Annual Report 2016/17 Contact details Ph: (02) 8966 8500 Contents

Free call: 1800 500 061 Our Story Raising Funds & Awareness Accommodation: (02) 9466 1700 Help Country Children Thrive 2 Ride for Country Kids 33 Fax: (02) 9977 7134 100,000 Children Need Our Help 4 Individual Giving 36 Who We Are & What We Do 6 Address: 19-21 South Steyne, Community Fundraising 37 Manly, NSW, 2095 Our Patron’s Message 8 Branches & Op Shops 38 Postal: PO Box 52, Manly, NSW, 1655 Our Chairman’s Message 9 Corporate Volunteering 39 Our CEO’s Message 10 Web: www.royalfarwest.org.au Accommodation 39 Achieving Our Vision 12 Awards & Media 40 Our 2016-2020 Strategy Summary 13 Our Story – RoyalFarWest Case Study – William 41 Our Programs Royal Far West School Overview 14 Our Future Ph: 02 9977 2452 Paediatric Developmental Program 16 Centre for Child Health and Learning 42 Telecare for Kids 18 Brand Refresh 44 Parents, Health Professionals, Windmill 20 Diversification of Revenue 44 School Principals & Teachers Healthy Kids Bus Stop 22 Advocacy 46 If you believe a child in your care or in Recreation 24 your community needs our help, please Potential Challenges 47 Therapeutic Camps 25 go to the ‘How we Help’ section on our Oral Health & Wellbeing 25 website or call us to speak with our Client Governance Services team about how we can help. Innovation 26 Our People & Systems 48 Feedback 27 External Audit Organisational Structure 50 Conducted by Stewart Brown & Co. Our Story – Fragility & Friendship Exhibition 28 Financial Summary 51 ABN: 37 821 970 819 Our Story – Corporate Governance 54 Case Study – Luke 29 This Annual Report covers the period 1 July 2016 until 30 June 2017. Thank you Research & Evaluation The People & Organisations Front cover Oksana Shufrych © Shutterstock.com Key Research Initiatives 30 who help us help country children 57 Healthy Country Kids It’s our mission to improve the health Help Country Children Thrive and wellbeing of children and young people who live in rural and remote communities, with our core values being Respect Royal Far West (RFW) is a private charity that Ways you can help country children: reflected in everything we do. We value diversity provides essential developmental health and and are sensitive in other services to children living in rural and > Donate Funds directly (every donation over relationships and to remote areas across Australia to help them to $2 is tax deductible) differences. grow and thrive. > Become a RFW Regular Giver This year we raised nearly $11 million in funds > Commit a Bequest or Gift in Memory towards achieving our mission of improving Care the health and wellbeing of country children. > Celebrate an event such as your birthday, We foster an We are pleased to have been able to support and invite your guests to donate to RFW in environment that some 5,500 children, families and educators, lieu of gifts is supportive and through our multi-disciplinary services provided without judgement. in Manly via Telecare into schools and homes, > Volunteer your time, technology, services or skills and through community-based programs. Over the year more than 38,000 occasions of > Support our Events and bring your friends Energy services were delivered by our specialist team, We apply ourselves many of which were for children and families > Become a Corporate or Community Partner energetically, are with complex needs. and help us grow our support networks resilient & encourage innovation. Our goal is to be able to reach 15,000 children > Become an Academic Partner and and families. Our ability to do so is directly linked strengthen our evidence base to the donations and support we receive from > Book our Accommodation and enjoy a individuals, other charities and foundations, Integrity break in beautiful Manly corporate supporters and our government We are open, honest and accountable. partners. We seek your continued support to To discuss other ideas to support RFW and our We do what we say enable us to provide the help that more and country children, please call our Fundraising we will do. more country children and families need. and Events Team. Ph: 02 8966 8500.

2 Our Story 3

noBorders - Brayden Howie © Shutterstock.com 100,000 Children Need Our Help The Statistics

At Royal Far West, we believe that all children have the fundamental human right So why does this matter? ‘Developmentally Vulnerable’ to a high standard of health and wellbeing. Vulnerable children are at much greater risk Geography should not be a barrier to Definition of becoming vulnerable adults, especially if services or a cause for disadvantage. Sadly, The Australian Early Development they don’t receive the right support. Childhood the gap between city and country children is % Census (AEDC)7 measures vulnerability can lead to poorer educational widening. Children living in rural and remote five areas (domains) of early attainment, higher rates of chronic disease and 27 areas of Australia are up to five times as of Australian children iving in outer childhood development that form likely as those living in urban areas to have mental health, and a greater probability of regional, remote and very remote areas the foundations for later good unemployment, homelessness and crime later challenges with their developmental health. are developmentally vunerable at the health, education and social in life. In addition to the personal impact, this There are 27% of Australian children living time they start school 3 outcomes. These domains are: in outer regional, remote and very remote creates significant and potentially preventable Physical health and wellbeing; areas who are developmentally vulnerable costs to communities in education, Social competence; Emotional at the time they start school.1 One in three of unemployment, health, social welfare and maturity; Language and cognitive skills (school-based); these children cannot access the health and criminal justice, and a weighty burden on our of Indigenous children are developmentally and Communication skills and developmental services they need because society as a whole. % general knowledge. The measure of where they live. vulnerable in one or more domains at the Imagine our nation without a vibrant and 42 time they start school 4 is applied at a point in time when This means that more than 100,0002 country resilient rural Australia? At RFW we believe that children start school. children need help. And the number of tackling childhood vulnerability is an important A child is classified on the AEDC children experiencing developmental, health and social issue as well as an important as being ‘developmentally behavioural and mental health issues that economic issue. Childhood developmental Our Call to Action vulnerable’ if they score in impact on their ability to learn, grow and be vulnerability that remains unaddressed has the lowest 10 per cent of the happy is increasing. Please help us to turn this an enormous impact on our nation’s human of children and adolescents national population in one of situation around, to reduce the capital, growth and prosperity. We believe that % aged 4-17 in rural areas have the five domains. If they score number of children who are at 5 reducing childhood vulnerability is a regional mental health concerns in the lowest 10 per cent in risk of not being able to reach 16 development imperative. two domains, this is referenced their full potential because of as being developmentally geographical, social, financial Providing this support and tackling vulnerable in two or more AEDC or other disadvantage. Your gift developmental vulnerability in rural and % of rural and remote communities have little or no domains. remote communities is an investment in our of time, money or support will always be appreciated and go to access to support for childhood development, or future as a nation – in our children, our rural 32 a great cause – thriving country choice in how they access services 6 and agricultural communities, our civil society children! and our regions.

4 Our Story 5

Olesia Bilkei © Shutterstock.com Who We Are & What We Do

RFW is one of Australia’s oldest and most and families with complex needs, where no local respected charities. Established in 1924 as a services exist. The NSW Health/RFW partnership summer holiday camp for country children, is a powerful example of how the government RFW has consistently adapted to meet the and a reputable non-profit organisation can needs of rural and remote communities. work together to extend limited resources and Today we are dedicated to helping country do more for people living in hard-to-reach, rural children and families manage, and in some and remote communities. cases resolve, developmental, behavioural and mental health issues so they can thrive. Through our team of 65 paediatric, multi- disciplinary clinical specialists, our teaching RFW demonstrates almost one hundred friends in the RFW School, our Hospitality, years of commitment to improving the Recreation and Support staff and the health, wellbeing and learning outcomes of innovative use of technology, we support country children. We provide a unique child isolated and vulnerable country children aged development service that is highly specialised, 0-12 with developmental and health issues. child and family centred and reflects a deep We have particular expertise in working with Our Vision understanding of country communities. children and families with complex needs. Healthy Country Children

We work in partnership with schools, healthcare This year we were privileged to individually providers including Aboriginal Medical Services, support 2,805 children, many of whom attended local government and community groups to for more than one intensive visit to Manly, fund and deliver multidisciplinary services, build and we delivered 38,489 occasions of service. Our Mission capacity and advocate. We do this to achieve To improve the health and Our aim is to reach many more children and sustainable outcomes for children most at risk. wellbeing of children and young families in need, and to work to support those people who live in rural and Our commitment is to provide services where local services that already exist in our rural and remote communities, with our none are available and to build local capacity. remote communities. Our ability to extend our core values being reflected in service is directly linked to the will and capacity Our long standing relationship with NSW Health everything we do. has enabled us to go boldly into hard-to-reach of our friends in the government, corporate and parts of NSW to deliver health services to children philanthropic sectors to do more.

