The first five years of a child’s life are crucial in helping shape a healthy and happy future. Young children living in rural and remote Australia face significant challenges in accessing appropriate early childhood education and developmental health services. Children in the bush are more likely to start pre-school and kindergarten with developmental and behavioural issues, compared to their city counterparts. Early intervention is the key to making a difference in their lives.

Please join Royal Far West and Thrive by Five for a a special one-off virtual roundtable for leaders in their field in early childhood health and education and people with lived experience. The aim is to join together in conversation to identify common needs of concern, and raise awareness about the specific issues affecting young children living in rural and regional Australia.

As well as having the opportunity to share your experiences and feedback, you’ll hear from:

• Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC, NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning
• Jacqui Emery, CEO of Royal Far West
• Jay Weatherill, former SA Premier and now CEO of Thrive by Five
• Dr Marcel Zimmet – developmental paediatrician who has worked with Royal Far West for five years.
• Cr Barbara Newton, Deputy Mayor of Parkes

This roundtable will be conducted online, via Zoom and will go for an hour. We really hope you can join us as we identify issues of common concern and unite to give voice to the needs of country children.