Sponsorships open as Junee Poker Run gears up for 21st birthday

The Junee Poker Run has entered a new chapter following the election of its first-ever female president.

Sponsorships are now open for the 2026 ride, which will also mark the charity event’s 21st birthday.

Newly elected President Jen Parsons said she was honoured to step into the role, but acknowledged she had big shoes to fill.

Her appointment follows the retirement of long-standing President Tony Fitzgerald, who stepped down after spearheading the Poker Run’s record-breaking 20th anniversary ride in 2025.

“Tony has done a remarkable job leading a passionate and dedicated team, helping to deliver a successful event year after year,” Parsons said.

“His leadership has played a key role in ensuring vital funds are raised for Junee Can Assist, who in turn provide tireless support to locals facing their own cancer journeys.

“With the continued dedication of our committee and volunteers, and the generous backing of our corporate sponsors, I’m confident we can maintain the success of the event and continue giving back to our community in a meaningful way.

“The committee and I are looking forward to another successful event in 2026, and we hope to welcome back many returning riders as well as some new faces.”

Leadership Reshuffle

Parsons took over the Secretary role in 2024, succeeding Georgia Ford, and now leads the committee into a new era as it builds on recent momentum.

Outgoing Vice President Jamie Becquet also stepped down from the executive, passing the baton to newly elected VP Al Smith.

Becquet had been tipped for the top job but declined the nomination due to increasing work commitments. He will remain on the committee and continue to contribute to planning and logistics.

CHANGE OF THE GUARD: From left to right; Newly-elected Vice-President Al Smith and President Jen Parsons, incoming Secretary Taylor Wright, outgoing President Tony Fitzgerald, former Secretary Georgia Ford, and current committee member Kylie Nell | © The Junee Bulletin

The reshuffle also sees Taylah Wright take over as Secretary, while long-serving committee member Rachel Marr continues as Treasurer.

Other key roles for 2026 include Ben Nell as Ride Coordinator, Ron Hindmarsh as Band Coordinator, and Megan Callow as Merchandise Coordinator. Jaydan Duck also joins the executive as Publicity Officer and Media Coordinator.

Lasting Legacy

Under Fitzgerald’s leadership, the Poker Run has gone from strength to strength—growing to become one of Australia’s most successful and enduring fundraising motorcycle rides.

Fuelled by community spirit and a shared mission, more than 400 motorcyclists took part in the 20th anniversary ride in February, covering a 230km route across the Riverina.

While registrations were slightly down, the generosity of riders, sponsors and attendees propelled fundraising efforts to new heights.

A staggering $42,000 was raised for local cancer support group Can Assist Junee, with a record 64 local businesses and individuals sponsoring the 2025 event—more than double the number in 2022.

The Poker Run rolled into Harden on the 20th anniversary ride in 2025 | © The Junee Bulletin

SURPRISE: The Junee Poker Run committee surprised Can Assist Junee with a cheque for $42,000 following the 20th anniversary ride in 2025 | © The Junee Bulletin

Over the past four years alone, the Poker Run has raised more than $110,000, solidifying its place as a major community fundraiser.

A lasting legacy of Fitzgerald’s leadership was the pivotal decision to relocate the Poker Run to its current home at the Junee Showgrounds. While the Blues Night component was first held there in 2022, the entire event transitioned to the new venue in 2023.

The move has been a key driver of the event’s fundraising growth in recent years, providing greater flexibility and improved facilities, and enabling the committee to introduce an additional fundraising stream by operating its own licensed bar at the Blues Night.

Treasurer Rachel Marr said it was the combination of strong leadership, strategic changes, and overwhelming local support that had driven the event’s recent success.

“Under Tony’s leadership, the decision to relocate our event to the Junee Showgrounds three years ago—alongside the outstanding level of support from our attendees and local business community—has allowed our committee to deliver an event that achieves amazing outcomes,” Marr said.

“These outcomes directly benefit Junee Can Assist and help support our locals fighting cancer.”

Riders gathered at the event’s new home, The Junee Showgrounds in 2025 | © The Junee Bulletin

Publicity Officer Jaydan Duck said planning is already well underway to mark the event’s 21st birthday on Saturday, 7 February 2026.

“It’s been incredible to see how far the Poker Run has come, especially over the past few years,” Duck said. “It has always been more than just a ride—it’s a symbol of what community spirit can achieve.”

“As we head into our 21st year, we’re focused on building on that legacy, expanding our reach, and continuing to support Can Assist Junee in the biggest way possible.

“The 2026 ride is shaping up to be something really special. We can’t wait to welcome riders and sponsors back for what promises to be another unforgettable event.”

Sponsorships Now Open

Sponsorship forms for the 2026 Junee Poker Run are now available. Several tailored packages are on offer for businesses looking to support the event and gain valuable exposure.

A silent tender process is now underway for the highly-sought after sleeve sponsorships, with businesses invited to submit their bids by Monday, 14 July 2025.

For sponsorship inquiries or to request a copy of the sponsorship prospectus, email: juneepokerrun@outlook.com