Junee Poker Run shatters records with $42,000 gift to Can Assist

THE engines may have fallen silent, but the impact of this year’s Junee Poker Run will echo for years to come.

The Bulletin can reveal this year’s 20th annual Junee Poker Run and Blues Night has shattered records, raising a breathtaking $42,000 for Can Assist Junee.

It’s the largest amount of money ever raised for the local charity, which supports local cancer patients and their families.

In a surprise moment, the Poker Run committee gate-crashed Can Assist’s annual general meeting at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club on Thursday night, where they proudly presented the eye-watering cheque.

The historic $42,000 donation is $15,500 more than last year and double the amount raised in 2022, and takes the total amount the Poker Run has gifted Can Assist over the past four years alone to a staggering $114,000.

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

Fuelled by a shared mission, more than 400 motorcyclists took part in last month’s ride, which saw the convoy embark on a 230km journey across the Riverina in the name of charity.

While registrations were slightly lower than previous years, the generosity of sponsors and participants propelled this year’s fundraising efforts to unprecedented heights.

Can Assist Junee President Fiona Rynehart was visibly moved by the generosity of the event’s supporters.

“This is just amazing,” she said.

“We cannot do it without the Poker Run. This will allow us to fund a lot of different things this year. We’re going to be able to help more people than ever before. Bring it on.”

© The Junee Bulletin

The record-breaking success of this year’s event was largely fuelled by a surge in sponsorships, with 65 businesses and organisations stepping up to support the cause—13 more than in 2024 and more than double the number in 2022.

The overwhelming result proving once again that when the Junee community rallies behind a cause, they don’t just meet expectations—they surpass them.

Junee Poker Run President Tony Fitzgerald described the result as nothing short of extraordinary, and thanked Can Assist for their efforts.

“We’ve had a pretty good year,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “We’re stoked with the result.”

“On behalf of everyone on the committee, we’d like to thank Can Assist again for all their efforts and what they do for the community.”

Under Fitzgerald’s leadership, the Junee Poker Run—one of Australia’s longest-running and largest charity rides—has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the town’s community spirit.

© The Junee Bulletin

© The Junee Bulletin

The Poker Run’s recent fundraising milestones highlight just how much the event has grown:

▪️2025: $42,000 (426 entrants / 65 sponsors)
▪️2024: $27,500 (447 entrants / 52 sponsors)
▪️2023: $25,000 (467 entrants / 35 sponsors)
▪️2022: $20,000 (447 entrants / 28 sponsors)
▪️2021: Event cancelled due to COVID-19

What began as a charity ride two decades ago has evolved into a powerful force for good, a true symbol of the power of a tight-knit community.

Behind the scenes, the dedicated Poker Run committee continues to pour their passion into ensuring the event’s success.

Their unwavering dedication, alongside the efforts of riders, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, ensures the ride remains a celebration of generosity, camaraderie, and the thrill of the open road.

With every mile ridden and every dollar raised, the Poker Run reaffirms a simple truth: Junee’s heart beats loudest when it rides together.

20th Annual Junee Poker Run pictured at Jugiong | © The Junee Bulletin

With the 2026 ride now on the horizon, the committee is already gearing up for another unforgettable event.

Their annual general meeting, set for March 16, will mark the official start of planning, and they are calling on businesses and individuals who want to be part of something truly special.

For sponsorship inquiries, interested parties can reach out via email at juneepokerrun@outlook.com