As a teacher and primary school principal, Tanya Bajda has seen the positive outcomes teaming up with Royal Far West can provide.
Currently the Acting Principal at Macksville Public School, she said students had benefited from the support of speech therapists, both one-on-one and in small groups, as well as Occupational Therapy (OT), which was offered online via telecare, linking students with specialists in Sydney.
“When needed, and with permission, we can also video children in the classroom to provide more information to RFW for telecare assessments,” Tanya said.
“By working with the clinicians, as well as a child’s parents, we as teachers, are part of the strategy to support the student and help them to succeed.”
The RFW telecare services first arrived in Valley schools in 2016 thanks to ValleyCat, a community group that saw the need for RFW expertise locally.
Close to 200 children have been helped over the last two years and now it is time to plan future collaborations … and how they will be funded.
Tanya said RFW’s Bus Stop program was another benefit, offering a one-stop shop at schools where students could have necessary tests as a precursor to possible follow-up support.
“Parents can also see what is available to help their child and how best to access it.”
She said speech tests, occupational therapy and dental services, as well as other forms of support were on offer.
“This is all about supporting student learning – it gives the child, their parents and the school a clear plan of action, which is wonderful.”
Tanya will be one of the panel members, along with Lindsay Cane – CEO Royal Far West, Cr Rhonda Hoban – Mayor of Nambucca Shire Council, Janine Reed – Governing Board, Local Health District, Rod Edwards – Rotary, Cr Martin Ballangarry OAM - Deputy Mayor and Brad Cooper - Fairfax (who will be MC) at the community meeting hosted by Royal Far West together with Charles Sturt University on Wednesday, February 21 at the Macksville Ex-Services Club.
The purpose of the meeting is to not only to help raise awareness on children’s development health in the Nambucca Shire, but also to congratulate the ValleyCat on the success of the actions already taken to improve the situation locally.
This community discussion will showcase the work that has been done and plan ahead to continue supporting our kids to have brighter future.
It is free and everyone is invited to attend. Registration with afternoon tea is at 5pm for 5.30-6.30 meeting.
To register go to www.royalfarwest.org.au/town-hall.
Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
