFW (the lessor) and DoE (as with an urgent or ongoing need for clinical support, via Telecare How our funds were invested lessee). The significant investment in the new CCK is Continued funding from CAGES Foundation to support our work in Corporate Services now complete, and the challenge is for Royal Bourke NSW with the Maranguka Justice Reinvestment Program $1,162,178 Far West to fully leverage this physical asset to increase services to country children. With Clinical Services Support the completion of this major project, the Royal $5,674,163 Kept our Healthy Kids Bus on the road with visits to communities Far West Board will continue to invest in our throughout NSW thanks to the help of Mary Alice Foundation, Yorke Health & services and the people who deliver those Family Foundation and Schwartz Foundation Wellbeing Programs services and increase focus and investment $8,969,037 in fundraising capability. More than ever, we need the support of individuals, corporations, Australian Community Media, Schneider and HP hosted “A Night To Business Development philanthropists and governments to enable us From left: Lindsay Cane AM, RFW CEO, Hon Ken Wyatt Remember” events, cooking and serving dinner for our families at & Fundraising AM, MP and Professor Andrew Vann, Vice Chancellor and to deliver our benevolent services deeper into Manly President of Charles Sturt University $3,053,204 the rural heart communities of our nation.

26 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 27 2019 2018 2017 Corporate Statement of Revenue $ $ $ Grant from NSW Department of Health 3,907,200 3,802,098 3,709,400 governance Fundraising - Legacies & Bequests 478,236 384,144 772,511 Fundraising - Donations received from public 2,378,143 149,713 279,109 Royal Far West (ABN 378 219 708 19) is registered as Fundraising - Contributions from Branches 394,443 313,255 308,425 a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital under the provisions of the Australian Fundraising - Special purpose legacies 1,976,704 579,504 459,821 Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012. All Fundraising - Other fundraising activities 820,051 998,895 782,248 Directors are Non-Executive Directors who receive no Rebatable services 714,775 514,047 632,684 Our Board remuneration for their services. Service contracts 1,819,481 1,237,497 819,882 The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the Directors short and long-term strategies for Royal Far West. The Income from investments/rentals 2,257,237 1,235,371 2,681,576 Mrs Joan H Treweeke OAM, LLB (Melb) powers and duties of the Directors are set out in the Sundry – Accommodation revenue 885,325 740,529 416,903 Chairman Constitution of Royal Far West, and at law.

TOTAL 15,631,595 9,955,053 10,862,559 The implementation of the strategy and the day-to-day management of the organisation is formally delegated Mr Mark S Drummond by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer and her Vice Chairman Executive Team. (reappointed March 2019) Statement of Expenses 2019 2018 2017 Treasurer (until March 2019) The Board has established committees to allow detailed $ $ $ Chair Nominations, Governance & consideration of complex issues. In addition to Directors, Remuneration Committee membership of these committees includes non- Employee costs 12,430,604 9,751,916 8,819,823 FAIM, MAICD directors with relevant skills. The outcomes of committee Sessional fees 426,446 417,956 446,844 Mr Steven Grundy Treasurer (appointed March 2019) meetings are presented at the next Board meeting. Administration expenses (includes audit fees, consultants, 2,247,917 1,274,088 1,139,004 Chair Audit, Risk & Compliance The financial summary is an extract from the annual insurance, legal, travel & accommodation) Committee financial report as prepared by Royal Far West’s auditors Fundraising expenses 807,606 571,422 266,565 Mr Michael Gill MAICD Stewart Brown & Co. Repairs & maintenance expenses 154,083 178,306 180,623 Vice Chairman (until resignation March 2019) Supplies, food & catering for families 287,460 251,342 206,531 Chair Nomination, Governance & Utilities 221,388 161,036 178,908 Remuneration Committee and Investment Committee Member until Other expenses (includes cleaning, equipment, IT, 875,358 731,715 750,367 his resignation. housekeeping, fleet management, marketing & comms) Directors’ Meetings Depreciation & amortisation 1,407,720 384,197 981,668 Mr G Richard Barron ◇ Dip. Technology (Building) Number of meetings held: 7 TOTAL 18,858,582 13,721978 12,970,331 Retired November 2018 Director’s Name Number of Number meetings of eligible to meetings Mr Ted Waters OAM, BSc (math), BA attend: attended: (Economics), Teaching Certificate, MBA Mrs Joan Treweeke OAM (Chair) 7 7 Surplus / (Deficit) for the year (normalised) 2019 2018 2017 Chair Investment Committee Mr Mark S Drummond (Vice Chair) 7 6 $ $ $ , B.A. (UNE) Mr Steven Grundy (Treasurer) 7 7 Normalised net result for the year (3,079,067) $3,766,924) (2,107,772) Mr Peter J Veenstra OAM MAICD Mr Ted Waters OAM 7 5 Add / (Deduct): Nomination, Governance & Mr Peter J Veenstra OAM 7 5 Non-recurrent revenue items Remuneration Committee Member Ms Sheridan Dudley 7 7 Non-recurrent grants & other capital campaign contributions 23,825,319 14,800,676 Ms Sheridan H Dudley BA, LLB, Mr David Heard ‡ 5 5 DipCrim (Melb), MAdmin (Monash) Mr G Richard Barron □ 2 2 Net gain on disposal of property, plant & equipment 0 9,449,739 Nomination, Governance & Mr Michael Gill Δ 5 5 Net gain on disposal of financial assets 0 8,354,685 Remuneration Committee Member Key Non-recurrent expense items Mr David Heard, GAICD, MBA, BE ◇ Includes 1 Extra Ordinary Board Meeting (Elec) Accelerated depreciation – Manly Medical Centre (1,026,337) ‡ Appointed to Board 12 October 2018 Elected to the Board October 2018. □ Retired from Board 22 November 2018 Accounting net result for the year 20,746,252 27,811,839 Investment Committee and Audit, Risk Δ Resigned from Board 28 March 2019 & Compliance Committee Member

