Region gets behind Dusty’s epic walk for country kids

Dusty Langby has started a movement and he's touching hearts in every community he's walking through on an epic 540km journey to help bring paediatricians to regional and remote communities so families don't have to travel long distances for essential care. The 12-year-old from Warren walked through the Parkes Shire last Wednesday and Thursday before making his way to Eugowra on Friday where the community turned out to greet him. Dusty is raising awareness and vital funds for Little Wings, the children's charity that provides free flights for sick children and their families, calling his mission Dollar for Dusty. His aim is to raise $1 million - at time of print he's up to $307,428. Florence Stanley, Indi Fren, Margot Langfield and Lexi Eppelstun were ready to welcome Dusty to Eugowra as he passes through on his epic trek. PHOTO: Jess Stanley With his mum Sarah and the Dollar for Dusty support crew - mostly made up of family members and nurses from Warren - by his side, the team left Warren on 30 August bound for Canberra. Dusty has an official meeting with the Prime Minister at Parliament House at 9am on 15 September. Dusty knows firsthand the difference and positive effect timely healthcare can make on a community after his young brother needed to access the services of Little Wings and later with the arrival of a specialist to his hometown. He believes country kids should have access to the specialist healthcare they need no matter where they live. "One of the challenges of living regional is that healthcare isn't just down the road - it's a day in the car, it's a night away, it's going to a community you don't know anyone, it's disconnection from your family," said Sarah, who's a child family health nurse herself. Teddy Stanley, Dusty Langby and William Jackson celebrated Dusty's arrival in Eugowra. In regional NSW the wait to see a paediatrician can be 18 months, while in other areas it could be as long as six years. Every step of the way Dusty has been greeted with immense generosity from people handing him $50 notes, or anything he might need or use. Andrew Bailey from Little Wings said the Central West is the charity's busiest area. "We do 300 missions here, we fly out six times a week," he said. "The way all our Central West communities are wrapping around Dusty is truly inspiring. "The demand is growing for the service." Arthur Langfield, William Jackson, Bowie Eppelstun and Gus Fren were excited to welcome Dusty to Eugowra as he made his way through on his fundraising trek. Today Dusty is mid-way between Boorowa and Yass. You can still support Dusty's mission by purchasing a ticket in the Dollar for Dusty raffle at https://www.raffletix.com.au/ and his fundraising page.