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Yass Winter 2026 Highlights

Cliftonwood Stalls

We have reached a major milestone here in Yass Valley. This month we have now paid out over $1,000,000 in patient payments since  Can Assist’s inception in the  Yass Valley. We are so grateful to our volunteers who offer so much of their time., We feel very proud and honoured and will certainly find a way of celebrating this great achievement.

 Preparations are underway for our major fundraiser for the year – Can Assist at Cliftonwood – A Family Fun Day Out. Volunteers are busy organising stalls, activities, live entertainment, Devonshire teas and plenty more. Our Mayor has kindly agreed to be part of the day by getting the locals to “Guess the Mayor’s Weight” in coins with posters and collection tins at the local shops. If you’d like a fun day in Yass come and join us on Saturday 7 November, 2026.

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Wagga Wagga Winter 2026 Highlights

Annual Trivia Night – Another Great Success!

Our annual Can Assist Trivia Night was held at the Wagga RSL on 17 July, and what a fantastic night it was!

Gerry & lucky winner


Deb & another winner

Volunteer Emma presenting another prize.

 

We were thrilled to have a sell-out crowd, with everyone enjoying a fun-filled evening of trivia, laughter and friendly competition. Thanks to the wonderful support of our community, the night raised over $14,000, which will help Can Assist continue supporting local people and families affected by cancer.

 

Ian our MC

Robyn our Raffle ticket seller for the night.

There were plenty of fabulous prizes on offer, all generously donated for the evening. A huge thank you to the businesses, organisations and individuals who contributed prizes and helped make the night such a success.

Our Vice President, Ian Mott, did a wonderful job as MC for the evening.

Deb & Gerry receiving the donation from AHA at the Union Club Hotel Wagga.

 

On 21 July, Wagga Can Assist was delighted to receive a generous donation of $10,000 from the Australian Hotels Association.

Deb, Gerry and Robyn attended the presentation at the Union Club Hotel, where they proudly accepted the cheque on behalf of Wagga Can Assist.

We sincerely thank the Australian Hotels Association for their wonderful support and generosity. This donation will help Can Assist continue to provide much-needed assistance to local people and families affected by cancer.

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Blayney Branch Autumn 2026 Highlights

Members of Southern Cross Cutting Horse Sports Present an oversized cheque members of Blayney Shire Can Assist

Blayney Shire Can Assist would like to acknowledge and thank the Southern Cross Cutting Horse Club for their generous donation of $10 138.10 raised as part their Easter event. The funds were raised through the Pink Cutting Event, a highly anticipated feature equestrian event dedicated to promoting cutting horses while raising funds and awareness for women’s cancer.

Blayney Shire Can Assist recently received this donation after being presented with the oversized cheque at the event. Pictured receiving the cheque from members of the Southern Cross Cutting Horse Club are the Can Assist President and one of the Events Coordinators. Blayney Shire Can Assist provides confidential assistance to members of the local community with a Cancer Diagnosis and all money raised in the Blayney Shire is used to support local people. Many thanks go to the Southern Cross Cutting Horse Club for an amazing donation.

 

Team FML – Michael Parfett (Farmer), Wayne Taylor (Miner), Shane Cunningham (Lawyer)

What Does a Farmer, a Miner & a Lawyer have in Common?

These three men have a commitment to helping others in the Blayney Shire by raising awareness and money for Blayney Shire Can Assist as they take on the challenge of the Massive Murray Paddle. The Massive Murray Paddle is a 415km kayak race running over 5 days from 16 – 20 November 2026. Michael Parfett, Wayne Taylor and Shane Cunningham will participate in this gruelling event starting at Yarrawonga and finishing at Koondrook (the second longest kayak race in the world) later this year and they will raise funds for Blayney Shire Can Assist while paddling the great Murray River. Michael Parfett, who has completed this challenge before, said, “It was the most difficult thing I have ever done, but definitely the most rewarding.” If you would like to donate to their cause you can do here

Blayney Shire Can Assist would like to thank Team FML – Michael Parfett (Farmer), Wayne Taylor (Miner) and Shane Cunningham (Lawyer)- and their support crew for their generosity in raising money and the profile of Blayney Shire Can Assist.  We wish you all the best in this amazing event.

