Junee Poker Run: Sponsorships open as planning ramps up

PLANNING is in full swing for one of the Riverina’s biggest annual charity events, with organisers officially launching sponsorship opportunities for the 22nd Annual Junee Poker Run & Blues Night.

Set to return on Saturday, February 6, 2027, the much-loved event is once again calling on local businesses, organisations and community supporters to help ensure every possible dollar raised goes back to supporting locals facing cancer through Can Assist Junee.

Now entering its third decade, the Junee Poker Run has become one of the region’s signature community events, attracting hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters from across New South Wales each year.

Its growth has been remarkable.

Over the past five years, the event has recorded significant increases in rider numbers, sponsorship and fundraising, cementing its reputation as one of the Riverina’s premier charity fundraisers.

Since 2022 alone, the Junee Poker Run & Blues Night has contributed more than $140,000 to Can Assist Junee, helping local families meet the often overwhelming costs associated with cancer treatment, including travel, accommodation and day-to-day living expenses.

Last year’s 21st annual event continued that success, raising $30,000, the second-highest fundraising result in the event’s history, while attracting more than 400 motorcycles and 55 sponsors in another outstanding show of community support.

The 2026 Junee Poker Run committee presented Can Assist Junee with a cheque for $30,000 | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Poker Run publicity officer Jaydan Duck said businesses and individuals were now being invited to help build on that momentum in 2027.

“Every sponsor plays a vital role in making this event possible,” Mr Duck said.

“The incredible generosity of our sponsors allows us to keep delivering a first-class event while maximising what we can give back to Can Assist Junee.

“We’re incredibly proud of what this event has achieved over the past 21 years, but none of it happens without the ongoing support of local businesses and the wider community.”

A range of sponsorship opportunities is available to suit businesses of all sizes, with premium Sleeve Sponsorships, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze packages, now open.

Following overwhelming interest in recent years, the event’s two highly sought-after sleeve sponsorship positions on the official 2027 event shirts will once again be allocated through a silent tender process.

Bidding officially opened on Monday, July 20, and will close at midnight on Monday, August 3.

Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorships will remain open until Sunday, September 20.

“We’ve designed sponsorship packages to suit businesses of all sizes because we know every contribution counts,” Mr Duck said.

“Whether you’re a major sponsor or supporting us at Bronze level, you’re helping make a genuine difference.

“The demand for our sleeve sponsorships over recent years has been high, which is why we’ve again chosen to allocate those premium positions through a silent tender. It’s a fair process that gives every business an opportunity.”

Businesses and community supporters interested in partnering with the event can request a copy of the 2027 Sponsorship Booklet by sending the Junee Poker Run & Blues Night a message via Facebook or emailing juneepokerrun@outlook.com.

With planning already well underway, organisers are confident next year’s event will continue the proud tradition established in 2005 of bringing the community together while making a real difference to local families when they need it most.