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Expanding Access to Specialist Care for Children in Western New South Wales
07th May 2026
Children in Western New South Wales often face significant barriers to accessing paediatricians to receive behavioural assessment required to unlock the supports they need to thrive, including long wait times and limited local services. Through funding support from the Healthy Ears Better Hearing Better Listening (HEBHBL) program, this gap is being addressed by bringing multidisciplinary care closer to home.
The program delivers coordinated holistic comprehensive assessments for children through a team of paediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and local supports such as School Wellbeing Teams, Local Health District Community Health Teams and GPs. Clinics are delivered in two stages, combining local pre‑assessments and multidisciplinary case conferencing with specialist paediatric consultations to develop clear care plans and help families access the right supports.
Initially piloted in Walgett and Lightning Ridge in 2024, the service was extended to Coonamble and Dubbo in 2025. Following strong outcomes and ongoing demand, Rural Doctors Network successfully secured approval to use HEBHBL underspend to continue and expand the program in 2025–26. This has supported 11 additional clinics, introducing services to Bourke, Wellington and Forbes, while also continuing clinics in existing locations mostly delivered through local Aboriginal Medical Services.
Since commencement, Flying Start has supported more than 120 children to receive paediatric assessments with a 99% attendance rate. Over half were eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, while many others received therapy recommendations, specialist medication access, or financial supports. In one community, assessment outcomes contributed to funding for an additional school class.
The Flying Start Paediatric Service is a community-led program delivered by Marathon Health, in partnership with Variety – The Children’s Charity (NSW/ACT), along with Aboriginal Medical Services, schools, General Practitioners, and new partners Western New South Wales Local Health District and Little Wings. The program is making a real difference improving access, strengthening local services, and supporting families across Western New South Wales.
Rural Doctors Network's Health Access Outreach Services are transitioning to RDN Health and will be administered as part of RDN Health in the new financial year. RDN Health is a social enterprise of RDN - The Charity for Health Access.
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