Royal Far West (RFW) is celebrating 100 years of their vital life-altering work in 2025.  

The children's charity is holding their annual Ride for Country Kids from 15-17 May to raise vital money for developmental, behavioural and mental health services for children in rural and regional Australia. 

The three-day event involves cycling through more than 380 kilometres of far West NSW.  

There'll be 100 riders (to represent the 100 years) setting off at Bourke District Children’s Services on 15 May.

After the official launch, ribbon-cutting and breakfast, riders take off to Cobar.  

On 16 May, cyclists will go from Cobar to Nyngan then on to Narromine where the ride finishes on 17 May.  

Also on 17 May, RFW will hold their 100 Year Gala Dinner in Dubbo.

Among the 100 riders will be Holbrook-based farmer Bill Wearn.  

Bill Wearn at RFW's Ride for Country Kids. Image: supplied.

Bill's family has a long history with RFW.

His grandfather Dr. Walter John Wearn was an expert in dentistry who spent two decades with RFW, providing essential dental care to children throughout regional NSW.

Bill's grandmother Polly wrote the 1966 book 'The Magic Shoulder', which tells the early history of the RFW organisation that was founded by Reverend Stanley Drummond in 1924 to improve the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and remote communities.  

In the early days, RFW supported children with medical and dental care, but this has changed to incorporate mental health and wellbeing. What hasn't changed is RFW's vision to support country kids.  

"There's an embedded sense of goodwill," says Bill.   

"I think all of these sponsor organisations and also the staff have been touched by the cause of Royal Far West. 

"It's a beacon of light and a way forward because they've been doing it for 100 years."  

Bill is a long-time participant, with this year being his tenth time completing the ride. In 2025, he'll be joined by his brothers Rob and Adrian, and nephews Tom and Matt.  

"Lots of people have different contributions. Mine is financial, but I see individuals donating their time and their energy as well.

"You can't go past the family atmosphere that the Royal Far West organisation brings. It really does care for the soul."

Royal Far West CEO Jacqui Emery said the ride was more than a journey, it is a "lifeline" for country kids.  

"By raising crucial funds, we ensure that children in rural and remote communities have access to the health services they so urgently need, that they can’t access because of where they live."  

Children like Cindy Amor's five-year-old daughter Lacy are able to access care and support through the RFW organisation.

Lacy sees an occupational therapist and speech therapist with Royal Far West.  

Lacy at the RFW lodge in Manly. Image: supplied.

"Being in Parkes, it's hard to access therapists and the supports and agencies that kids really need to succeed," said Lacy's aunt.  

"To see a paediatrician could cost up to a thousand dollars for the day, by the time we would have time off work, pay for petrol to go to Canberra, stay the night.

"It's just not accessible. And for some families, if they didn't have access to Royal Far West they just wouldn't be able to get help."  

Since the beginning of Ride for Country Kids, RFW has raised over $3.9 million to support their essential work in ensuring the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and regional areas.

This year, they're hoping to add $750,000 to that tally.