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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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Orange Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

Dan Whiteley and Helen Goodacre.

Dan lost his wife to cancer on the 28th of April, 2026 she was only 56 years old.  Dan and his family contacted me and said they would like to hold a fundraising event in memory of his wife Bec and repay our branch for the support given them during Bec’s cancer journey.  The event was held at their property and was supported by all their family and friends. We held a cake stall and provided tea and coffee for morning tea, the family held stalls with artwork, produce, craft, plants and held a silent auction. The total amount raised was $21,000 for Orange Branch.

Members Helen Goodacre, Suzanne Fisher, Kay Davis and Lyn Lampe serving beverages.

Helen Goodacre and Kay Pierce selling cakes for morning tea.

Nicola Harbison, best friend of the Whiteley family and function co-ordinator.

Entertainment was provided by a Kinross – Wolaroi student. Rebecca (Bec) Whiteley was a teacher at Kinross – Wolaroi School, Orange.

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Harden Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

Steve when he commenced the collections

Harden local Steve Pinney began collecting cans and bottles from friends and family to make a bit of extra spending money while doing something to help the planet.

But after a battle with prostate cancer, he started to think about how he could help others going through a similar ordeal. He decided to donate to the Harden-Murrumburrah branch of Can Assist, to help assist other people in his rural area with access to cancer treatment and care.

His daughter Melissa Pinney said that he looked for ways to involve more people and collect more containers.

“Through word-of-mouth and support from the local newspaper and radio station, word started getting out. Steve offers a pick-up service for elderly residents, and also arranges collection from local events and businesses.

Volunteers helping after the local Picnic Races and showing the dump bin

“The 2023 Harden Picnic Races had the biggest result for a single event so far, with around 6,600 containers able to be returned. That meant $660 was raised from just one event,” said Melissa.

Steve cleans and sorts all the donated containers to redeem through Return and Earn, and donates the money to Can Assist. Sometimes members of the Can Assist committee help with the sorting after big events.

“It’s very different work to his career as a Postal Manager with Australia Post for over 40 years. It is certainly keeping him busy during his retirement though!” said Melissa.

Sign put up at the local Post Office showing progress

Local support has included container donations from the Light Horse Hotel, the Harden-Murrumburrah Debutante Ball, Rugby League Presentation Night, Harden Kite Festival, weekly collections from the local touch footy competition, a private wedding function, and even the graduation night of the local preschool.

“Since May 2023, over $5,000 has been donated to Can Assist through the voluntary efforts of an amazing local community.

“Harden-Murrumburrah may be considered a small rural community but every can and bottle counts, and the community is well and truly behind Steve’s work to gain donations for Can Assist,” said Melissa.

The recycling is provided by Return and Earn via local business, Parker’s Smash Repairs who accept the sorted cans and bottles, with funds deposited directly into Harden Can Assist branch account. There is also a donation box available at Parker’s for people who want to donate their own recycled product to our branch.

In 2024, Grain Corp released a Community Grants offer; Melissa and members of the Harden branch, with the support of the local Grain Corp members, applied for up to $20,000 grant to enable dedicated bins to be purchased along with signage. Grain Corp generously granted the branch $10,000 which enabled 25 dedicated wheelie bins and 15 dump bins to be purchased. Signage was also factored into the costing with Grain Corp being acknowledged as our generous sponsor. The yellow bins are placed strategically around the Harden District including outlying villages, with more now being ordered due to the growing demand. The local community is offered a bin for their private parties and functions, with bin/s delivered prior and then collected after the event. A drop of area has bins located at the rear of Steve’s home, with people simply needing to drive along the rear lane and leave in the bins provided.

After the purchase of the bins there was a little funds left over, so we were able to purchase further updated and new equipment, including a new A Frame sign, table and cover etc.

The 2026 Australia Day Town Care Award honours a man whose quiet dedication has made a profound impact. Since 2023, Steve Pinney has collected cans and bottles to raise funds for Can Assist, raising more than $20,000 for local cancer patients while helping keep Harden Murrumburrah clean and environmentally conscious. Even while undergoing cancer treatment in 2024 and 2025, Steve continued his efforts, supported by volunteers and community members. By the end of 2025, he had recycled over 210,000 containers, inspiring individuals, businesses and groups to join the cause.

Now, June 2026, the total is currently at $26,000!

A recent call from Deniliquin branch to Steve has seen them set up their own recycling program.

Steve is very happy to take calls from other branches that are considering their own program to give them guidance on how to set up, obtain funding and generally get the community involved. Feel free to call him 0422 284 962 – he would love to help you help your own community.