6 Our Story 7

Ros Fraser © Shutterstock.com From Our Chairman

In 2016/17 the gifts that Royal Far West Just on six years ago RFW came to a building. Most importantly, we thank the NSW wish to thank every loyal volunteer, corporate received from our many friends and crossroads, having departed from its aged and Federal Governments for lending their partner, donor, Branch and Scheme Member, supporters totalled nearly $11 million, care business and needing to re-establish itself unequivocal support to the development of government member and member of staff enabling us to invest significantly as a significant provider of care for country the new Centre as an asset for children across for their passionate and generous support for country children. The need to gift specialist into our children’s services and new children. Lindsay Cane was appointed CEO not only NSW, but the nation as a whole. The and was charged with identifying the greatest healthcare and learning support to children programs. We are appreciative of remainder of the funds will be derived from need of country children that RFW could philanthropic capital donations and the and families living in country Australia is as the wonderful, continued support support. After careful evaluation, Lindsay and release of land assets if required. urgent today as it was when our doors opened and generosity of our corporate her team focused on developing a growth in the 1920s. and government partners, Scheme strategy that was primarily focused on the This year was also one in which we sought to Members, Branch Members and our widening gap of developmental vulnerability strengthen and refresh our Governance and Lindsay and her Executive team have once community friends and donors. We in country children. New initiatives such as Board membership, processes and policies. again performed strongly, juggling many appreciate every gesture and every Telecare for Kids, Windmill and the Healthy As part of that quality improvement drive, the priorities and creating new opportunities. Kids Bus Stop child-health screening program Board committed to an external performance Lindsay’s leadership and the skill of her team has gift that is offered to us, and thank inspired the Board, staff, our partners and clients. every new person who comes into the were built on a platform of research, evidence, review and improvement program. evaluation and advocacy. This is a significant I thank my fellow Directors for their commitment RFW family to support our mission. In late May we were saddened to hear of the milestone for RFW, making remarkable progress and wise advice throughout the year. The RFW mandate is as true today as it over the last six years and I congratulate passing of Ray Griffiths OAM. Ray was a Royal was nearly 94 years ago, when Reverend Lindsay and her team for their material Far West Board Member for 35 years, including With support from so many people, I look Stanley Drummond brought children from achievements during this period. 32 years as our Treasurer, before retiring in forward to a wonderful year ahead. the far west of NSW to Manly for a holiday 2008. His astute financial planning created by the sea and my grandfather, Dr George This last year saw the commencement of a stable financial base on which generated Richard Barron Moncrieff Barron, the surgeon in Manly, construction of the Centre for Child Health and the significant corpus we have today. His Chairman entered into a pact with Rev. Drummond, Learning building that will enable integration contribution was extraordinary and significant. stating, “You look after their souls, Padre, of the RFW Medical Centre and RFW School and I will look after their bodies”. The and provide a contemporary environment A special part of my role as Chairman is organisation grew from there, founded for our staff and families. We acknowledge to be able to thank the many people and on the need to support the health and the important contribution of the NSW State organisations that help RFW to deliver on its wellbeing of country children. and Federal Governments in providing $20 mission of improving the health and wellbeing million of the $35 million needed for the new of country children. On behalf of the Board I

8 Our Story 9 Lindsay Cane (left) with One great success during the year was to 75 schools this year. Our fundraising revenue June Oscar AO our Windmill Program. Royal Far West was increased by 25.6% to $2.6 million, and our From Our CEO rewarded for our “no-distance-too-far” signature event, Ride For Country Kids, raised attitude in using technology to deliver services an incredible $638,000 of this amount. We thank to isolated communities and children with our good friends FDC Construction & Fitout as A year of transformation - 2016/17 disabilities. We were recognised as joint winner our major supporter, along with many other As the CEO of this unique and inspiring charity of the National Disability Services 2017 NSW corporate friends, for helping to make the Ride it gives me great pleasure to report on our Disability Innovation Award in the category a fantastic event year on year. 2016/17 year, one in which we have begun of ‘Innovation in Improving Outcomes for We also strengthened the capacity of our to enjoy the fruits of our bold investment and Children and Young People’. This award Business Development Team, bringing in planning over the previous three years. has firmly established us as an innovative disability provider, giving us a higher profile and expertise to help us refresh the RFW brand and We achieved some great wins. The extension exposure to clients in need. It sits alongside our raise our public profile and fundraising abilities. of our Telecare for Kids service into new and new status as a registered National Disability The refreshed brand will convey our unique and and presentations, and we remain deeply remote communities in Queensland as well as Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider. leading role in paediatric health and wellbeing appreciative of the genuine care, engagement other parts of NSW has been an inspiration to for country children. and perpetual support that we receive from The Revenue generated for 2016/17 was $10.9 everyone. Our challenge to ourselves, to take Governor and Mrs Hurley. “You are my Sunshine” million, a slight increase on last year. This To give country children a stronger voice our face-to-face expertise and use technology rings through the halls of RFW whenever Mrs came from a number of sources including at the planning table in future, we have to help us deliver “virtual” health services via Hurley gives us the pleasure of her company. an increased contribution from charitable strengthened our Evidence and Advocacy Telecare, has been a game-changer. Many trusts, foundations and bequests. A pleasing Platform. We are seeking to make a greater NSW Health continued its commitment to new relationships have been developed with area of growth was in our accommodation contribution both nationally and locally to policy partner with us to support vulnerable children isolated rural and remote primary schools and and hospitality service. The year ended with development. In response to concerns about across rural and remote NSW. This year NSW preschools that are seeking support for students a planned operating deficit of $1.126 million the growing vulnerability of country children, Health contributed $3.7 million to our service who present with conduct, behavioural and which was a result of a deliberate strategic we commissioned a system-wide review of the costs, which is just over one third of our annual learning issues. Rural teachers and Principals investment in our people and our systems. We state of children’s developmental and mental budget. RFW sought to match this contribution report feeling well supported; families report also accelerated our depreciation write-down health in rural and remote Australia from the so that together, NSW Health and RFW could dramatic improvements in their children’s on the Medical Centre ahead of the planned Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Centre deliver health and support services for children speech and mental health because they can transition into our new Centre for Child Health for Community Child Health. This resource will be with complex needs deeper into outer regions access sustained services for the first time; and Learning late in 2018. The assets of RFW widely shared with our friends in government, of NSW. I thank the members of the Board who and our clinicians are inspired to create new – land, financial and human – are judiciously the corporate sector and other not-for-profits so inspire, encourage and support me. I thank our therapeutic programs to support more children managed by the management team and we can work together to tackle developmental wonderful corporate and community friends, and families. carefully given oversight by our very engaged vulnerability in rural and remote communities. our Branch and Op Shop members and each Board of Directors. The opportunity to work with and every RFW volunteer for their contribution The most visible change this year was the a range of assets to support the business is not I would like to acknowledge all the wonderful to help us deliver on our mission of supporting levelling of the Elsie Hill building - in readiness for something all charities have to hand, and RFW is people and organisations that support our work and strengthening country children. I thank my our Centre for Child Health and Learning. We extremely diligent in nurturing and utilising these to improve health outcomes and life trajectories talented Executive colleagues for their incredible were immensely proud to receive the support of assets to enable us to serve more children. for country children. contributions this year, and our staff team for both the NSW State and Federal Governments. their passion to give of themselves to support Generous private donor support, including a Our investment in extra staff has enabled us to This year we enjoyed the company of our country children to reach their full potential. large gift from our good friend, the Sargents Pies increase our Telecare service, which resulted in Patron, His Excellency General The Honourable Charitable Foundation, has been vital, allowing an 87% increase in the number of schools we David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of Lindsay Cane construction to commence. supported via Telecare, from 40 schools last year NSW and Mrs Hurley at RFW for various events Chief Executive Officer

10 Our Story 11 Strategy 2016-2020 Summary Achieving Our Strategic Priorities are: Performance 1 Strive for Service Excellence Our Service Model our Vision – by putting quality and outcomes at Measurement the heart of what we do To achieve our vision of healthy Comprehensive tactical plans were Service Capacity country children, last year we Advocacy finalised this year to enable us to launched our five-year strategic Delivery Building measure our performance against our plan to 2020. This plan is the Extend our Reach five strategic priorities. To capture the 2 – supporting more children and families cornerstone on which we will impact of our services we are measuring across rural and remote Australia Manly Virtual build our capacity and services Community our outputs, using information from a to deliver on our “2020 and number of qualitative and quantitative beyond” goal of supporting sources including our program 15,000 children and families. 3 Empower Communities performance metrics, data and insights – partnering with communities to collated by our research team, our The plan reflects two headline support child health and wellbeing Strategic Pillars RFW Consumer Advisory Committee, shifts for RFW: moving to a academic partners, key industry bodies, national remit, and broadening health partners and government. We will our focus to service delivery, use these findings to continually refine capacity building and Champion Country Kids Families and Values and improve our services. 4 – building a better evidence base on rural child health Country Kids Access and Partnership advocacy. and wellbeing, and using it to influence policy change Our services Equity We work in Communities We value our Our strategic priorities and pillars and programs We seek partnership with We understand people, our support our vision, inform our are focused to improve governments, the importance donors, our decision making and enable us on children access to schools and of family and volunteers and to deliver on our goals. 5 Strengthen our Business up to 12 years health services, local services community supporters. We – being an innovative, improving organisation of age with and reduce to make best for a child’s strive to make with a sustainable funding model developmental inequalities in use of limited wellbeing. We every dollar and this access, resources to work with them count, and to behavioural support children through service to meet their make a real Visit our website to view our issues who live and families delivery, needs and difference to Strategic Plan at royalfarwest.org.au in rural and capacity build capacity children’s lives remote areas of building and Australia advocacy

12 Our Story 13

Dubova © Shutterstock.com 2% Northern NSW

Our Our Clients Lightning Ridge We are pleased to have been able to support some Walgett Programs 5,500 children, families and educators, Dorrigo Urunga through our multi-disciplinary services provided in Manly and via Telecare Bellingen into schools and homes, and through community-based programs. Nambucca RFW provides a range of programs % Tamworth 35 16% Bowraville to support country children, families % % 0.7 and communities. These programs are 26.1 6.6% 12.2% Lord Howe Island Year Total number of clients Percentage of clients by Delivery Channel Cobar delivered at our dedicated centre in Nyngan Hunter New England 5% Manly, by Telecare and in communities @Manly @ Telecare @Community Mid North Coast through targeted outreach. 2016-17 2,805 47% 24% 29% Broken Hill Western NSW Dubbo Our programs are child and family Muswellbrook focused, and work fluidly across health, 2015-16 2,557 47% 17% 36% Parkes education and social care to achieve 1.5% the best possible outcomes. Lake Cargelligo Central Coast Bathurst 20.5% At RFW, children and families often 1% receive support from multiple West Wyalong Nepean Blue Mountains programs. In the last year we have We help children and families with Hay % of 1055 unique O’Connell invested heavily in our systems and developmental issues including: 28% Temora 4% Queensland Where our 26.6% 0.06% data and for the first time can report • Anxiety and major depressive conditions PDP Illawarra Shoalhaven on the number of unique clients clients Wagga Wagga participating in our core programs. • Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders Narrawallee Clients Live Glenfield Park • Autism % of 681 unique This year we delivered services to 2,805 Most of RFW’s clients come from NSW, Murrumbidgee unique clients, a 10% increase on the • Behavioural and conduct disorders with the majority living in the Western Telecare previous year. We delivered a total NSW and Murrumbidgee regions, clients 9% Surf Beach • Early life trauma 5.1% of 38,489 Occasions of Service (an followed by Hunter New England and Southern NSW • Speech and language delays average of 14 OOS per client, of which Southern NSW. Around 20% of our Locations of our Telecare clients are in Queensland, and 0.6% 26% was via Telecare and 5% was in • Intellectual Disability and Global we have a small but growing number of ’s Western Australia community). These numbers do not Developmental Delay HKBS include parents/carers and siblings who clients from Western Australia. participate in our parent workshops, Locations of our education sessions, RFW School and Our goal is to continue to expand our

our therapeutic recreation program. boarders and to go where we are Windmill families Please go to royalfarwest.org.au for more most needed. information about our Programs.

