Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT has joined forces with health charity, Marathon Health, to
launch the Variety Flying Start Paediatric Service, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at providing
vital free paediatric assessments for children and young people in Western New South Wales.
For families in regional NSW, accessing a paediatrician can be a lengthy and challenging process,
with wait times often exceeding two years. The Variety Flying Start Paediatric Service addresses this
pressing need by offering a free flying outreach program that brings in expert paediatric care directly
to communities.
The Variety Flying Start Paediatric Service features an experienced paediatrician working alongside
a team of allied health professionals from Marathon Health. Together, they provide holistic
assessments, care plans, referrals, and recommendations for ongoing health, education, and social
services.
Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT, said this partnership is a game-changer for children and
young people living in rural NSW.
“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Variety Flying Start Paediatric
Service is a vital step towards ensuring that children in rural communities have access to the same
quality of healthcare as their city-dwelling peers,” said Tony.
Megan Callinan, CEO of Marathon Health, said we’ve seen first-hand the challenges that rural
families face when trying to access paediatric services, this program helps to bridge the gap for
those families.
“Key to the success of the Variety Flying Start program model is that it has been developed in
partnership with local communities, drawing on the knowledge and experience that our teams have
gained while working in these areas over the last five years,” said Megan.
“The program is testament to what can be achieved when we all work together.”
The Variety Flying Start Paediatric Service is a collaborative effort involving local schools, GPs,
Aboriginal Medical Services, and other community organisations. This collaborative approach
ensures that the program meets the specific needs of the communities it serves.
The initial paediatric clinics are being delivered in Walgett and Lightning Ridge, with both Variety
NSW/ACT and Marathon Health working to expand the service across regional NSW.
Richard Finter, Principal of Lightning Ridge Central School, welcomed Flying Start for providing
access to a service connecting children and young people to the specialised and holistic healthcare
they need to thrive.
“We know early intervention is key for addressing many developmental challenges in children. By
identifying potential issues and providing appropriate interventions, the Variety Flying Start
Paediatric Service can help to prevent more significant problems from developing later in life.”
Renee, mother of 7-year-old Theodore knows first-hand the benefits of the Variety Flying Start
Paediatric Service. After having been on the wait list for close to two years to see a paediatrician,
Theodore was one of the first participants of the clinic in Lightning Ridge, accessing an assessment,
diagnosis and care plan linking him to ongoing local support.
Renee said with this diagnosis and the support, we know what the issues are, he’s on the right
medication and now has access to a learning support teacher.
“We can now move forward and give Theodore the best chance in life. He is like a different kid
already in such a short time,” says Renee.
Variety NSW/ACT and Marathon Health are appealing for support from Government, the business
community, and the general public to help expand the Variety Flying Start Paediatric Service.
To find out more about the Variety Flying Start program or to donate, visit:
http://www.flyingstart.org.au/
Watch Renee and Theodore’s story.
Media Contact: Patty Barrett | GoodPR – 0424 324 181 or [email protected]
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