Riverina rallies behind Ashley Hart after shock cancer diagnosis

AT just 28 years old, Ashley Hart has been confronted with a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis — but she isn’t facing the fight alone.

In an extraordinary show of strength, compassion, and generosity, the Riverina is rallying behind her, with the Wagga Harness Racing Club leading a major fundraising campaign to support Ashley as she undergoes treatment.

Under the banner “A Helping Hand for Ash”, the club has launched a huge online auction featuring an extraordinary range of equine products, stallion services, and donated prizes from supporters across Australia and New Zealand.

From major equine organisations and local Riverina businesses to high-profile musicians and racing icons, the response has been extraordinary.

Over 45 local, state and interstate businesses and organisations have thrown their support behind the cause, including over half a dozen from Junee. See the full list below.

The auction is now live and will remain open until 6pm on Monday, 8 September 2025.

A community raffle will also launch in the coming days, with tickets on sale until Thursday, 23 October 2025, ahead of a live prize draw at the Wagga Harness Racing Club race meeting on Friday, 24 October 2025.

Details of the raffle will be posted to the Riverina Paceway‘s Facebook Page.

The Wagga Harness Racing Club has thanked the fundraiser’s supporters, and said every dollar raised will go directly to Ashley.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has donated products and services… your participation will help make a difference in [Ashley’s] life during this challenging time and we thank you for your support,” the Club said.

Ashley has also extended her gratitude, saying she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness.

“I can’t thank the Wagga Harness Racing Club enough and everyone behind the scenes who have worked so hard in organising the fundraiser in support of me,” she said.

“To all of the businesses who kindly donated, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity and kindness has been overwhelming and very much appreciated.

“To everyone who has reached out to myself or my family with words of love and support, thank you — it’s meant the world to me.”

Ashley’s battle is just beginning, and the community’s support can make all the difference.

Locals and supporters across the state are encouraged to get behind the campaign by bidding in the auction, purchasing raffle tickets once they go live, and sharing Ashley’s story far and wide.

Every contribution, big or small, will help ease the financial strain and show Ashley she is not alone in her fight.

FUNDRAISER DONORS & SUPPORTERS

• Murrumbidgee Turf Club
• Judds Horse Supplies
• Harness Racing NSW
• AuctionsPlus
• Nutrien Equine – Standardbred
• Cobbitty Equine Farm
• Yirribee Pacing Stud
• Wingate Farm Standardbred Stud
• Woodlands Stud NZ
• Alabar Farms
• Medowie Lodge
• Kooringal Stud
• T-Line Steel Fabrication
• Pinnacle Powder Coat
• Steven Harris
• Carbine chemicals
• Runner’s Relief Therapy
• Tallahesse J C Milton & Co
• Zilco – Equestrian Products
• Conqueror Milling Company
• Garrards Horse & Hound
• Mustard Australia
• Yanko Lodge
• Racing NSW
• Australian Turf Club
• Kembla Grange Racecourse
• Venues NSW
• Club Menangle
• Rydges Campbelltown
• Anaconda Stores
• TAB
• SEN
• The Living End
• Allure Hair And Beauty
• Jimmy Barnes
• Newcastle Harness Racing Club
• Saul Duck
• Storehouse Botanica
• JJ Glass & Co
• The Whitlams Official
• Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory
• Harness Racing Victoria
• Liz Campbell Jewellery
• Bridgestone Wagga
• Broadway Builders Junee
• Coolamon Butchery
• Benstud Standardbreds
• The Atkinson Family