While he was recovering in Manly from surgery, Rev Drummond (Superintendent of the Methodist Far West Circuit) had what he called an inspiration: "To bring from the Far West to the seaside, children of the kind who would otherwise never see the sea during their childhood.”
Together with his wife he brought the first contingent of children from Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar and Wilcannia in 1925. He realised that the children were more in need of medical, surgical and dental attention, and the original idea was changed to become the Far West Children's Health Scheme. Over the ensuing decades the work expanded rapidly, land was purchased in Wentworth Street on the site of Manly Luna Park, and the service moved from portable to permanent accommodation in Drummond House .
In 2019 we moved into brand new premises, and there is an ongoing close collaboration with Royal Far West Clinical Services, with a focus on developmental, learning and behavioural difficulties. Increasingly we provide ongoing support to students, families and schools remotely.
RFWS includes SWAY (Sounds, Words, Aboriginal Language and Yarning). The NSW Centre for Effective Reading, Manly hub is based at Royal Far West School.
