Royal Far West has just held its 12th Ride for Country Kids and has raised millions to help support country children with developmental and mental health needs.
Royal Far West. whose headquarters are based at Manly, has long-held and acted on a vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and remote communities. Last year, they supported 512 children, 302 parents and carers and 496 educators across 29 primary schools and 5 early childhood centres – delivering services including speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work.
This year’s fundraising Ride for Country Kids ran from May 17 – May 20. 64 cyclists began in Parkes, and travelled through Molong, Manildra,Trundle, and Eugowra, before finishing in Forbes. These towns hold a special place in Royal Far West’s history and future, supported by passionate people, local branches, and community hubs like their op-shops in Forbes and Trundle.
The new CEO of Royal Far West is well known across the Northern Beaches and North Shore. Dr Briony Scott served as Principal of Wenona for 14 years and Roseville College for five years. With her extensive leadership experience across the education and health sectors and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children living in rural and remote Australia, she will lead Royal Far West’s ongoing work to support equitable access to high-quality health, developmental and wellbeing services for country children, families, and communities.
“Ride for Country Kids is more than a physical challenge – it’s an opportunity to connect with the communities we support and see firsthand the positive difference Royal Far West makes. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for improved access to paediatric services in rural areas,” Dr Scott said.
One of this year’s participants, Stuart Thomas, trained across the Beaches and the North Shore prior to the Ride.
“I ride down to Manly and do the ‘Bold and Beautiful’ 12km one way, also Mosman Hills and Sydney Harbour,” he says. “The Royal Far West Riders and I rode out the West Head and Akuna Bay circuit from Manly (90km circuit) and I also rode to Palm Beach Ferry, then Ettalong to Gosford and down the Old Pacific Highway, which is 145km if you go via Bobbin Head.”
“The first day of the Ride was the most challenging – we kicked off with 179 km for Peletons 1 and 2 from Parkes. My bum was a bit sore. Butt cream is your friend!”
You can learn more about the Ride For Country Kids and how to show your support for country kids – ensuring geography is never a barrier to their health, development, and future – here: www.rideforcountrykids.com.au
