Junee Poker Run to celebrate 21 years with milestone event

HUNDREDS of motorcycles are set to thunder into Junee for the 21st annual Junee Poker Run and Blues Night next month, led by the event’s first-ever female president.

Established in 2005, the Junee Poker Run is one of Australia’s longest running cancer charity rides, raising vital funds for Can Assist Junee.

Over the past four years alone, the event has raised more than $110,000 for the local charity, including a record-breaking $42,000 following its 20th anniversary ride in 2025.

This year’s milestone event will be held on Saturday, February 7, and is expected to bring together hundreds of riders, supporters and music lovers from across the Riverina and beyond for a full day of fundraising, riding and live entertainment.

Riders on the Junee Poker Run’s 20th anniversary in 2025 | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

A new chapter at a landmark moment

Committee President Jen Parsons said reaching the 21-year milestone was a significant achievement for the community-driven event.

“Reaching our 21st year is an incredible milestone and a real credit to the volunteers, riders and supporters who have built this event from the ground up,” Ms Parsons said.

“What started as a simple charity ride has grown into something truly special for Junee and the wider region.”

Ms Parsons was unanimously elected as the committee’s first-ever female president in May last year, succeeding long-serving president Tony Fitzgerald.

Under Mr Fitzgerald’s tenure, the Poker Run transitioned to its current home at the Junee Showgrounds, a move widely credited with driving recent fundraising success.

With improved facilities and greater flexibility, the shift has allowed the committee to introduce additional fundraising streams, including the operation of its own licensed bar during the Blues Night.

2025 Blues Night | Photo: Roger Dietrich Photography

Ms Parsons said the Poker Run’s ongoing success was driven by its strong community focus and its commitment to giving back locally.

“At its heart, the Junee Poker Run has always been about community and giving back,” she said.

“Every kilometre ridden and every dollar raised helps support locals doing it tough, and that’s what continues to drive this event year after year.”

The ride: mystery, tradition and community

As tradition dictates, the Poker Run route will remain a closely guarded secret until the morning of the event.

Rider registrations will open at 7am at the Junee Showgrounds, before the convoy departs in formation at 9.30am sharp, completing its traditional lap of Junee before setting off on a mystery 250-kilometre tour across the Riverina.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Ride Coordinator Ben Nell confirmed the route is locked in, but riders will have to wait until the day to discover where it leads.

“The route is locked in, but as always, it’ll stay a mystery until the morning of the ride,” Mr Nell said. “That sense of anticipation is all part of the Junee Poker Run experience.”

Mr Nell said extensive planning goes into each year’s ride to ensure it caters for a wide range of riders while prioritising safety.

“A lot of planning goes into designing the route each year to make sure it’s enjoyable, safe and suited to a wide range of riders,” he said.

“Our focus is on smooth riding, good stops and a great overall experience.”

Riders on the Junee Poker Run’s 20th anniversary in 2025 | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Along the way, riders will stop at pre-determined towns to collect poker cards before returning to Junee in the afternoon.

A $1,000 prize will be awarded for the best poker hand, with raffles, prizes and official merchandise also on offer.

Support and breakdown vehicles will travel with the convoy, and a supporters’ bus will operate for non-riders.

A $40 rider sign-on fee includes lunch on the ride and entry to the Blues Night, with on-site camping available from Friday. Coffee and breakfast will also be available for purchase at the Showgrounds before departure.

“One of the great things about the Poker Run is showcasing parts of the Riverina people might not otherwise visit,” Mr Nell said.

“We also receive fantastic support from the towns we pass through and from locals who line the roads to watch the convoy roll in. That encouragement really adds to the atmosphere of the day.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Blues Night: music, mateship and giving back

The celebrations will continue into the evening with the annual Blues Night, kicking off from 5.30pm at the Showgrounds.

Open to the entire community, the night will feature live music, dinner options and a relaxed festival atmosphere, with entry priced at $15.

Headlining the 2026 Blues Night will be Australian blues and roots rock favourites Marshall & The Fro, joined by respected Riverina pub-rock outfit Radio Velvet and popular local performer Harry Pratt.

Marshall and The Fro (pictured) will headline the 2026 Blues Night at the Junee Showgrounds | Photo: Supplied

Ms Parsons said the Blues Night remained a key part of the event’s appeal.

“The Blues Night is the perfect way to finish the day — great music, great company and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes the whole community, whether you ride or not,” she said.

With more than 50 businesses from Junee and surrounding areas backing this year’s event, organisers say the 21st edition is shaping up as a fitting celebration of everything the Poker Run represents.

“With one month to go, we’re encouraging riders, supporters and families to get involved and be part of our 21st birthday celebrations,” Ms Parsons said.

“It’s shaping up to be one of our best years yet.”

2025 Blues Night | Photo: Roger Dietrich Photography

2025 Blues Night | Photo: Roger Dietrich Photography

Organisers have also reminded motorists to be mindful of the motorcycle convoy as it travels through the region on the day, urging drivers to check mirrors and blind spots, slow at intersections and give riders adequate space.

All proceeds from the Junee Poker Run & Blues Night are donated back into the community, with Can Assist Junee remaining the primary beneficiary.

Further information is available via the official Junee Poker Run Facebook page or by emailing juneepokerrun@outlook.com