This paper examines specific problems facing community service delivery in rural Australia and efforts to overcome these deficiencies. The generic term "rural" is advantageous in that it delineates particular problems facing rural communities, aids in resource allocation, raises public awareness of rural disadvantage, and provides an understanding of qualitative factors associated with rural living. Disadvantages of using such a broad categorization include the lumping together of nonrelated communities, perpetuation of rural myths, and stigmatization of all rural communities as disadvantaged. Common problems of rural community service delivery include distance, isolation, and coordination of services; lack of infrastructure and resources; recruitment of service professionals; limited skill base of service delivery agencies; increased demands upon community organizations concerning accountability and outcomes; and poorly defined roles for local government. Past models of rural service delivery have failed because they were based on urban models, used culturally inappropriate practices, or did not integrate services. The Division of Community Services Development (Queensland) has sought to overcome these deficiencies by developing programs through a participatory local planning process that emphasizes building community self-reliance. Programs provide integrated services based on local priorities, deliver emergency relief and social support services to farm families in drought areas, promote social-impact assessment of development projects, provide "limited hours" child care, and help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women to develop local child and family services. Contains 15 references. (LP)