14 15 Ages Paediatric Developmental Program 16% aged 13+

Our Paediatric Developmental Program (PDP) support between visits to Manly increased, and Feedback is a unique, specialist multidisciplinary service 5% of our support was provided via Telecare 64% for children with complex developmental in Paediatric, Psychiatry and School feedback From a Mum: A huge thank you 20% aged 7-12 issues from rural and remote NSW who cannot sessions. We have sharpened our focus on to everyone within the Royal Far aged 1-6 otherwise access local services. trauma-informed practice and family-centred West team/network/community. care and increased our work with parents, You guys are simply amazing!! The PDP is a residential program at Manly running Tuning Into Kids workshops once a We cannot say enough about for children aged 0-12 years of age and month and weekly regulation sessions to teach their families who would benefit from a parents how to help their children remain calm. how totally awesome our entire multidisciplinary view or a second opinion. We experience has been. To simply see provide assessment, diagnosis and support some spark, a little light, and that services through our team of experienced smile you all have put into Robbie’s Statistics clinicians who specialise in child development heart & soul (and mine). It’s so and the assessment and management of inspiring to be here, your entire complex needs. new clients visits to Manly team is just brilliant. I have learnt 279 Families stay onsite for up to a week, with so much, we will learn together the children attending RFW’s onsite NSW now. We cannot wait to continue existing client visits to Manly Department of Education School when not this journey with you in the coming 776 in appointments. We offer a therapeutic months/year. From the very top to Children were from towns recreation program and parenting sessions. We In 2016/17, RFW ran 259 feedback the bottom. THANK YOU. We are also support access to a play therapy program 172 videolink sessions with schools. looking forward now. Jen & Robbie for children who have experienced significant These sessions are a critical (June 2017), xxxx Occasions of Service trauma and need additional support. communication and planning tool for the PDP, allowing RFW clinicians * Names have been changed to protect our clients and 21,518 Families often participate in the PDP for several their families years, and make multiple visits to RFW. In and teachers to engage with the referrals to local services (where available) between visits, we work with local schools and child’s local school, clinicians and 517 services to support families, and use Telecare parents to explain assessment wherever possible to support review and and diagnosis results and discuss clients completed their program(s) therapy. appropriate strategies to support the child in their local environment. 129 In 2016/17, there has been a significant male increase in referrals to the PDP. The demand for 75%

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vitec © Shutterstock.com Ages Service delivery Feedback From a Principal: “Our school has been in partnership with Royal Far West for Telecare For Kids 4% the last 2 years to access support for aged 13+ 38% 15% our kids - learning that otherwise is Connecting aged 1-6 into homes impossible…. Previously there was no option of support at all. Due to our country children to 58% 80% < 5% isolation and remoteness there was aged 7-12 simply no other viable option available specialist care into schools into clinics to access specialist support for these RFW’s Telecare for Kids program kids. They just continued to experience connects country children with breakdowns in all oral communications our clinicians based in Manly for in all aspects of their lives. The specialist assessment, therapy Statistics program has been a lifeline for our and capacity building in their kids and their future prospects in life. communities via videolink. I cannot underestimate the value of Telecare for Kids is proving clients this opportunity for our kids and for our transformative in improving 681 Outcomes learning community. The impact on the access to services and reducing student learning outcomes has been male • 85% met or developmental vulnerability in rural phenomenal. Imagine being 5 years exceeded therapy and remote communities. We are 66% goals (720 goals set old and not being able to speak and the only national multidisciplinary Occasions of Service in total) communicate properly? The limitations Telecare provider that is dedicated 9,945 and impact would disadvantage one to rural and remote children and • 90% of parents in all areas for the rest of their life. The families. were satisfied or schools - 87% increase on last year program has been a game changer for very satisfied with In 2016/17 we significantly increased 75 the quality of care our kids and their learning.” the depth and breadth of our provided by their Telecare for Kids program, working Children from towns accessed the service child’s clinician with 681 clients in 75 schools in NSW 127 Parent comment: “It was wonderful that • 93% of parents would and Queensland. We increased Demand for RFW Tele-Mental Health the service has speech therapy for my enrol their child in our focus on training and capacity services grew threefold and is set Speech Therapy is most in demand at nearly another Telecare child. He really enjoyed his sessions building for rural parents, early to become our largest Telecare program if needed and his speech has improved.” intervention in preschools to support service by 2020. of services readiness to learn, and mental • 93% of parents health early intervention services. 60% would recommend the service to other parents

18 19 Statistics Feedback Parent comment: “Before coming to RFW Windmill we had no real concept of what was in front of us. We didn’t grasp all of Tim’s* Powering ability new clients needs and weren’t informed of just how 37 complex his needs are. The team at RFW together male explained and taught us so much. The Launched in November 2015, 80% goals are so clear and achievable now, Windmill is an innovative disability something we didn’t feel before coming to service dedicated to children aged Ages clients the Windmill program. 2-12 years from rural and remote 3-7 “We now know how to talk to Tim for communities who are eligible for NDIS and DSS federal funding. Families may new to RFW him to understand us. We now have also choose to privately purchase 89% that connection with him and are able Windmill services. to inject ourselves into his world so that Occasions of Service every moment is a learning opportunity. During 2016/17 the program 216 Previously we felt as if we lived beside Tim, overcame the barriers of geography, we are now with him. launching our Telecare service, Children were from towns in addition to our intensive early 14 “The Windmill program at RFW has changed intervention therapy blocks provided our lives after one visit. When Tim was in Manly. diagnosed in Oct 2016 it felt like our world RFW and the Windmill Program were got knocked off its axis. Everything we formally recognised for excellence knew as parents was irrelevant in the and innovation to improve outcomes autism world. We received limited help in for people with disability as a joint our isolated town and would travel 300km winner of the 2017 NSW Disability to Dubbo for a 45 minute speech session. Innovation Award in the ‘Innovation in The Windmill program was so intensive and Improving Outcomes for Children and Outcomes so unique to us that it feels like our world Young People’ category. • 80% of families achieved their has been knocked back into line. We RFW is a NDIS approved provider. SMART goals during the visit feel supported, in control and on track to • 100% satisfaction rates provide Tim the best opportunity for success Registered in life. We can’t wait to come back!” NDIS Provider *Name changed to ensure the privacy of our client and his family

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Denis Kuvaev © Shutterstock.com Ages Feedback Healthy 26 children 30 children Parent: “Prior to the Healthy Kids Bus aged 6-7 Stop assessment we had no idea that aged 0-2 our son needed help with his speech. He Kids Bus is now receiving therapy and we have 121 children 146 children already noticed a difference – he is more confident and his speech is clearer.” Stop aged 5 aged 3 “The Healthy Kids Bus Stop visit is part RFW’s award-winning Healthy of the Nambucca Valley Integrated Kids Bus Stop program provides a 217 children Care Program, bringing together health comprehensive, multi-disciplinary aged 4 service providers from across the health screening and pathway region. Welcoming the bus to our local to care for 3-5 year old children, area ensures our children are able to aiming to improve their school access this important health assessment readiness through the detection Statistics program.” Mid North Coast Local Health of lifestyle risk factors, delayed District Director Allied Health & Integrated development and/or illness. Care, Bronwyn Chalker The program is delivered in rural weeks on the road and remote communities in 8 Murrumbidgee Local Health District collaboration with local services HKBS locations Chief Executive Jill Ludford says that and schools. 11 the program provides the opportunity Prior to each Bus Stop we to connect a child’s local GP with the partner and consult with multiple communities towns Child and Family Health Nurse and other organisations in each region to plan 22 65 local and specialist services, providing a whole picture of a child’s health and and identify appropriate children children screened in the area for screening, including developmental needs. “The Healthy Kids health providers, preschools and 544 Bus Stop visit brings together a range of primary schools. Children identified assessments health service providers from across the as requiring further assessment 2,365 region. Having the bus come visit West are referred to appropriate local Wyalong ensured our local children were services for ongoing care and of children were referred for follow-up able to access this important health intervention. Children with complex 74% screening program, which can have a needs may also be referred to huge impact on their future health and our PDP service. Our screenings male education outcomes,” Jill explains. in Walgett were conducted in 54% partnership with the Walgett non-Indigenous Aboriginal Medical Service. 25%

