Drummond of the Far West

Methodist Minister Rev Stanley Drummond and his wife Lucy arrived in Cobar in 1924.

The Great Cobar Mine had not long closed and sadly Cobar was at a low point.

Many families were living in poverty and the Drummonds were appalled at the conditions that families endured.

Many children suffered from long term illnesses and disease.

The Drummonds devoted their lives to helping the underprivileged and sick children of the Outback.

The Far West Childrens Health Scheme was started in 1935 as a direct outcome of the Drummond’s excellent work.

They also organized for these disadvantaged and sick children to visit Sydney and it beaches.

Three Railway Carriages were converted into Mobile Clinics and over the years, children from all over the Western New South Wales benefited from this incredible service.

The original Far West Childrens Health Scheme base is in Manly and continues to provide an Outreach Service to children in Outback New South Wales.

One of the Far West Railway Carriages has been restored and is a fascinating must-see exhibit at the Cobar Heritage Centre.

Drummond Park in Cobar in named in their honour.