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Deniliquin Rams raise $4000 for Can Assist

The final tally from the Deniliquin Rams Football Netball Club’s Ladies Day fundraiser is in.

The club last week announced that it had donated $4000 to Deniliquin Can Assist as a result of the May event.

A big crowd turning out for an afternoon of nibbles, cocktails and champagne before the footy.

One of the highlights was the major raffle, packed with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

“Together, we raised an incredible $4000 for our local Can Assist Deniliquin branch, with every dollar staying local to support families in our community,” the club said.

“Thank you to everyone who got behind Ladies Day.

“This incredible result is a reflection of the generosity, spirit and strength of our club and our community.”

All funding donated to Deniliquin Can Assist helps local families cover the costs associated with cancer treatment, including travel, accommodation and everyday living expenses.

Aug 10, 2026

sheppnews.com.au

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Narrandera Can Assist receives final cheque

The century old Narrandera Show Society, formed in the 1880s as the Narrandera Pastoral and Agricultural Society has been forced to close.

It has now donated the $25,000 left in its account to a very worthy recipient Narrandera Can Assist.

Spokeswoman Sandra Hornbuckle said the group had tried three times to call a meeting without success as only one person volunteered to help keep the show going.

“The third meeting was a crisis meeting and despite posters, internet posts etc no one attended,” she said.

Narrandera Show was one of the region’s longest-running cultural institutions.

For over 140 years, it hosted the annual agricultural and industrial show at the Elizabeth Street Narrandera Showground in Elizabeth Street.

The first Narrandera Show was held in September 1882 and was described by The Sydney Morning Herald as a great success.

 

30 July 2026

arr.news

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Can Assist Finley honors Blighty Football Netball Club

Can Assist Finley branch members Jill Braybon and Cherilyn Taig recently attended a Thursday night training session at the Blighty Football Netball Club to hand over a certificate of appreciation.

It was presented to vice president Al Nicholls and executive member George Reid to say thank you for the generous $2000 donation the club made to Finley Can Assist.

The donation was much appreciated by Can Assist as it allows the group to continue supporting local community clients on their cancer journey.

Jul 30, 2026
sheppnews.com.au

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Shear charity: day of crutching raises funds to Can Assist Orange

It was all hands-on deck for a day in the shearing shed, supporting an important helping hand.

Just months after losing his wife Rebecca, Bowan Park farmer Dan Whiteley has teamed up with community volunteers and shearing contractors Mob Shearing to give back to the charity that ensured they never saw a single pharmacy bill.

Bec Whiteley lost her battle with cancer in late April, just 11 months after her diagnosis. But before she died, she made it clear she wanted to do something to give back to the charity that had supported her family.
Mr Whiteley said a social worker had handed them a form at the time of the diagnosis, which led to Can Assist paying their pharmacy costs.

“We never got a bill in all those 11 months,” he said.

“Bec wanted to do something for them.”

A few weeks ago, a group of friends and family hosted a fundraiser on-farm, raising more than $21,000 for Can Assist.

Then family friend and long-time shearer Cory Tapine, Mob Shearing, approached Mr Whiteley, also wanting to contribute.

They decided to do a charity crutching, with all earnings for the day donated, while Can Assist would provide the smoko.

Mr Whiteley said friends and family all came on board to help out in the shed, including volunteers catching the sheep.

At the end of the day, the team crutched 1050 head of Merino ewes and wethers, raising more than $2000 for the charity.

Mr Whiteley said the appeal of helping Can Assist was that it was “locals looking after locals”.

“We know the money will go to help others in the Orange area,” he said.