22 23 Oral Health & Wellbeing Poor oral health in childhood is a strong predictor of poor adult oral health, Recreation which can lead to health issues including diabetes, obesity and oral cancer. At RFW, we provide a range of oral health services and education Our dedicated Recreation team plays a vital Feedback from to children and families who have difficulty accessing these locally. role in the RFW service model. The team runs a weekly program of therapeutic recreation children and parents RFW’s dedicated dental service provides check-ups and treatment, activities that further supports the goals of our and specialises in dental work for children with intellectual disability or children and their families when they are in “Had the best time ever and behaviour issues. Manly for the PDP, Windmill or Therapy Camps. absolutely loved all of it!” Our philanthropic Orthodontic Program for children with significant The recreation program aims to build confidence malocclusion is run onsite at Manly. Children receive ongoing treatment for and skills in a fun environment and improve “Staff are awesome” an average of four years. outcomes for clients and their siblings through a range of physical and creative activities, “Great things to do and great This year, a total of 484 children accessed our Oral Health Unit. We also including sensory play, active movement, and people” developed a new Oral Health Education program that is available to all creative play. families that visit us in Manly. The program aims to ensure that families follow good oral health routines and understand the long-term benefits of this. “Kids loved it” Highlights Therapeutic Camps • Veggie Garden and Cooking Program, where “My child loved everything” the children spend time in our veggie garden, Our health and wellbeing camps are designed to educate, build Statistics and then cook, using at least one ingredient capacity and give confidence to children and their parents, all “Get to do a lot of things we from the garden within a fun, relaxed environment while staying at RFW. children accessed the RFW have not done before” • Triangle Café for parents (the children prepare Orthodontic Program and received In 2016/17 we ran two camps: and cook the food and serve it to their families) 144 “We love you all, thank you for • Dance & karaoke Occasions of Service • Family scavenger hunt giving my son the best fun” RFW Autism Camp focused on children developing skills 659 • Family games nights “Being able to participate and making new friends, and parents in understanding and • Rock climbing communicating about their child’s diagnosis. accessed our dental in things” • Fishing program and received • Swimming lessons 344 “The kids got to socialise and • Nature walks Occasions of Service have fun” Wellington Indigenous Leaders Camp focused on providing • Beach games education and inspiration to ‘at risk’ Indigenous youth to 780 encourage better life choices for them and their peers.

24 25 Memorandum of Understanding Following exchange of visits between RFW staff and Fitzroy Crossing community leaders, Innovation “Following the HKBS I have a Memorandum of Understanding was signed “Thank you so much between RFW and Marninwarntikura Women’s been able to get my daughter This year has seen RFW develop and test various for your support! RFW is Resource Centre (MWRC) in October 2016. RFW’s into speech therapy and new service models with key partners - pooling Cloncurry Integrated amazing and so are all their expertise in trauma-informed, family-centred care she has already started to resources, drawing on the use of Telecare, and Mental Health Model was just what community leaders June Oscar AO kind, friendly staff. My son is working with local organisations to enhance improve. The bus stop was a still currently a patient and and Emily Carter were looking for to support their great help to connect me with services and outcomes. In each case, communities North and West Remote Health and RFW, with the community in building capacity and services for will be for many years.” have invited our team to work with them to support of Aurizon and Cloncurry Council, worked children with complex needs. June and Emily’s services, and I am looking enhance local capacity and services. together to develop a specialist Allied Health vision is for a “harm-free Fitzroy Valley”, where FASD forward to seeing more (Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy) and and the consequences of Early Life Trauma are progress.” Mental Health service for children in the Cloncurry no longer having a devastating impact on their Wide Bay Early Shire. RFW partnered with local clinicians to deliver people, and their community feels empowered counselling, occupational therapy and speech to manage the complex needs of their children therapy via Telecare to children aged 4-8 who today. RFW is honoured to work with MWRC and Intervention Model were developmentally vulnerable and showing Denise McCale Andrews, Katherine Burchfield and Lillian Chestnut other stakeholders, illustrating that through a RFW has worked with Central Queensland, Wide early signs of, or at risk of, developing a mental strong partnership spanning 4,000km, solutions are Bay and Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network illness. In addition to enhancing service access, possible. to implement an enhanced Paediatric Early the model was designed to build the capability of Intervention Allied Health service model for local local staff and schools to support children. Fitzroy Crossing FEEDBACK preschools, using Telecare. Following initial work on the ground with local stakeholders, RFW delivered ‘Marurra-U’ Partnership a combination of capacity building and therapy Murrumbidgee Under our long term partnership with “By helping these kids to services into participating preschools using Marninwartikura Women’s Resource Centre Telecare. Eighty-five per cent of children achieved “This is my first time here and receive the therapy they need, ‘Connect For Kids’ (MWRC), RFW visited the Fitzroy Crossing you are not only helping them or exceeded at least one of their therapy goals community twice to increase community my response is so positive, and qualitative data showed positive outcomes RFW partnered with Murrumbidgee Primary Health knowledge and capacity to support children with they have created a place to find their voice. You are relating to child development and behaviour, staff Network to develop a ‘virtual’ psychology service developmental issues, including those impacted with such overwhelming helping them grow into more knowledge and skill and parental satisfaction. An to provide short term counselling for children by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and support by people who confident, happier kids. You are expanded model will run in 2017/18. aged up to 15 years who have mild to moderate early life trauma, and develop our understanding really care for your child. giving them an opportunity to mental health symptoms. Initially a strategy to of community needs. We also hosted MWRC Thank you Royal Far West learn new skills, build stronger reduce waiting lists in the area, this model is now staff in Manly. Building on this work, in 2017-18 we relationships and hopefully an established option for children in need of and all the people who have will pilot alternative service models, including a achieve all their hopes and counselling or other psychological support. therapeutic camp and Telecare programs, to test touched our lives.” dreams!” Teacher, Qld. the appropriateness and effectiveness of these models for Aboriginal families in the community.

June Oscar AO (back) with Emily Carter and Lindsay Cane 26 27 Fragility and Friendship Case Study Luke

Photography Exhibition Like many of our families, Luke comes from a reinforcement and curriculum based therapy rural area of NSW, where he lived too far away activities during the sessions. to attend regular speech therapy services. Using our Telecare services, he can access By the end of the term Luke was able to 100% regular therapy at his school. correctly segment words into syllables. Last year we engaged curator Jean- Luke’s skills and confidence grew over the Francois Lanzarone to create Fragility and Luke has a family history of speech and term. By the end of term Luke was able to Friendship, a photographic celebration language difficulties. He had not accessed correctly say 80% of new multisyllabic words. of RFW’s unique story. The exhibition speech therapy services for many years when He was able to confidently give a speech in captured authentic, happy and often he was referred to RFW Telecare by his class class and complete a five minute voiceover for stark moments in the lives of RFW children teacher at age nine. Luke’s teacher reported a class project. His class teacher and teacher’s over the decades. that his speech difficulties meant that he did not have the confidence to speak in class. aide were very happy with his progress and The exhibition made its public debut at sent emails outlining their excitement at him NSW Parliament House from 25 July to Luke attended eight Telecare Speech Therapy being about to complete classroom speaking 19 August 2016, and our media partner sessions with the support of a teacher’s aide, activities with confidence and good skills. Prime7 filmed the event, giving us strong who completed a follow up session with him coverage in regional and rural areas. each week. The focus of his sessions was his production of speech sounds, particularly the Thanks to our friends at MAF, Canon, Kayell transitions between sounds and syllables in and TAF for their invaluable support. multisyllabic words, and his ability to listen to syllables and sounds within words. Words from Visit www.fragilityandfriendship.com to his classroom, texts and curriculum were used. view this inspirational exhibition. RFW has made the decision to de-identify all clinical He was a quiet, hard worker in sessions, case studies, ensuring the privacy of our clients and completing all of the activities to the best of their families. his abilities, often with a small, cheeky smile. He This case study is representative of our demographic of particularly responded well to use of positive children aged 2-12 who live in country areas.

28 Our Story 29

Dubova © Shutterstock.com Key Research Initiatives

CCCH Report TRIP Fellowship – Access Early Research & In early 2017 we commissioned the National Health and Intervention (EI) Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) to complete a systematic Medical Research We are nearing the end of our five- review of the state of children’s year NHMRC research project with Evaluation developmental health across rural and Council (NHMRC) the Child Behaviour Research Clinic at University of Sydney, focused on an At RFW we have a strategic remote Australia. The results will be In 2016 we supported a successful online treatment program for children commitment to evidence-based made available in September 2017. application with Associate Professor with conduct disorders (Access EI). The practice, and we strive for service Alex Martiniuk from the University of research involves a randomised control excellence by putting quality and Sydney and the George Institute for trial of online versus face to face outcomes at the heart of what we Global Health for a NHMRC Translating treatment. Early findings on the efficacy do. We have a dedicated research Research into Practice (TRIP) of the online treatment model are and evaluation team that works fellowship. Work under this fellowship positive, with results due early in 2018. with our service to create new is focused on a mixed methods study, research and evidence, develop TELEHANCED: Best evidence to best new service models, evaluate and practice: Improving access to care improve our programs, and support with enhanced Telecare for children in Publications Rotary Scholarship advocacy. rural NSW. We are honoured to have a We are proud of the papers that This year, RFW hosted an International resident TRIP Fellow leading this two- The RFW ethos is to collaborate and were published this year with our Rotary Health PhD scholar to look at year research project with RFW. to go where we are needed. We collaboration. This work not only embedding evidence-based tools seek to work with organisations that contributes vital knowledge to the within our electronic record system to share our commitment to improve child health and development space better support the measurement of the health and wellbeing of country at all levels, but it also demonstrates service effectiveness, impact, cost- children. RFW’s commitment to supporting the efficiency and research. We thank the development of evidence-based Rotary Club of Manly for its tremendous practice and the delivery of gold support in securing the highly regarded standard services for children in rural Rotary Scholarship. and remote Australia.

