Dr Mike Freelander MP, Chair
Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability
Department of the House of Representatives
PO Box 6021 | Canberra ACT 2600
Via email health.reps@aph.gov.au
14 November 2025
Dear Dr Freelander
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Thriving Kids Inquiry last week.
As per my commitment to the Committee, I have attached the following evaluations and reports that provide evidence and information about programs we run to support rural and remote children, their families and their teachers.
- Schools and Early Years Evaluation
The Schools and Early Years Service has been partially funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing since 2019; allowing RFW to partner with schools and early years settings to support the developmental, behavioural and mental health of country children aged 3-12 years.
We currently partner with over 160 education providers across outer regional, rural and remote Australia. Services are delivered via telehealth, or through a combination of telehealth and intensive in-community support weeks.
- Better Learning, Better Lives Pilot Evaluation
The Australian Government Department of Education committed funding under its Emerging Priorities Program for RFW to pilot its Better Learning, Better Lives model in five schools across NSW, QLD and Victoria during calendar year 2023. The Pilot provided allied health services directly into regional schools.
- FY25 Annual Report to NSW Health on the Paedaitric Developmental Program
The Paediatric Developmental Program has been partially funded by NSW Health for over a decade as a specialist service for children in rural and remote NSW with complex developmental and behavioural issues. It offers multidisciplinary assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including support for families and trauma-informed care.
- Healthy Kids Bus Stop Final Report
The Healthy Kids Bus Stop was a free mobile developmental screening program for 3-5 year olds living in rural and remote New South Wales, operated from 2014 to 2022. The program ceased with the introduction of the NSW Government’s Brighter Beginnings program
I have attached the full reports to this document, with summaries available on the RFW website. Our website also contains other evaluations and program summaries that may be of interest here: Research & Advocacy - Royal Far West. I am happy to provide more information at any time.
Kind regards
redacted
Jacqueline Emery
CEO Royal Far West