Dubbo Wagon Wheel Club gathered at an event on the weekend to not only celebrate the centenary of national charity Royal Far West, but also the dedication of club members who fundraise regularly throughout the year to support the cause.

Club secretary Margaret Ann Mould said the club welcomed the community to its two-course celebratory lunch on Sunday, October 19, at Grapevine Cafe.

Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders was one of those slated to speak at the lunch, as well as the mother of a child who is a current client of Royal Far West, which supports country children’s developmental, mental and behavioural health.

The Dubbo Wagon Wheel Club – which has been going for an extraordinary 88 years – has had a decades-long association with Royal Far West and serves as a local branch of the organisation.

“It’s about helping the families of country kids where they struggle to get the medical help they need,” Ms Mould explained.

“People aren’t left out. The whole family goes [away with the child who needs treatment],” she added.

“Education is still important while they’re getting whatever medical assistance they need, and their education is not being forgotten,” she said of one of the support services offered by Royal Far West.

The club’s committed volunteers run raffles throughout the year, including fortnightly at Ploughman’s Rest Tavern, Wongarbon, and in other locations on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and at Christmas time.

Sunday’s event was a chance to thank them for their community service and commitment to supporting country children through their volunteering.

Further information about the work of Royal Far West is available on the organisation’s website.