30 31 Raising Funds Ride for Country Kids & Awareness Our signature event for the year was Ride for The Ride would not be possible without the A big shout out to Orange Ex-Services Club Country Kids (RFCK), which raised $638,000 in support of our Principal and Founding Partner for hosting our Gala night and awarding RFW Fundraising revenue is critical for our organisation 2017, enabling us to deliver Telecare packages FDC Construction and Fitout, our Major Partner $15,000 to cover the entire cost of the dinner. to grow, so we can support more children. into schools for more than 1,000 children. ANZ, our Media Community Partner Prime7 and Incredible mum Cathy Hunt took to the This year, fundraising contributed $2,602,114 our Event Management Partner Entoure. We microphone to tell her story. Cathy and her towards our revenue, representing an increase Held in March, RFCK was bigger and better sincerely thank you all. husband Rob have been foster parents for 27 of 25.6% on last year. With only one third of our than ever, with 97 riders pedalling more than years, with four of their children accessing our revenue coming from government grants, the 420km in challenging conditions over a three- Many other organisations play a role in making services over the last 12 years. two-thirds we raise from generous individual and day period. The Ride highlights the importance the ride a success. We sincerely thank our regular donors, Branches, Op Shop volunteers, of our role in country communities, and our friends and supporters: Cathy explained the impact RFW has had on community groups, philanthropic trusts and Riders get to experience the support and • John Rafferty and the C.ex Group Jack, their eldest. “If it wasn’t for RFW, Jack foundations, businesses and schools is vital to affection that many country communities hold • Professor Andy Vann and Charles Sturt would not have been able to concentrate continue the important work we do. for RFW. University on his school studies, let alone obtain his • Andrew Price and Inspire Management Commercial Cookery Certificate. We are so The Ride commenced at Charles Sturt University Consulting grateful to RFW for giving our children hope for in Wagga Wagga on Sunday 12 March, finishing • Damien Coates and DUAL Australia their futures.” in Orange on Tuesday 14 March. • Rohan Stewart and PSC Insurance Brokers (Aust) Pty Ltd • Kiri Brain and Nexia Australia • Dean Kuch and Thinkingworks by Thinking Day Wagga Wagga to Ergonomix km 1 Cootamundra 141 • Nick Johnston and Front Page Management • Katherine and Peter Mahoney and Soliton Network Consulting Day Cootamundra • Peter Camp and Sydney Business Park to Cowra 2 160 km • Simon Sellars and Boyce Chartered Accountants • Frank Giunta and Classic Tiles Day Cowra to • Amanda Grannall and ClubsNSW Orange 125 km 3 • Sinclair Black and his vlog Cathy Hunt with her son Jack

32 33 “Meeting and hearing the families and The gala dinner is a highlight of the Ride, and cheered and encouraged by excited school The Principal of St Edwards the dinner this year was a roaring success with children. A big thank you to the Principals, children directly receiving support from Primary School commented, generous support of many people, including: teachers and children at Greenethorpe School, RFW is a highly motivating experience “Well, what can I say except St Edwards Primary School at Canowindra, St to make me want to continue helping • Scott from Burns Auctions Orange for being THANK YOU. I’ve been at St Mary’s School in Young, Young High School and our amazing auctioneer Edwards for 15 years, and that to raise funds, and also to speak to Young Public School. was the best morning I’ve ever my own friends, family and wider • Ambassador and SBS commentator Mike had! I can only imagine how community to relay their experience Tomalaris for donating fabulous prizes Thank you to the local media who gave us our children felt … It’s so nice and voice”. amazing coverage including 171 spots worth • Tennis great Wally Masur for being an more than $770,000. Prime7 created two to see so many people making RFCK Rider Ambassador and donating prizes including a advertisements to promote the Ride and a difference for those in need Rafael Nadal shirt and private tennis lessons conducted fabulous interviews along the way, … you deserve to be rewarded in so many ways. We are • The wonderful Prime7 reporter and Rider which they showed on their television stations forever grateful!” Daniel Gibson (aka Gibbo) for MCing. daily. Free Ride coverage also appeared on WIN TV, in 36 newspaper articles, 14 radio We send a special thanks to our volunteer interviews and 26 online news articles. photographer Michael Mannington, who was on hand to capture many magic moments. In 2018, RFCK will ride from Bourke to Community engagement was a strong focus of Lightning Ridge. Details of this exciting the Ride in 2017, and we invited local councils, Ride are on our website! schools, preschools, GPs and Paediatricians to celebrate with us as we rode through their towns. We received Mayoral welcomes from Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Orange, plus we heard heartfelt speeches and enjoyed conversations from members of families whose children had attended, or are attending Royal Far West services. The majority of our Riders Sydney Business Park commented that listening to the positive team raised the most impact that RFW has on these children was of funds, contributing amazing value to them. a huge $75,972. A massive highlight for the Riders was visiting Amazing effort! five schools along the route, where they were

34 35 (L-R) NSW Parliamentary Lions Club President Stephen Bromhead MP handing a cheque to Lindsay Cane, NSW Parliamentary Lions Club alongside The Hon $47,133 raised Thomas George PM and Geoff Provest MP. The Rotary Club of Manly Individual Giving Personal Events $15,500 raised Individual Giving is a critical focus area as we diversify our fundraising portfolio and Susan Crawford build a sustainable fundraising program to How generous it was to have our good Scrumptious Manly Rotary Fun Run & Walk BBQ support our planned growth. friend Susan Crawford share her landmark $1,387 raised birthday with RFW. Not only was the party Our 2017 tax campaign was our first with the Hoodoo Gurus a highlight, but Community integrated cross-channel campaign, Susan’s guests and her family donated reaching existing donors and new to RFW in lieu of gifts, and through this Bold and Beautiful supporters via email, mail and social initiative, $5,000 worth of care for our Fundraising $11,989 raised media. Our featured family resonated children has been made possible. Thanks Throughout our 94-year-old with our donors who gave generously, Susan, David and friends! history we have relied upon raising nearly $30,000 over a 4-week community fundraising to Vivid Cocktail Party period to support country children. help support our mission, $5,000+ raised and we are proud of the The generosity of friends is what makes relationships we have the RFW model work so well. Photo: Destination NSW nurtured over the years with Mercure Sydney many people who raise funds for RFW through initiatives in $30,000+ raised their own communities. We wish to thank everyone Murray Hartin & Manly Sports Luncheon Bequests Narelle Turvey who has organised, attended, $12,165 raised It is an honour to be remembered in helped or bought raffle someone’s Will. This year $773,000 was tickets at a fundraising event Caroline Stewart to support RFW to deliver gratefully received. We respectfully invite Sulky Drive – Liverpool Plains and Peter readers to consider a charitable gift to services to country children. Honeyman RFW. Please call 02 8966 8500 for more Here are a few of the $9,100 raised information. wonderful events/initiatives Susan Crawford celebrating with her husband David held during the last year: Mary Ann & Malcolm Lampe Coonamble Annual Fundraiser $16,000+ raised

36 37 Accommodation To best use our assets, last year we actively opened our Branches and Op Shops accommodation sites for corporate strategy days, group bookings and families, when our client families are not in residence. This was hugely We are blessed to have strong and enduring Branch in Focus: Grenfell successful, increasing accommodation booking revenue by 56%. We are support from our Branches and Op Shops in advertising through a variety of avenues, from RFW Facebook posts to rural and remote towns throughout NSW. Our Grenfell Branch has just celebrated its 80th Airbnb, and have enjoyed repeat bookings from groups including the dedicated members give us so much in the way year of support for RFW. What an incredible Thanks to Google for all their hard work Moorambilla Choir. Our goal is to offer our guesthouse to new guests, of their time, energy and passion that it would achievement for members past and present to to show them some “country hospitality – in the city” while effectively be almost impossible for us to reach into as have been helping children in rural and remote sponsoring our services to our children. Tell your family and friends! many communities as we do without their help. communities for so many years. Our Branches are in Bourke, Coffs Harbour, Branch President Margaret Cuddihy explains Corporate Coolamon, Coonamble, Deepwater, Dubbo, her involvement, “I joined the RFW Sunshine Moorambilla Choir Dubbo Wagon Wheelers, Forbes, Gravesend, Club Branch in the 1990s, but it wasn’t until Grenfell, Hay, Leeton, Manildra, Nyngan, I went to my first conference in Manly that I Volunteering Orange, Port Macquarie, Quirindi, Trundle really felt a strong connection. The staff and and West Wyalong. Our Op Shops are in Coffs families in Manly were just wonderful and their Our corporate volunteering program offers our Harbour, Forbes, Port Macquarie and Trundle. kindness and caring natures will always stay corporate friends a great way to engage with us, meet with me. some of the children and families who use our service, Operating under a Branch structure with and give something back to the local community. Presidents, Secretaries and Executive teams, “There was an honesty about Royal Far our wonderful volunteers use their skills in West that I hadn’t understood before my In June this year a team from Google participated in their communities to raise awareness of RFW, first conference. There was a purity to it, an our “Day in the life of a RFW country kid” corporate promote our services and host a variety of openness, and I understood that the donations volunteering program, learning more about our fundraising events each year, from regular raffles we received and the money we made in our Telecare programs, preparing cooking and serving a and annual dinners through to managing their small home town of Grenfell were going directly healthy BBQ lunch, and participating in the afternoon Op Shops. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of our to the children. We saw first-hand how it was recreation program with the children – making fruit Branch and Op Shop members, a huge $308,000 spent. We met the families and were able to monsters, tidying up the edible garden, creating stop/ was raised to support country children. enjoy some of their recreation time with them. go animations and more! Thanks Google!

Every year representatives from each Branch “I’ve now been the very proud President of the

are invited to our Branch Conference in Manly, RFW Chairman Richard Grenfell Branch since 1998 and can honestly where they meet up with other Branch members Barron celebrates say that it is knowing that the early trust RFW Ring us on 02 8966 8500 if as well as our Board members and staff, and Grenfell Branch’s 80th gave me that has kept me working so hard for your company is interested birthday with (L-R) have the opportunity to learn more about RFW Marie Cotter, Margaret them for so long. We also have a lot of fun and in volunteering with RFW. and share the results of their successful activities. Cuddihy and Jenny Wells have made many life-long friends.”

