Junee Poker Run thunders through the Riverina

MORE than 400 motorcycles roared across the Riverina on Saturday, as riders from across the state rolled out for the 21st annual Junee Poker Run.

Now entering its third decade, the event has cemented itself as one of the biggest and longest-running charity motorcycle rides in Australia, combining chrome, camaraderie and country hospitality across a 250-kilometre mystery tour — all in support of Can Assist Junee.

This year, the ride carved its way through North Wagga, Tarcutta, Tumut and Tumblong, with hundreds of riders gathering at the Junee Showgrounds early Saturday morning to register, collect their first playing card and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Parked up at the Junee Showgrounds | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

Parked up at the Junee Showgrounds | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

At 9.30am, the convoy thundered out of town in full formation, led by former committee president Tony Fitzgerald, who was given the honour in recognition of his seven years of leadership and decades-long dedication to the cause.

Former Poker Run president Tony Fitzgerald led the ride out of Junee | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Former Poker Run president Tony Fitzgerald (left) pictured with current committee member and former Vice President, Jamie Becquet | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Locals lined the streets — from Park Lane and Regent Street to Memorial Park — to wave the ride on its way.

The Riverina ride

The first stop saw riders pull into the Black Swan Hotel in North Wagga to collect their second card, before continuing along the Sturt Highway and Mates Gully Road to Tarcutta, where hundreds of bikes swarmed the Tarcutta Hotel for the third draw.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The ride then continued in full formation along the Hume Highway, before powering up the winding Snowy Mountains Highway to reach Tumut just before 1pm.

There, volunteers from Can Assist and the Junee Rural Fire Service served up a barbecue lunch, offering a chance for riders to refuel, recharge and reconnect.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

From Tumut, the convoy took off for Tumblong, arriving just after 2pm under sweltering conditions, with the mercury climbing into the high 30s and the heat radiating off the bitumen.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS

Still, red-faced riders arrived smiling — and sweating — as they collected their final playing cards before making their way back to Junee for the evening’s Blues Night.

Two dedicated support vehicles also travelled with the ride, ensuring help was always close by in the event of breakdowns or safety concerns.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Rain, rumbles & rock ’n’ roll

As riders returned to the Showgrounds, ominous skies formed above.

Storm cells circled the district, threatening to lash the town, but the worst of the weather skirted Junee, allowing the evening’s festivities to continue with only minor delays.

While gusty winds and distant rumbles kept some people away, the little rain that did fall did nothing to dampen spirits.

Junee musician Harry Pratt | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

Local Junee musician Harry Pratt opened the night, warming up the crowd before headline act Marshall and the Fro delivered a blistering blues-rock set.

Radio Velvet closed the night with pub rock classics and high-octane energy, keeping crowds dancing well into the night.

Marshall and the Fro | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

Radio Velvet | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

The Junee Poker Run & Blues Night Committee, under the leadership of new president Jen Parsons, was widely praised for once again delivering a seamless and successful event.

“A huge thankyou to all the volunteers who make this event happen,” said Junee mayor Bob Callow. “You are awesome and continually put Junee on the map and give so much.”

Poker Run publicity officer Jaydan Duck said the event was “more than just a ride”.

“It’s a celebration of generosity, mateship, and small-town pride,” he said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to every rider, volunteer, sponsor and spectator who contributed to making this year another huge success.”

2026 Blues Night | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

The coveted Best Poker Hand of the day was won by Pat Cummins of Barmedman, who drew four of a kind — four threes — and walked away with the $1000 cash prize.

Coincidentally, last year’s winner also pulled four of a kind.

READ MORE: Poker Run patriot rides home a winner

“Four threes might not sound like a royal hand, but they proved unbeatable on the day,” Duck said.

“It just goes to show that in poker, and in life, you don’t always need the highest cards, just the right ones at the right time.”

The crowd erupted as Cummins’ hand was revealed during the Blues Night, capping off a day of fierce fun and good-natured competition.

2026 Best Hand winner, Pat Cummins of Barmedman | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Fuelled by generosity

The Poker Run continues to not only raise vital funds for Can Assist, but also provide an economic boost for Junee and surrounds with riders booking out motels, dining at pubs and cafés, and spending locally.

Volunteers from Can Assist and the RFS helped keep riders fed all day — from breakfast at the Showgrounds, to lunch in Tumut, and dinner during the Blues Night.

Can Assist volunteers serving lunch at the Tumut Golf Club | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Can Assist’s major raffle was also drawn on the night, with the first prize — a choice between a $1500 Flight Centre voucher or $1500 worth of fuel — going to Graham Manning.

The second prize, a $500 fuel voucher, went to former Can Assist branch president and 2026 Junee Citizen of the Year, Natalie Phillips.

Junee Can Assist president Fiona Rynehart praised volunteers for another outstanding year.

“We cannot do this without the Poker Run committee,” she said.

Junee Can Assist branch president Fiona Rynehart | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Final fundraising totals are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, but the energy, unity and generosity on display left no doubt that this year’s Poker Run was another roaring success.

“The feedback, the impact, and the stories shared on the day remind us why we do it,” Duck said.

“It’s a celebration of community, and we should all stand proud of our efforts.”

VIDEO COVERAGE