28 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 29 Eileen Campbell Nexia Australia Pty Ltd ERE Resch Trust Northern NSW LHD Board and Thank you Essential Energy Oz Harvest Estate of Alan Arthur West Pop Foundation Scheme Estate of Bob Henry De Groote PSC Insurance Brokers (Aust) Members Estate of Edmund Resch PSI Managers Royal Far West has an Estate of Joan Jenkin Restore Hope Foundation impressive alumni of Scheme and Board RFW Branches and Op Shops Estate of Lorna Jean Eshuis members, many of Estate of Norman Thomas Brien Rob Wearn whom have served Estate of Sophia Ann Parker Rotary Manly the organisation for decades. This ongoing Far West LHD South Eastern NSW PHN commitment is Benefactors & Findex Southern NSW LHD testament to the strong and safe governance of Glen Rocky Foundation Stephen Dixon Keir Memorial Partners the organisation and key Fund Glencore Coal Assets Australia to its sustainability and Akubra Hats Pty Ltd Pty Ltd Super Retail Group Limited longevity. Angel Flight Australia Good360 Business Park APP Corporation Pty Limited Goodwill Op Shops Sydney Children’s Hospital ATS Charitable Foundation Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Network Australian Chinese Charity Foundation The Coffee Club Staff and Foundation Holicombe Pty Ltd The Fusion Point Bar & Restaurant Manly volunteers Avondale Golf Club Hotel Steyne The Manildra Foundation Barry Nilsson Lawyers Hunter New England Central Royal Far West has Baxter Charitable Foundation Coast PHN The Mary Alice Foundation always been fortunate to attract incredibly The Mecure Hotel, Sydney Strategic Partners Be Centre Hunter New England LHD dedicated and Central Bill Wearn IMB Bank Community talented people who Australian Community Media The Palmdale Trust generously give their Black Dog Institute Foundation Charles Sturt University The Profield Foundation time, knowledge and Bold & Beautiful Swim Squad Inspire Management Consulting expertise to advance the Cisco Systems Australia Pty Ltd Manly Isolated Children’s Parents’ The Schwartz Foundation health and wellbeing FDC Construction & Fitout Association The Sebel Manly Beach of country children. This Boyce Chartered Accountants contribution is core to The Yorke Family Foundation HP PPS Australia Pty Ltd CAGES Foundation Lighthouse Group everything we do. Marninwarntikura Women’s Littlescribe ThinkingWorks Campbell Edwards Trust Resource Centre Thread Together Catholic Education – Diocese of Macquarie Bank NSW Department of Education Rockhampton Macquarie University Thyne Reid Foundation NSW Department of Industry Catholic Education – Diocese of Manly Business Chamber Walgett Group Aboriginal Families NSW Health Wagga Wagga Manly Fast Ferries Medical Service Prime7 Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Manly Pizza & Wine Walgett Rotary Our brave, resilient and Ronald McDonald House Sunshine Coast PHN Western NSW LHD determined children Manly Sea Eagles and families are our Charities Pty Ltd Clubs NSW Pty Ltd Marsden Park Developments Pty Whiteley Corporation reason for being. They Sargents Charitable Foundation Coca-Cola Foundation Australia Ltd Wilcannia Forbes Catholic regularly demonstrate Education Office the qualities and values Columbus Agency Mazda Foundation we aspire to as an Country Mayors Association of Mid North Coast LHD Zonta International Australia organisation and help us NSW Mirvac remember it is all about the kids. Country Women’s Association Moorambilla Voices Cromwell Property Group Morgans Foundation Foundation Mulgoa Quarries Pty Ltd CSIRO Murrumbidgee LHD Darin Cooper Foundation Murrumbidgee PHN Denrith Pty Ltd National Council of Women of Doyle Bros NSW Dual Australia Pty Ltd National Rural Health Alliance

30 royalfarwest.org.au Annual Report 2018/ 19 31 Access to the right supports at the right time can reset a child’s trajectory

Royal Far West is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected charities. Established in 1924, we are dedicated to connecting Australian country kids to the care they need. We help and support children up to 12 with developmental challenges including speech delays, learning and behavioural difficulties and mental illness by offering specialised paediatric speech, occupational therapy and psychology services. No distance is too far to help make the lives of country kids and families more enriched, resilient and joyful.