“For us, it feels like we’re paying them back a little.”

Can Assist Orange president Helen Goodacre said there were more than 56 different branches across the state, with each looking after their local area.

theland.com.au
July 15 2026

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Community gardens raise $2k for Can Assist Forbes

A Mother’s Day fundraiser at Forbes’ Riverside Community Gardens has raised $2000 to support locals having cancer treatment.

The gardens hosted the popular event on the Mother’s Day weekend, with morning tea, flowers, pots and plants for sale along with a raffle.

The successful event has raised $2000 for Can Assist Forbes, the proceeds gratefully accepted by local branch volunteers.

The Community Garden would like to thank all of those kind and generous people who contributed to the success of the day, and to thank everyone who came.

forbesadvocate.com.au
July 3, 2026

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Guyra Bowling Club gives back to community

Several community organisations are set to benefit from generous donations announced this week by the Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club, with a total of $11,000 distributed to support important local projects and services.

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) has received $3,000 to assist with repairs to its hall, helping to maintain a valued community facility.

The Guyra Hospital Auxiliary has also been awarded $3,000, which will be used to improve the gardens surrounding the hospital, creating a more welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff.

The Can Assist Guyra branch has received $3,000 to help support the Skin Cancer bus at the Guyra Show and the Guyra Junior Rugby League will receive $2,000 to support the club and its young players.

Guyra Bowling Club President David Wilcox said they were pleased to be able to support organisations that make such a positive contribution to the community.
“We’re happy to help these organisations, who all do great things for our community,” he said.

The donations reflect the Bowling Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local volunteer groups and sporting organisations, ensuring they can continue providing valuable services and opportunities for Guyra residents.

Leonie Cox is actively involved in three of the organisations – Can Assist, CWA and the Hospital Auxiliary.
“It is fantastic to see this level of support in our town,” Leonie said. “Getting extra money like this comes in handy and will allow us to get things done without have to rely on fundraising. It just makes things a little bit easier for us all.”

guyragazette.com.au
30th Jun 2026

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Oberon Tigers host their annual Can Assist charity round

Amid all the Woodbridge Cup drama these last few weeks, there is one moment that really deserves all the spotlight.

Oberon Tigers hosted their annual ‘Can Assist’ charity round on Saturday, June 27, ahead of their round seven clash against Trundle Boomers.

The fundraising event is considered one of Oberon’s biggest days on the calendar, and players, supporters and volunteers all joined to raise $80,000 for those battling and affected by cancer.

President of Oberon Tigers Rugby League Club and long-term organiser of the charity Ian Christie-Johnston, shared why the event is so special to Oberon and all communities.
“I think everybody and all communities are affected in some way or form, whether they have suffered themselves or they know someone that’s been involved with or had a touch of cancer,” he said.

“The football community in Oberon is very passionate and loyal, and they just get behind the club and continue to help raise money.”

It’s a special day as all Oberon junior and senior teams play at home. The action kicked off at 9:00 am, leading up to the final Woodbridge Cup match at 3:15 pm.

“The ‘Can Assist’ is a cancer assistance program for Country New South Wales, and all money raised goes back to the local community,” Christie-Johnston said.

“It’s something we’ve been doing for a number of years now.”
Christie-Johnston has been asked many times exactly when he first joined the club. His struggle to recall the specific year is a testament to the president’s decades of loyalty and commitment.

“I’ve been asked that question a number of times over the weekend, and I think it was 2010, but I’ve yet to do some research,” he said.

“Oberon’s cancer branch approached me many years ago and asked if we would be interested in trying to raise some funds for the community and help tackle cancer out there.

“The original was a couple of old fellows that started the branch in Oberon, both of whom have since passed on with cancer issues.

“So when I was approached we said we were very happy to give it a go and it’s grown ever since, and become an annual event that we’re very proud to be associated with.”

blayneychronicle.com.au
June 30 2026