$10million in support for bush kids through Royal Far West
Media Release
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today announced that the NSW Government will be supporting local kids with complex health and education needs who need to travel to Sydney for medical treatment.
Mr Marshall said a one-off grant of $10 million toward Royal Far West’s proposed Centre for Child Health and Learning in Manly would help children in rural and regional NSW access the specialised services they need.
“Royal Far West (RFW) has been caring for country children and their families, some right here in the Northern Tablelands, for more than 90 years,” Mr Marshall said.
“Accessing specialised treatment isn’t always easy or sometimes even possible in the bush so we’re grateful when an organisation like RFW steps in and provides that connection.
“The new facility will allow Royal Far West to provide state-wide early intervention health and education services, including in speech and communication, early literacy and reading support and mental health services for up to 15,000 country kids each year.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall pictured recently with Royal Far West CEO Lindsay Cane, left, Board Member Ted Waters and Business Director Richard Colbran.
Mr Marshall said State Government support for the project was an absolute “no brainer”.
“I and my colleagues will always fight for a better deal for country people and access to quality healthcare is right at the top of our agenda,” he said.
“We have seen record investment in hospital projects in our region, but it is impossible to provide all types of specialist support in every town.
“For that reason I’m so proud to support organisations like RFW that connect country kids with the same services our city cousins take for granted.”
This investment by the NSW Government means Stage 2 of the project will require less commercial development than would otherwise be necessary to sustain Royal Far West’s improved operations, in the interests of the local community.
The Stage 2 development will now not include the original proposal for a 5 star international hotel.
Subject to funding, community support and local planning approvals, construction of the Stage 1 Centre for Child Health and Learning would take 18 months to complete.