38 39 Awards Media Case Study William Innovation Award We utilise newspapers, magazines, Following on from the media success television, radio, internet news and of the RFCK, this year we established Living in rural NSW, William could not access In term 2, 2017, two fortnightly sessions were This year we were thrilled to be social media to build awareness of a new strategic partnership with the services he needed in his home town. He is held with follow up email support/resources. The selected by National Disability the growing need for support for Fairfax Australian Community Media now accessing regular therapy via Telecare at RFW OT provided education about regulation Services as joint winner of the country children, and to explain (i.e. achieving and maintaining a calm/alert NSW Disability Innovation Award to support our advocacy plan his school. how we help these children, their state of arousal) and strategies adults could in the category of Innovation in and to help raise awareness of the families and communities. William has a primary diagnosis of Autistic use with William to support him to remain calm/ Improving Outcomes for Children challenges facing developmentally Spectrum Disorder (ASD). alert during the day at school (e.g. heavy and Young People. The Disability This year’s media brought us a vulnerable children from country work, deep pressure, empathy, importance of Industry Innovation Awards formally cumulative audience of 10.3 million areas. The partnership will include William has been a RFW client since 2013. relationships and problem solving). The focus RFW wins 2017 recognise and reward excellence people, with an advertising value of events, advertising and co-branded ‘Innovation in During this time he has had occupational was on William’s interests and motivations, and innovation demonstrated by $2,129,391, at no expense to RFW. advocacy. Improving Outcomes therapy (OT) support on and off depending on working with the teachers to implement these for Children and people and organisations who Young People’ the current concerns. things as a part of his existing routine. National Disability work to improve outcomes for Services award people with disability. William was referred to the RFW OT (‘open Teachers have successfully implemented the therapy’) Telecare program by his school agreed strategies and the focus is now moving Winning this Award has firmly to extending the length of time William is at established us as an innovative F/Y Advertising $ value teachers and a RFW speech pathologist. school each day, working up to a full day. disability provider, and in the The local speech pathologist had been Advertising value $ Advertising value % doing weekly therapy with William when current competitive marketplace Williams’s family and teachers have been so (gifted to RFW) concerns were reported regarding some of his this has given us a huge profile receptive in sessions and consistently report and exposure. behaviours and emotional regulation. Newspapers $1,165,885 55 finding the sessions of great value. Initially a session was held with William’s mother NDIS Provider Radio $198,743 9 and father. They also reported a significant We have been approved as deterioration in his regulatory capacities at a registered National Disability TV $410,141 19 home. They reported he had been irritable and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, withdrawn, and having more outbursts. which is a big win for country Online news $354,622 17 RFW has made the decision to de-identify all clinical A plan was made to do joint sessions with children with a disability and will case studies, ensuring the privacy of our clients and their families. allow RFW the opportunity to support William’s parents and teachers. The goals were $2,129,391 100 for William to be calm/alert at school and to more children with special needs. This case study is representative of our demographic of widen his social interactions. children aged 2-12 who live in country areas.

Registered NDIS Provider

40 Our Story 41

Maria Uspenskaya © Shutterstock.com Construction underway

Centre for Child Health Our Future and Learning RFW is extending its service in a systematic and careful way that involves close Our purpose-built $35 million Centre for Child “The NSW Government partnerships with communities. We are Health and Learning (CCHL) is on track to open is proud to support this moving towards being a national child for business by late 2018. A critical part of our great initiative, because development service that fills an increasing strategic plan, it will help us deliver specialist healthcare to more children and families we are committed to number of gaps in hard-to-reach places each year. The six-storey building will include ensuring families in through innovative solutions that combine the Royal Far West school; consulting and rural and remote areas service delivery, capacity building and observation rooms; a paediatric oral health around the State receive advocacy. Building the capacity of parents, unit with a dental and orthodontics room; essential health services.” teachers and other people in children’s play areas; meeting rooms; ophthalmology; NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian lives through knowledge and resources, occupational therapy; social work; speech and working deeply with rural and remote pathology; psychology; child psychiatry; communities, are increasing focal points. paediatric services; sensory rooms and a Telecare centre. To increase our reach and impact, we are developing new programs, increasing As the Minister for Regional Development Fiona our network of partners, developing our Nash put it, “this is a big win for families living in stakeholder and community relationships rural Australia”. and generating new revenue streams. We Tony Abbott, our local are also looking for new funding partners We celebrated a key milestone in March of Federal Member, re-affirmed to come on the journey with us, and help this year with the Sod Turning event. The NSW the Federal Government’s Minister for Health, the Hon Brad Hazzard, to make a difference. Our aim is to be a contribution to the build with representing the Premier, and Parliamentary national asset for children and families across his visit and site tour in May. Secretary for Regional and Rural Health Leslie Mr Abbott said: “The Centre rural Australia. Williams officially “turned the first sod”. for Child Health and Learning Key initiatives in the coming year include: will be a world-class facility dedicated to the health and * Centre for Child Health and Learning wellbeing of regional and * Brand Refresh remote children and their * Diversification of Revenue families. Royal Far West has * Advocacy For more information and ongoing updates been a part of the Manly on the new build, please visit: community since 1924.” www.royalfarwest.org.au/new-facilities A visual of CCHL

Lindsay Cane with 10-year-old Alexandra 42 Harris and NSW Health Minister Brad 43 Hazzard at our Sod Turning Ceremony Brand Refresh Diversification of Revenue RFW has a long, rich history in RFW is fortunate to have a history of diversified country NSW. Our brand carries revenue streams, including government, much equity in rural communities, philanthropic, community funding and increasingly however it now needs to work service revenue. This year we worked hard to much harder for the organisation strengthen our service revenue sources through in terms of broadening our reach various endeavours. Some of these include: and effectively communicating our purpose. A major step change in our individual The new RFW brand identity will be and regular giving base ready for the new calendar year 2018 and will reflect a progressive, national children’s healthy charity Continued growth in service contracts and that is leading the way in innovative fee for service paediatric health and wellbeing.

Our new website will reflect our refreshed brand and messaging Growth in philanthropic and to better inform our client families corporate support and supporters and partners. The website will keep our different stakeholder groups up to date with Improved use of our what we do, how they can become guest accommodation involved, and, most importantly, the impact we are making to help improve the health and wellbeing Greater access to future National of children living in rural and remote Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) communities across Australia. funding through our award-winning Windmill program

Growth in Medicare and health fund rebates

44 45

sylv1rob1 © Shutterstock.com Image: Shutterstock Advocacy Potential Challenges For 94 years we have provided care and petition please go to our website and click on Our Strategic Plan is on track to deliver specialist health interventions for country the petition royalfarwest.good.do/help-our- children and families. This has allowed us to on our 2020 vision, however we remain country-kids. vigilant to internal and external events build deep knowledge and understanding which may affect our organisation of children’s health and the challenges of To further amplify the findings of The at any time. Potential threats and country life. As part of our evolution to become Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s opportunities we will continue to a national asset for country families we have Centre for Community Child Health review, monitor are: recognised the important role we can and RFW developed a report, “The Invisible should play in giving country children a voice. Children”, that supports and positions our Our aim is to build a strong evidence base on advocacy agenda. The report provides Implications of the roll out of the NDIS children’s developmental health, particularly in further reflections on the CCCH review rural and remote areas, and demonstrate the based on RFW’s experience in providing impact of targeted interventions in community healthcare to country children for almost Health and Social Care industry reforms and settings. Our intention is to raise the level of 100 years. conversation around childhood vulnerability in government cutbacks Australia, positively influence policy and inform To be released in September 2017, we system-wide direction in rural and remote child will share this report with our friends in health and wellbeing. government, the corporate sector and other The internet connectivity in some rural and remote not-for-profits. We will also take the report into communities remains poor, challenging the delivery of In May we launched our first advocacy our Telecare services in some locations petition, calling for widespread community six communities across NSW to gain critical support for recognition of the inequity of feedback from families and stakeholders operating on the ground. We plan to use access and services for rural and remote Fundraising fatigue and the growing competition for the body of knowledge gained through children and families. Our goal is to present grants and tenders the Health Minister the Honourable Greg these activities to work alongside our friends Hunt with 10,000 petition signatures with a and most importantly country communities, call to partner with RFW to shift the inequities to tackle the complex challenges facing for country children, who deserve the same country children and families so that all access to health services as every other child children can have the greatest opportunity in Australia. If you have not signed our online to reach their full potential.

