Royal Far West: Outback country ride to support health of regional children
Cycling enthusiasts will ride almost 400km in a bid to raise funds for the mental and developmental health of country kids. Here’s more.
Dubbo News
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Cyclists across the state are gearing up to pedal nearly 400km in a bid to raise $750,000 for a charity assisting the health and wellbeing of country kids.
Royal Far West (RFW)’s Ride for Country Kids’ Outback Heritage Ride will travel 380km across a three-day journey through Bourke, Cobar, Nyngan and Narromine from May 15, 2025.
To celebrate the centennial anniversary of RFW, The Outback Heritage Ride will aim for 100 riders to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
Speech pathologist Emma Robinson told this publication she was one of the 49 registered riders of this year’s event, which raised more than $380,000.
The organisation provides mental health and developmental services to children in the bush, coupled with support after experiencing natural disasters like floods and bushfires.
“These children might not have access to services or be on the waiting list for years to access them, so it’s really important that we can provide services because it can positively change each child’s life trajectory,” Ms Robinson said.
“This can really support families and children to have a better understanding of their needs and how we can support them.”
Ms Robinson said she completed this year’s ride as a personal goal, but it helped her understand the “huge challenge” country kids are faced with every day.
Royal Fair West chief executive Jacqueline Emery said a child was “twice as likely to be developmentally vulnerable” if they grew up in a rural area.
“Each year we take riders out into the communities that RFW supports,” Ms Emery said.
“They speak with families, visit schools and get to understand first-hand the impact that our services have.
“If you can identify and address developmental and mental health concerns early, then we have a much better chance of addressing them and that improves a child’s life trajectory.
“Every Australian child deserves the right to access quality health, education and development services, but sadly country children and families face often face disadvantages due to distance and a lack of available services.
“Currently, children in these areas are waiting up to six years to see a paediatrician or being told there are no services at all.”
Registrations are now open via www.rideforcountrykids.com.au.
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