Abstract: In remote Australia there are examples of remote services that have worked consistently well over an extended period of time. But too often they remain isolated cases. One factor in their success may have been the work of individuals in key positions. Perhaps a particular set of circumstances came together at the right place and time. Or maybe the role of government staff or local residents was critical. Using insights gained from the research of the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre (DKCRC) and lessons from other countries, this paper will explore the key ingredients in improving remote services and consider how greater replication of good practice can be achieved. In particular, the paper will consider the challenge of moving from person-dependent to system-dependent practice and the potential impact of replicated service models on economic development.