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Eleonora_os © Shutterstock.com Volunteers At RFW we’re blessed to have seven, Glenn left his family in South Governance cherished volunteers who willingly Grafton and was admitted to Volunteer Testimonial give their time and skills to help the Far West hospital in the early us support children in rural and 1960s for just over two years of Lisa Richardson remote areas of Australia. These Our People & Systems rehabilitation. Glenn showed us Lisa is a skilled volunteer who is a people are based all over NSW letters that Matron Hill had sent his great asset to RFW. She has worked in our Branches, as well as in the areas of the business. We also identified areas Mother, and letters that he had for leading companies including northern beaches, where we for further improvement. The publication of our written to his Mother. He kindly Accenture and Macquarie Bank, Structure draw on local talent to help us 2020 Strategic Plan was welcomed by all staff, donated one of his leg callipers providing advice as a specialist on at our main headquarters. We Our organisational structure has three providing clear direction and goals to which that were made for him at Far the design and implementation of have 47 Manly-based volunteers Directorates: Health, Operations and Business. each staff member can actively contribute. West to our Archives. This year large scale systems and technology who run our Archives Library, our archives team relocated our strategies. ‘Internal communication’ had also been support us at events, help with museum of photos and artefacts flagged in surveys and interviews as an area administrative tasks, support our into the health centre when the Lisa comments, “I live with my Staff for improvement. Throughout this year we have oral health and reading teams, Elsie Hill Building was demolished. husband and two beautiful young We employ 125 staff. Some of our staff improved communication through regular staff and give help for specific projects. This was a large piece of work daughters in Curl Curl on the northern members have given many years of service forums, an internal communications working Michael Mannington, our volunteer which has helped our history beaches of Sydney. For the last three to RFW and carry with them valuable history, party and weekly directorate updates via photographer, is one example of a remain visible and accessible to years I have volunteered for a couple stories and a record of the changes and email. volunteer who unfailingly gives of staff and clients. of days a week with RFW while taking his time and energy to photograph improvements that Royal Far West has made a break from a rewarding career of all our events and functions and Lisa Richardson over its long life. Our catering department’s more than 25 years in management make them available to our consulting and investment banking. Sandy Medak has been proudly serving archive team for the records. I love working with the talented our children and families for 45 years, while and passionate people at RFW, and Facilities Manager Daryl Hawthorne and Nurse With nearly 100 years of being part of an organisation that Narelle Turvey have each clocked up 35 years photographs, documents and makes a real difference to the lives of faithful service. equipment to take care of, our of many Australian children and their Archives Team members are never As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we families. I am currently assisting with short of things to do! They turn up a project to develop improvements promote a culture of transparency, honesty every Wednesday to run our Library to management reporting that will and social responsibility. Staff have access to as well as meet ex-patients of RFW provide better information to the training and educational opportunities, annual such as Glenn Taylor, a patient from RFW Executive team and Board, performance appraisals, flexible working hours, the 1960s, who visited with his wife enabling better decision making and a friendly working environment and of Ann to tour our premises. and increasing accountability for course, our beautiful beachside location. To celebrate International Women’s Day we all nominated delivering on RFW’s 2020 Strategy.” our most inspirational female staffers with Fiona Phipps (left), On being diagnosed with the Paula Brennan (centre) and Lucy Morrison (right) taking out the We listen to our staff. Findings from our July honours. Here they are congratulated by Katherine Burchfield childhood hip disorder Legg- 2016 staff survey indicated improvement in 39 and Lindsay Cane. Calve-Perthes disease at age 1960s patient Glenn Taylor with his calliper

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Dubova © Shutterstock.com Organisational Financial Structure Summary Lindsay Cane Katherine Burchfield Jacqui Emery Kevin Bone Chief Executive Officer Health Director Business Director Operations Director Company Secretary We are pleased to report that 2016/17 was another year of significant growth and development for RFW, and is underpinned by our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. Health Director – Strategy & Innovation, Service Delivery, Clinical Excellence & Outcomes , Research As a charity, fundraising and government investment in services are key to our ability to provide our unique service. The changing Health, Disability & Clinical Clinical Innovation & funding environment in the health, government Community Programs Governance Administration Research and business sectors proved challenging to RFW as much as it did to many other charities and service agencies. Understanding these challenges, the Board and Executive team held Business Director – Strategy, Advocacy, Revenue generation, Brand Awareness true to investing in the growth of our Telecare and Windmill Programs, to enable us to achieve RFW our outcomes of reaching and helping many CEO Community and more thousands of children in need. BOARD Marketing and Fundraising Partnerships Stakeholder Accommodation One misconception that often challenges Communications Engagement RFW is the view held by individuals, businesses and even some of our families, that RFW is a government agency. As a consequence, Operations Director – Corporate Services & Redevelopment many people are not aware of the fact that RFW relies on donations, partnerships and large philanthropic gifts to meet our objectives and achieve our outcomes for rural Australia. Systems & Asset Management Our relationship with NSW Health is one Human Information Facilities (Including Finance very important cornerstone to our business, Resources Management Management Redevelopment) with corporate Australia, philanthropy and the Federal government also being critical cornerstones for our continued growth and development.

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PhawKStudio © Shutterstock.com Our Business Development team is working expenditure being supported by our NSW Health Statement of Revenue 2017 2016 2015 hard to strengthen the contribution of contract; the remaining 70% of our income is corporate Australia to our mission, while our generated from fundraising, events, service $ $ $ Government Relations and Advocacy team contracts and the optimisation of our assets. Grant for Children’s Services from NSW Department 3,709,400 3,618,870 3,530,691 is forging strong relations with our growing of Health RFW is fortunate to receive significant gifts-in- number of friends in Canberra and beyond. Fundraising - Legacies & Bequests 772,511 325,509 1,298,448 kind from partners and friends, and this year we Whilst the year ended with a deficit of received more than $350,000 worth of gifts-in- Fundraising - Donations received from public 279,109 358,751 207,168 ($2,107,772), this was a result of planned kind support. Fundraising - Contributions from Branches 308,425 362,171 344,096 investment in our people and a higher non- cash depreciation charge that arises from our Income generated by our land and other assets Fundraising - Special purpose legacies 459,821 327,636 241,504 need to write down older assets ahead of the is allocated directly to Corporate and Business Fundraising - Other fundraising activities 782,248 697,468 248,913 Development activities, so 100% of every dollar transition into our new Centre for Child Health Rebatable services 632,684 622,610 556,487 and Learning late in 2018. we raise can go directly to our health and wellbeing programs, supporting children and Service contracts 819,882 1,419,346 817,760 Over the past five years, RFW has dramatically families in rural and remote Australia. Income from investments/rentals 2,681,576 2,772,617 3,080,444 increased its effectiveness. Five years ago some 750 children benefitted from our service, this last During the year our cost base increased by 8%. Sundry – Accommodation revenue 416,903 266,806 151,662 financial yearthe number of children, families As previously noted, this is a result of a planned TOTAL 10,862,559 10,771,784 10,477,173 and educators we supported was around investment in our people and a higher non- 5,500. The two factors that have enabled cash depreciation charge. Statement of Expenses 2017 2016 2015 that improvement are the investment in and dedication of staff, management and Board to The investment in extra staff enabled us to $ $ $ increase our Telecare service. We have also make the best use of the resources we have, Employee costs 8,819,823 8,507,283 7,916,874 and our new Telecare services which, allows increased the investment in our Business Sessional fees 446,844 394,338 374,575 our clinicians to offer services to children and Development Team to underwrite a new brand families in some of the most remote parts of the and fundraising strategy that will deliver the Administration expenses (includes audit 1,139,004 910,629 826,340 country directly from our base in Manly. extra recurring income and the community fees, consultants, insurance, legal, travel & support that is essential to our future. accommodation, PPS) Revenue for 2016/17 was $10,862,559, an Fundraising expenses 266,565 256,842 113,068 increase of 1% on the previous year. Last year In summary, RFW has undertaken a substantial Repairs & maintenance expenses 180,623 186,907 181,598 was strong for our Business Development team investment program to increase our capacity with some significant gifts being entrusted to to serve more children through our financial Supplies, food & catering 206,531 222,793 180,719 expansion and the creation of contemporary RFW from trusts, foundations and bequests. Utilities 178,908 163,271 198,916 facilities. Our asset base remains strong and will The continued success of the Ride for Country be a vital support in our efforts to raise regular Other expenses (includes cleaning, equipment, IT, 750,367 829,820 866,699 Kids, raising more than $600,000, was pleasing, income sufficient to meet our strategic target motor vehicle, marketing & comms) as is the ongoing contribution from our Branch to serve 15,000 children and families in the Depreciation & amortisation 981,668 515,300 607,969 and Op Shop volunteers, whose efforts raised years to come. TOTAL 12,970,331 11,987,183 11,266,758 a wonderful $300,000 for country children and families. The financial summary included in this Annual Report is an extract from the annual financial Surplus/(Deficit) for the year (2,107,772) (1,215,399) (789,585) Our unique partnership with the NSW Government report as prepared by our auditors Stewart remains strong, with just under 30% of our Brown & Co. 52 Governance 53

noBorders – Brayden Howie © Shutterstock.com Mr G Richard Barron Dip. Technology (Building), AIPM Chairman Investment Committee Board Nominations, Governance & Remuneration Committee Corporate Governance Redevelopment Steering Committee Members Mr Mark S Drummond Royal Far West (ABN 378 219 708 19) is As a consequence, a recruitment drive for new Vice Chairman registered as a company limited by guarantee Directors was undertaken with the expectation Board Committees The names and details of the Company’s Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee and not having a share capital under the that they will be appointed to the Board later Directors in office during the financial year Nominations, Governance & Remuneration Committee The Board has established a number of provisions of the Australian Charities and in 2017, following a thorough search and and until the date of this report are as follows. Committees to assist the Board in its role and to Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012. All RFW interview process against clear performance Directors were in office for this entire period allow detailed consideration of complex issues. criteria. unless otherwise stated. Mr Michael Gill Directors are Non-Executive Directors who In addition to Directors, membership of these receive no remuneration for their services. MAICD As Chair of the Nomination, Governance and Committees includes non-Directors with relevant Treasurer The Board of Directors is responsible for setting Remuneration Committee and responsible for skills. The outcomes of Committee meetings are Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee (Chair) presented at the subsequent Board meeting. the short and long-term strategy for Royal Far the implementation of the recommendations Redevelopment Steering Committee West. The powers and duties of the Directors from the report, Mrs Joan Treweeke noted: are set out in the Constitution of Royal Far West, The Committees are: Mr Ted Waters “Royal Far West Directors have warmly BSc (Math), BA (Economics), Teaching Certificate, MBA and at law. • Investment Committee embraced this opportunity to reflect and Redevelopment Steering Committee (Chair) The implementation of the strategy and the improve the performance of the Board, • Nomination, Governance & Remuneration Directors’ Meetings 2016-17 Investment Committee (NGR) Committee day-to-day management of the organisation as they have always done over the 94- A total of 8* meetings were held. is formally delegated by the Board to the year history of the organisation, and I am • Audit, Risk and Compliance (ARC) Committee Chief Executive Officer, and through her, to her honoured to have carriage of this important • Redevelopment Steering Committee Meetings Eligible to Mr Peter J Veenstra OAM Executive Management Team. function. We are very excited about attended attend B.A. (UNE) MAICD adding to the strength of our Board with Risk Management Mr G Richard Barron (Chair) 8 8 In early 2017, as part of its commitment to both business and health skills that the new best business practice and quality standards, Directors will bring.” RFW’s risk management strategy incorporates Mr Mark S Drummond (Vice Chair) 8 8 the Board agreed to commission an external all areas of the business, including internal Mr Michael Gill (Treasurer) 7 8 review of its structure and performance. Mr Richard H Hattersley and external risks. Each area has received a Mr Ted Waters 7 8 Boardroom Partners Inc. was selected to Company Secretary qualitative measure of likelihood, from Rare to Investment Committee (Chair) conduct this review and the results were Kevin Bone has more than 20 years of Almost Certain, with a corresponding qualitative Mr Peter J Veenstra OAM 2** 8 Redevelopment Steering Committee shared and discussed with the Directors over experience in commercial finance and measure of consequence or impact, from Mr Richard Hattersley 7 8 a number of months. The membership, tenure Minimum to Extreme Risk, each with control operations and is a qualified Chartered Mrs Joan Treweeke OAM 8 8 and balance of the Board were three areas Management Accountant. and mitigation strategies. Reviews are regularly that attracted constructive feedback, with monitored by the ARC Committee and the * Includes one extraordinary Board meeting Mrs Joan H Treweeke OAM the Board accepting in full the recommended Board to ensure RFW is adequately and ** Mr Veenstra was granted a leave of absence due to ill health LLB (Melb) actions in the report. proactively protected. Nominations, Governance & Remuneration Committee (Chair) Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee

