Don’t Forget the Country Kids: Why Rural Children Deserve Australia’s Attention — and Investment

Recently in Sydney, a spectacular fundraising event raised more than $84 million for children’s health. It was awe-inspiring — a powerful display of generosity and a reminder that Australians deeply care about the wellbeing of children.

But as someone who works in philanthropy and comes from outside the city limits, I couldn’t help but ask myself a difficult question:

What about the country kids?

Hyper Agency: How Philanthropists Change Systems, Not Symptoms

While studying Effective Philanthropy at Stanford University, I learned a concept that stayed with me: hyper agency — the unique ability philanthropists have to create system-level change. Not just easing symptoms, but transforming the conditions that create disadvantage in the first place.

When I saw the scale of that $84 million result, hyper agency came to mind. Because if there is anywhere philanthropists can change a system overnight, it’s in rural child health.

The Reality for Country Kids: Long Waits, Limited Care

Right now, children living in regional, rural, and remote Australia are waiting up to 6 years to see a paediatrician. In many communities, there isn’t even a GP available.

Just ask families in Mudgee, Rylstone or Gulgong, where locals have resorted to posting flyers in shop windows pleading for a doctor.

The latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data paints a stark picture:

• Almost 60% of children in remote and very remote Australia are not developmentally on track for school.

• One in five children in disadvantaged rural areas is vulnerable in two or more developmental domains.

• These indicators strongly predict later health, wellbeing, and academic success.

Country children are starting school already behind — through no fault of their own.

The Long-Term Cost of Inaction

We know what happens when vulnerable children miss out on support in the early years:

They become vulnerable adults.

Adults who face higher risks of educational disengagement, chronic mental health challenges, unemployment, relationship strain, homelessness, and contact with the criminal justice system.

These are not abstract theories. In rural communities, these outcomes are lived realities. We have seen:

• Skyrocketing rates of rural crime

• The heartbreaking statistic that a farmer dies by suicide every 10 days

The data is in plain sight.

Early Intervention: One of the Smartest Investments a Donor Can Make

The Harvard Center on the Developing Child confirms what rural families already know:

The earlier we intervene in a child’s life, the greater the benefit — for the child, the family, and society.

Early intervention strengthens communities, reduces long-term service costs, and helps build a more equitable Australia.

It is one of the highest ROI investments any philanthropist can make.

Royal Far West: Closing the Gap for Rural Children

Thankfully, there is one extraordinary organisation working to ensure no country child is left behind: Royal Far West.

Through programs like the Child & Family Service and the Schools and Early Years Program, Royal Far West delivers developmental, behavioural, and mental health support to children who cannot access services at home.

At Royal Far West, $5,000 gives a child access to an entire multidisciplinary health team — a paediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and social worker.

This is whole-of-community care delivered in a way rural families can actually use.

And the impact is profound.

In the past year, Royal Far West has supported:

• 3,998 rural children directly

• 24,000+ parents, carers, educators, and health professionals indirectly

Children arrive with questions.

They leave with answers — and a pathway to thrive.

A Small Investment, A Transformational Impact

We’re not asking for $84 million to continue this work.

We’re asking for $1.8 million in philanthropic funding over the next year.

A small investment with outsized, generational impact.

Philanthropy Means Love of Humankind — And Right Now, Country Kids Need That Love

The word philanthropy comes from the Greek philanthrōpia — for the love of humankind.

Today, some of that love is needed beyond the city limits.

For the children whose futures are worth investing in.

For the communities that hold our nation’s food, energy, and identity.

Let’s make sure Australia never forgets the country kids.

If You Want to Make a Difference for Country Children

If you are interested in supporting rural children or exploring high-impact giving opportunities, please reach out.

Rebecca