Celebrating 100 Years of Royal Far West


Outback Heritage Ride
15 - 17 May 2025
380km+

Ride for Country Kids 2026

Each year, cyclists head out on a three-day ride across regional NSW as part of Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids (RFCK). The annual event raises vital funds and awareness for developmental, behavioural and mental health services to help transform the lives of Australia’s country children. Since its inception over a decade ago, the Ride has raised over $4.5 million. In 2026, the Ride will take cyclists on a journey through Royal Far West’s heartland – starting in Parkes, and travelling through Manildra, Molong, Trundle, and Eugowra, before finishing in Forbes. These towns hold a special place in Royal Far West’s history and future, supported by passionate volunteers, local branches, and community hubs like our op-shops in Forbes and Trundle . The Ride is a celebration of what’s possible when communities come together to support country kids.

Where we're headed in 2026!

The route:

Setting off on Sunday 17 May, the Ride will cover over 400km through NSW’s far west regions. It will take cyclists on a journey through Royal Far West’s heartland – starting in Parkes, and travelling through Manildra, Molong, Trundle, and Eugowra, before finishing in Forbes.

Day One – Starting in Parkes, riding through Manildra and Molong, before returning to Parkes (approx. 150km)
Day Two – Starting in Parkes and riding to Trundle, before heading to Forbes (approx. 130km)
Day Three – Starting in Forbes, heading to Eugowra and finishing in Forbes  (approx.. 120km)

Why we ride

 

Royal Far West’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and remote communities.

Every Australian child deserves access to quality health, education and developmental care – but for many country kids, distance and a lack of local services stand in the way. In some regions, children are waiting up to six years to see a paediatrician or are told there are no services available at all.

Compounding challenges such as bushfires, floods, and other natural disasters have further increased the number of children in need of developmental and mental health support.

As a specialist child development service, Royal Far West provides vital, evidence-informed care through virtual care, in-community programs and at our Centre for Country Kids in Manly.

In May 2026, we’ll be riding to connect even more country children with the assessments, therapies and supports they need to thrive.

We’re aiming to raise $500,000 to directly support the health and wellbeing of Australia’s country kids. We need your help to give these children the best start in life.

Who we ride for

Tilly's Story

In a small town in the wide expanses of central NSW, lives seven year old Tilly*. It’s the perfect area to live, surrounded by nature and within a tight knit community where everyone is looking out for you. Growing up in regional Australia is beyond a privilege, it is a gift. It’s an upbringing that unfortunately can be overshadowed by the harsh realities of country life.

Born prematurely, Tilly’s childhood was fraught with challenges as she presented with learning and social difficulties. While other children effortlessly strung words together and formed sentences, Tilly struggled to communicate. Her parents, Sarah and David, watched with growing concern as their daughter fell further behind in her development.

Her school offered Tilly learning support, however access to wider support services for Tilly’s development in Central NSW was virtually impossible. With paediatricians and occupational therapists based over 200km away and waiting times of over two years, Tilly’s parents were left in the dark with no potential for help or assistance for her development.

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