Bogan Shire community members gathered at Nyngan Airport this week to welcome Dr Nicholas Wood as he made his inaugural landing for the first of his monthly free-of-charge paediatric clinics, organised with the help of medical charity Little Wings.

With over 100 children in the area facing a two-year wait list for appointments and referrals, the arrival of Dr Wood couldn’t come at a better time.

Bogan Shire received information in 2025 about the possibility of services for the town. With behind the scenes consultation between General Manager Derek Francis, Debb Wood BSC Director of People, Clare Pearson of CEO of Little Wings and Nicki Callan RN and Coordinator Medical Wings Paediatric Services, Dr Wood was confirmed as willing and available, which lead to the commencement of services to Nyngan.

Council sparked the initiative by applying to Little Wings for help. Little Wings is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free, professional, safe flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in rural and regional NSW, ACT and QLD. Seeing the need, they organised to get Dr Wood on the ground there.

“It was overwhelming and exciting to see the community’s enthusiasm for paediatric services coming to Nyngan with Little Wings,” said Dr Wood.

With early detection of chronic illnesses and behavioural problems high on the help list, Dr Wood hopes his visits will go a long way to getting the ball rolling for rural kids.

“Both of those areas are lacking in the rural and regional parts of Australia, so this is a chance to help out,” said Dr Wood.

Paediatrician Dr Nicholas Wood brings hope to kids and their parents in the Nyngan district. [Image Little Wings]

Dr Wood, a general paediatrician and immunisation specialist, has worked at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead since 1996.

He is also a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Sydney and is passionate about child health and wanting every child to achieve their best health and wellbeing, the perfect person to visit kids in the bush.

Nyngan Public School students welcome Little Wings and Dr Wood to Nyngan. [Image Ombre Photography]

According to Mrs Debb Wood Director People and Community Services Bogan Shire Council the day was very special with lots of community, the schools and allied health services joining in to welcome Dr Wood at a special morning tea.

“We were incredibly grateful to welcome Dr Nicholas Wood to Nyngan today for his first visit through the Medical Wings program,” said Mrs Wood.

“For families in our community, accessing specialist care has often meant long travel times, extended waiting periods, and significant expense. Having a paediatrician visit locally is more than convenient – it is truly transformative for our children and their families.”

“Early identification and intervention are vital to supporting children’s health, development, and wellbeing.

“This program helps ensure our children can access timely specialist care close to home, reducing stress on families and strengthening health outcomes across our community,” said Mrs Wood.

Debb Wood Director People and Community Services Bogan Shire Council says Council is grateful for the support from Dr Wood and Little Wings. [Image BSC]

"It’s a day we have been looking forward to for quite a while,” said Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill.

“Paediatric care in our region has been hard to get a hold of, so to have someone commit to come out is fantastic and we are very appreciative of their efforts.”

One Nyngan mum said she had been waiting for many months for help, and this service would be a godsend.

“We love living out here but one of the drawbacks is the distance for medical help. Having this service come to Nyngan has given me hope that I can get my daughter the assistance that she needs.

“It is so costly travelling to Dubbo and Sydney for appointments. We really appreciate Dr Wood and Little Wings for bringing this service to us.”