Welcome to RICE

Remote & Isolated Children's Exercise

Remote & Isolated Children’s Exercise (RICE) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing services to geographically isolated families with children.

Our Mission

 Our mission is to ensure children and families in Outback South Australia have access to quality early years services, including education and childcare, that are not readily available due to geographical location.

About us

Remote & Isolated Children's Exercise​

The Remote & Isolated Children’s Exercise Inc. (RICE) was established in 1976 in response to the difficulties and lack of services faced by geographically isolated families with children up to 12 years old. RICE is a unique mobile children’s service offering a range of education and care services to families living in remote towns, communities and stations in South Australia. 

Based in Port Augusta, RICE covers an area of approximately 650,000 square kilometres, travelling by 4WD vehicles to visit families and communities.

Our Programs

  • Wellbeing Program

    Our Wellbeing Program is proudly staffed by a RICE Wellbeing Officer, whose role is generously funded by the Department of Education. This dedicated position serves as a crucial point of contact for families seeking support and guidance toward additional agencies when needed.

  • Pre-school Program

    Our Early Childhood Teacher offers a Pre-school program designed for eligible children. Our programming is thoughtfully crafted, drawing guidance from several esteemed Education Department resources.

  • Outback Childcare

    Outback Childcare, a program exclusively supported by RICE, operates with a dedicated team of Educators. Their mission is to offer live-in childcare services to families facing barriers to mainstream childcare programs.

  • Activity Days

    Welcome to Outback Childcare Activity Days, a program proudly presented by RICE, where we bring exciting activities to community events for children. Activity Days serve as a secure haven for children to engage in playful interactions with their peers, always under the watchful eye of their parents or caregivers.

  • Remote Creche

    Creche sessions run in Orroroo on Mondays and Hawker on Fridays, from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm during the school term. Our Remote Creche receives funding support from the Department of Education, ensuring the continuity of our valuable services, and partners with Hawker and Orroroo Childhood Services who provide access to their premises and facilities.

  • Playdays

    Our Playdays are play-based gatherings take place in convenient central locations like community halls or family homes. These Playdays serve as a unifying force, bringing families from various districts together for a shared experience that encourages interaction, play and learning in a safe and nurturing environment.

RICE Resource Centre

At the RICE Resource Centre, we're all about making learning and play accessible and enjoyable for all children.

Our centre is your go-to destination for a wide variety of educational games and toys that prioritise fun, creativity, and play. Whether you're a member or a visitor, you'll discover a diverse selection of toys, games, books and puzzles to enjoy.