Junee legends complete gruelling 150km Big Three Trek

JUNEE’S Big Three Trek team has conquered one of Australia’s toughest charity challenges, completing a gruelling 150-kilometre journey from Sydney to Newcastle in support of brain cancer research.

The local contingent joined a record field of 85 trekkers for this year’s challenge, raising vital funds and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

They set off from Sydney before sunrise on Friday and endured three demanding days on foot before arriving at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday afternoon, where they received a heroes’ welcome ahead of the NRL clash between the Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers.

Representing Junee were Jason Ferrario and his sister Kylee Huard, Michael Diggins and his son Rhys, Lisa Harris and her son Charlie, while Michael’s wife, Lisa Diggins, formed part of this year’s support crew.

The Junee crew as they set off from Sydney on Friday morning. From left; Charlie Harris, Kylee Huard, Rhys Diggins, Lisa Harris, Michael Diggins, Jason Ferrario | Image: Supplied

Every step carried a deeply personal meaning.

For Jason and his sister Kylee, the trek honoured the memory of their late brother, Rick Keast, who lost his life to brain cancer in 2009 following a courageous battle spanning more than a decade.

For the Diggins family, the walk paid tribute to beloved son, brother and nephew Zach Diggins, who died in 2022 after a brave fight with an aggressive grade four astrocytoma.

It was Jason’s third year completing the trek, while Kylee returned for her second after joining her brother for the first time in 2025.

Michael and his son, Rhys, also completed the trek for the first time last year, alongside Michael’s sister, Lisa.

The Junee crew pictured at the Catho Pub at the end of Day 2 | Image: Supplied

Reflecting on another successful trek, Jason said sharing the journey with his sister made the achievement even more special.

“One hundred and fifty kilometres walked over three days from Sydney to Newcastle and another The Big Three Trek is in the bag,” he said.

“Awesome to walk alongside my little sister Kylee Huard in honour of our late, great, big brother, Rick.

Kylee Huard and Jason Ferrario pictured as they approached the finish line on Sunday afternoon | Image: Supplied

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of the Trek Family and I’m so proud of everyone involved.

“We walk to raise money for brain cancer research, awareness and support through the Mark Hughes Foundation in the hope that one day there will be a cure for this horrible illness.”

Throughout the weekend, the Junee team was buoyed by support from family, friends and the wider community, who backed their fundraising efforts through donations and a mega raffle featuring more than $12,000 worth of prizes.

As of Sunday evening, the Junee contingent had collectively raised almost $30,000, with donations continuing to flow in following the completion of the trek.

Kylee Huard and Jason Ferrario enjoy a hard-earned thirst after a gruelling three days on the road | Image: Supplied

The challenge forms part of the NRL’s annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, with funds supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation’s work in brain cancer research, patient support and awareness.

While the 150-kilometre journey is over, the Junee team’s fundraising campaign continues as they strive to help bring researchers one step closer to a cure.