The early years of a child’s life shape how they learn, communicate and engage with the world around them. When developmental delays or behavioural challenges go unnoticed or unsupported, the impacts can follow children into school and beyond.
Royal Far West focuses on identifying and supporting these needs early, working with children, families and educators in rural and remote communities to improve developmental health outcomes and strengthen health equity for country children.
Through a combination of in-community services and telehealth support, Royal Far West delivers specialist allied health care in ways that work for regional families, providing support early and close to home.
Delivering early intervention services in rural communities requires stability and trust. Glencore Coal has partnered with Royal Far West since 2017, investing more than $1.1 million to support allied health and developmental services across regional Queensland and the Mid Western region of New South Wales.
The partnership supports children and families in regional communities facing similar barriers to care.
In regional Queensland, this includes access to speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and developmental screening where local services are limited. In the Mid Western region of New South Wales, including Dunedoo and Gulgong communities, the same approach allows families to access specialist support locally, reducing delays and helping children receive timely care.
Felicity McDonnell, Royal Far West Head of Partnerships said early support can make a lasting difference.
“Getting the right support early can change a child’s developmental path. Partnerships like this allow us to reach families in regional communities and provide support in ways that work for children, parents and the local services around them.”
Supporting children where they live
Royal Far West clinicians work directly with children, while also supporting parents, carers and educators to understand developmental needs and build confidence and capacity.
By combining face-to-face visits with ongoing telehealth support, families can access continuity of care without the disruption of frequent travel or time away from home. This approach helps children receive support earlier, while strengthening the network of care around them.
Early support often happens in everyday moments, helping children build communication and confidence through shared learning.
Craig Strudwick, Glencore Coal Social Performance Manager, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to families across rural communities.
“Working with Royal Far West allows us to support the development needs for rural kids, something that is in critical need across much of rural Australia.”
A trusted pathway for families
For families, the partnership with Royal Far West means concerns can be identified and addressed earlier, before they become barriers to learning, development or wellbeing. Children are supported sooner, and families are guided through what can often feel like an overwhelming process.
Over time, this consistency matters. It means children are less likely to fall through the gaps, and parents, carers and educators have a trusted pathway to specialist support when it’s needed.
Across communities, the partnership is helping create a shared understanding that support is available and that families don’t have to manage developmental concerns on their own.