54 Governance 55 Accreditation RFW is accredited by the Australian Council NSW Health of Health Care Standards, under the We thank NSW Health for its EQuIPNational and NSW Disability Service continued commitment to RFW’s Standards. paediatric services, to ensure that Thank You developmentally vulnerable children We also hold accreditation with the Royal in country areas are able to receive Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) We are indebted to the many people across support and specialist intervention. for Community Developmental Paediatrics Particular thanks to our local government, business, the health and NSW Health’s commitment to children’s and General Paediatrics Advanced Trainee Members and champions for RFW health and rural health more broadly Registrar Training Program. education sectors, our local communities and members of the public who understand The Hon Tony Abbott MP, Member for is amplified through our long-standing our vision and mission and do their best to Warringah partnership in country NSW. support children living in rural and remote Consumer Advisory communities in Australia. We give thanks to Mr James Griffin MP, Member for Manly Committee each and every one of you. Mr Mike Baird, former Member for Manly Launched last year, our Consumer Our Patron Advisory Committee comprises seven Country Mayors consumer representatives who currently We are truly honoured to enjoy the patronage We are privileged to work closely with access or have accessed our services. of His Excellency General The Honourable country Mayors, as they understand the These members represent a wide David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of challenges facing children and their families selection of our families and their role is New South Wales and his wife Mrs Hurley. Their in their communities. Thank you in particular wisdom and counsel is warmly appreciated to guide and inform our service models to Katrina Humphries, Chair of the Country and overall direction from the consumer and their support for our families is inspiring. Mayors Association, for your ongoing support, Academic Institutions perspective. Now firmly embedded in our encouragement and advice when needed. organisation, their input is a much valued Our Government Supporters Australian Research Alliance for Children and insight for our family-centred future. Young People One of our strategic priorities is to champion Industry and Peak Bodies country children by building a strong evidence Centre for Community Child Health Community Child Health Unit, Royal Children’s base on rural and remote child health and Hospital, Melbourne Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health wellbeing that influences policy, and we cannot do this without support from the government. Early Childhood Australia Charles Sturt University We are proud of our robust relationships with National Rural Health Alliance CSIRO State and Federal governments, MPs and Departments, and we thank them for their time, Research Australia Macquarie University sharing of opinions and helping us to strengthen Royal Flying Doctors Service The George Institute for Global Health the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and remote areas. Rural Doctors Association of Australia University of Sydney

Consumer Advisory Committee meeting

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noBorders - Brayden Howie © Shutterstock.com Redback Conferencing Trusts & Foundations Health Partners Major Supporters RFW Branches Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Aussie Farmers Foundation We partner with other health agencies to RFW is fortunate to have the support of a R.M. Williams Congratulations and warm thanks to our Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Bennett Foundation promote shared learning and thereby have number of organisations that provide funds, Roche marvellous RFW Branches who have been Soliton Network Consulting Starlight Children’s Foundation CAGES Foundation greater capacity to address issues to support guidance, expertise and networks. Our sincere Ronald McDonald House Charities giving tirelessly for decades. Our 2016/17 highest fundraisers were: Super Retail Group Campbell Edwards Trust children and families in rural and remote thanks for their commitment to helping country Scentre Group & Construction Coffs Harbour Susan Crawford Darin Cooper Foundation communities of Australia. We thank these children thrive. In 2017 our major supporters include: Soliton Network Consulting Coonamble Temora Ex-Services Mem. Club ERE Resch Trust organisations for their enduring support: Sydney Business Park Forbes Towradgi Park Bowls & Rec. Glen Rocky Foundation Akubra Port Macquarie Trundle Public School James N Kirby Foundation Black Dog Institute Thinkingworks By Thinking Ergonomix ANZ Trundle Zonta Clubs of Sydney East, Berry and Port Mary Alice Foundation Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Wagga Wagga RSL Macquarie Newman’s Own Foundation Coast Primary Health Network ASX Reuters Community Partners & Friends Zonta International District 24 Profield Foundation Auscott Ltd Protrust Pty Ltd Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health Special thanks to: Benevity Community Qantas Foundation Clontarf Foundation Manly Community Partners & Friends Contact Inc. Rockefeller Philanthropy Bold and the Beautiful Country Women’s Association Avondale Golf Club Ladies RA Gale Foundation Gold Coast Primary Health Network BUPA Lionesses Club of Tamworth Belrose Rotary Schwartz Foundations C.Ex Group Moorambilla Voices Griffith Aboriginal Medical Services Bold and the Beautiful Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation Moree Plains Shire Council Brookvale Rockhouse Hunter New England Local Health District Charles Sturt University The Rockpool Foundation MSM Milling Goodwill Op Shop, Brookvale ClubsNSW Mulgoa Quarries Yorke Family Foundation Maranguka Community Hub Bourke Manly Beach Health Club Dual Australia NSW Parliamentary Lions Club Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre OzHarvest Fairfax Media Pat Taylor Swim School Grants Mid North Coast Local Health District Prime7 FDC Construction & Fitout Rotary Club of Manly Charlestown Bowling Club Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Health Service Glencore Assets Australia Sydney Fast Ferries City Tattersalls Club The Steyne Hotel ClubsNSW Incorporated Graincorp Limited Griffith Ex-Services Club Murrumbidgee Local Health District Inspire Management Consulting Bequests Griffith Leagues Club Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network K&L Gates Australia Indigenous Advancement Strategy Cater Charitable Trust Fund Livexforum (Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet) North and West Remote Health Estate of the late Copland Harold Oscar Browne Laing O’Rourke Orange Ex-Services’ Club South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network Estate of the late Ann Eva Coughlan Qantas Foundation Mercure Sydney Estate of the late Edith Hill (Coordinaire) Rotary Club of Macksville Estate of the late Erica Lowe Nexia Australia Toronto Workers Club Southern NSW Local Health District Estate of the late June Margaret Newham NSW Farmers Wagga RSL Club Estate of the late Sophia Grace Parker and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service PSC Insurance Brokers Annie Ethel Parker Western NSW Local Health District Qantas Estate of the late Douglas Mackay Webb

Thanks to our corporate volunteers NSW Farmers for joining with Santa at RFW OzHarvest bringing nourishing food for our children and families

58 59 In the Prime7 Royal Agricultural Society We are honoured to be a Community Partner of (RAS) leading regional television broadcaster Prime7. spotlight Through Prime7 we gain valuable access into Once again our children were invited to take (Endnotes) part in the amazing annual Showbag Launch 1 NSW Ministry of Health data the homes of our most important audiences, 2 Estimation from Australian Census (2009) the children and families, teachers, health thanks to our good friends at the RAS. A very and AEDC (2015) exciting day, the children were given an 3 NSW Ministry of Health data Akubra workers and community organisation members 4 AEDC 2015 exclusive sneak peek at this year’s showbags, 5 NSW Ministry of Health data living in the regional and rural areas in which This year our iconic partner Akubra celebrated and helped to choose the top 10 showbags 6 Ibid we work. In addition to covering some of our 7 Australian Early Development Census, 140 years of Australian owned, Australian made of 2017. They met a range of well-known TV Definition of AEDC terms events, Prime7 creates television commercials heritage. Congratulations to Akubra, and many character mascots and were invited to choose for us each year. This year’s Ride for Country Kids thanks to Akubra and the Keir family for their their favourite showbags to take home and promotions created broad awareness of our enduring and warm friendship and support of share with their siblings. Wagga Wagga to Orange three-day Ride, and our cause. gave great exposure to the work that we do. Our Thanks so much RAS – you saw by the smiles Ambassador, Prime7 reporter Daniel Gibson, once on the children’s faces just how much they again jumped on his bike to join the Ride, and also enjoyed their day. MC’ed our Gala Fundraiser. We truly are grateful for the support we receive from Prime7.

(L-R) Stephen Keir (Akubra), Lindsay Cane, Nikki McLeod (Akubra), Mark Muller (R.M.Williams Outback)

Children having a blast at the RAS Annual Showbag Launch

Prime7 reporter Sarina playing the bongo drums for a story with our children

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amophoto_au © Shutterstock.com Contact details 19-21 South Steyne, Manly, NSW, 2095

Ph: (02) 8966 8500 Web: www.royalfarwest.org.au

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