Country Kids Set To Paint Up A Storm

Country Kids Set To Paint Up a Storm

Young patients at Royal Far are set to take up their paint brushes and get
creative for the '100 Things We Love about Manly' art exhibition.

The initiative is being co-ordinated by Westpac to celebrate the recent upgrade
of its Manly branch.

Children from towns such as Wagga Wagga, Nyngan and Griffith will join Royal
Far West staff and local artist Samantha Wittingham at the children's health
facility on Monday, December 7, 2009, between 10am and 4pm to create pieces
for the '100 Things We Love About Manly' exhibition. On Tuesday, December 8
from 6pm, local dignitaries and Westpac customers will be treated to an
exhibition of the works at the refurbished Westpac branch in Manly.

The art will be sold to guests at the event and funds raised donated to Royal Far West to support its work caring for country kids.

Royal Far West CEO Jann Kingston said she was very excited about the exhibition
and getting the community, staff, families and patients behind the project.

"Art is a wonderful form or expression and celebration. The exhibition gives our
children exposure to this medium and helps them express what they think about
their trips to Manly as Royal Far West patients," Ms Kingston said.

"We are grateful for the support of the Westpac branch in Manly."

Westpac's Bank Manager in Manly Jonathon Browne said: "Locals are also being
encouraged to enter their own works into the exhibition. I'm excited to find out
what they love about our community. Westpac has been part of this area for a
long time and we're happy to take this opportunity to celebrate the things that
make Manly so special."

Media contact:
Westpac
Julia Collard
0409 311 176

Royal Far West
Sharon Hogan
0421 619 097

SOURCE: Royal Far West