Junee Poker Run raises $30,000 for locals battling cancer

THIS year’s Junee Poker Run has delivered one of the strongest results in the event’s 21-year history, with last month’s ride raising a staggering $30,000 for locals battling cancer.

The funds will go directly to Can Assist Junee, providing practical and financial support to residents undergoing treatment, helping cover costs such as travel, accommodation and medical expenses.

The final figure was revealed during a cheque presentation at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club on Sunday night.

Can Assist president Fiona Rynehart was ecstatic with the result | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Thrilled with the result, Can Assist Junee president Fiona Rynehart praised the volunteers behind the event.

“Oh my gosh, how lucky are we,” she said.

“You have no idea how many people this is going to help. It’s just amazing.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The result marks the second-highest fundraising total in the event’s history and comes just one year after the milestone 20th anniversary ride raised a record-breaking $42,000.

Smaller donations were also presented to the Junee Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW Junee, the Junee Volunteer Rescue Association and the Junee Scouts in recognition of their support.

The Junee Rural Fire Service was among the local community groups to also receive a donation | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Poker Run president Jen Parsons said the committee was wrapped with the result.

“To be able to hand over a donation of this size to Can Assist is really special and something we’re all incredibly proud of,” she said.

“It’s a true reflection of the time, effort and generosity of our committee, volunteers, riders and the wider community who continue to support this event year after year.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

More than 400 motorcycles roared across the Riverina on Saturday, February 7, tackling a 250-kilometre mystery ride through North Wagga, Tarcutta, Tumut and Tumblong in sweltering conditions.

From the moment riders gathered at the Junee Showgrounds through to the final chords of the Blues Night, the event showcased the very best of regional community spirit.

This year’s result was again backed by strong community support, with 55 sponsors coming on board alongside hundreds of riders, volunteers and supporters.

It is also the second-highest number of sponsors in the event’s history, further cementing the Poker Run’s reputation as one of the Riverina’s most powerful community-driven fundraisers.

2026 Junee Poker Run pictured leaving Junee on Byrnes Road | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

“We’re just so grateful to everyone who gave their time, energy and support, this simply wouldn’t happen without them,” Ms Parsons said.

“It takes a huge team effort, and this result belongs to everyone who played a part.”

Poker Run publicity officer Jaydan Duck said the consistency of support highlights the strength of the event.

“To follow up a record year with the second-highest total we’ve ever achieved speaks volumes,” he said.

“It shows this isn’t just a one-off. This is a community that genuinely backs this cause. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Duck also praised Ms Parsons for her leadership, saying the transition to a fresh-faced committee under the event’s first female president had been seamless.

“There was always going to be a lot of interest in how the event would fare after such a major changing of the guard, but Jen and the new-look committee have done an exceptional job,” he said.

“To not only carry the event forward, but to produce the second-best result in its history in her first year as president, is a remarkable achievement and something everyone on the committee should be incredibly proud of.”

2026 Junee Poker Run committee | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Now in its third decade, the Junee Poker Run continues to grow not only as a major charity fundraiser, but as a cornerstone community event bringing together riders, businesses and volunteers from across the region.

And as the latest total proves, its impact is only getting stronger.