Harden branch and the local community is very lucky to have Steve and many other people who support us so wonderfully. Our motto is YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE – thank you Steve for helping make sure no one does.

Volunteers at the local markets with new bins, signage and equipment.

 

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Tumut Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

Chelsea Withers (Treasurer) & Lynne Withers (Patient Liaison)

On the weekend of 14 -15 March, we were invited to hold a raffle and sell bacon and egg rolls at the Blues, Brews & BBQs event.

Held annually at Reflections Caravan Park, the event provided a great opportunity to engage with the community and raise funds for the Branch.

The weekend was a great success, raising a total of $3,015 for the Tumut Branch.

Hayley Crampton (President) & Lynne Withers (Patient Liaison)

On Thursday, 23 April, Can Assist Tumut representatives Hayley Crampton and Lynne Withers attended the release of the Snowy Hydro Community Benefits Report at the Tumut River Brewing Co.

We are proud recipients of a grant through Round 2 of the Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program 2025.

We are sincerely grateful to Snowy Hydro for this support, which will help fund the skincare packs we provide to local cancer patients when they seek assistance.

 

Example of the products in the skincare packs

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Gunnedah Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

Movie Day Catering at The CIVIC – L – R Kate Knight, Kerry Towns, Leigh MacPherson and Linda Lee

What a busy month April was for Gunnedah Branch!  ‘Manning the Gates’ at Rugby, the annual Gunnedah Show, and the Drovers Campfire at Boggabri, as well as catering for the GoCo Movie Day luncheon.  Our members are invited to provide the finger food luncheon for those who have attended the movie at the local cinema, The CIVIC. We are given this opportunity on a regular basis and have received great accolades for the luncheons we provide.  It has been suggested by the organisers that they believe ‘those attending come more so for the luncheon, if they know Can Assist is catering, than for the movie!’  We receive $10 per person attending.  $450 was received for the day. Gunnedah Can Assist is grateful to be part of events that bring people together for a great cause – good food, great company, and a fun fundraiser for our branch.

Rugby Gate: Michelle Lightfoot, Margaret Stevens, Denise Shanley and Leigh MacPherson

What started for Gunnedah Branch as what was thought to be a ‘one-off’ ‘manning the gate’ season of home games for Gunnedah Rugby has grown!  It is almost our tenth season with the Rugby Club. We have built great rapport, not only with the club, but also with the Rugby supporters. Our members have been told how wonderful it is to be welcomed by Can Assist and to see our ‘smiling faces’ at the gate! It is days like this that make fundraising such fun, and in fact a very social outing for our members!

Debbie Steele, Mariann Nowland, Kerry Towns and Val Ferguson

Manning the Gate’ is now not only at the Rugby. You will find our members at the Gunnedah Show too! Gunnedah West Rotary have given Gunnedah Can Assist the opportunity to ‘Man the Gates’ at the annual Gunnedah Show.  2026 is our third year.  West Rotary members assist Gunnedah Can Assist members, however the Rotary Club donates their share of the profit to our Branch. This year we received $5,629!! Definitely a great fundraiser for us!

Manning the Gates – Gunnedah Show

Rotarians Doug Brown and Will Lyle, and Can Assist’s Kate Knight and Linda Lee

Russell Jaeger and Leigh MacPherson

Lisa Ross and Kerry Towns

Well.. the word has spread!  Gunnedah Can Assist was invited to ‘Man the Gate’ on Sunday 26 April at the Drovers’ Campfire in the nearby community town of Boggabri and… we were delighted to do so! There’s something special about volunteering on a sunny Sunday – great company, plenty of smiles and being part of that feel-good community! Whilst our members were soaking up the sunshine, they were doing  what they do best – supporting the community and… the community were supporting Gunnedah Can Assist.  Our Branch were advised we had been given this opportunity as the small town were very aware we had assisted cancer patients in their community.  We received $500 for our efforts….

Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire – L-R Kate Knight, Linda Lee, Lisa Ross and Ray Knight.

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Yass Valley Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

Jean and the trusty Ute loaded up with empties.

For something different a fund raising Mother’s Day High Tea was held at Linton Village. All sorts of delicacies were provided. There were lots of raffles with some great prizes.

 At the Yass Bowling club, a member sponsored a charity fun game of bowls, with each contestant being charged  $5 for the privilege of playing.  Yass Can Assist was the nominated charity and received $690. Thanks to Betty and Kaye for all their help.

What started as a small way of getting a few dollars “Return and Earn” has taken off big time, with empty bottles and cans coming everywhere from the golf club, the bowling club, Yazzwine bar to private individuals. It’s now a regular coffer contributor.

 

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Temora Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

Temora Can Assist Executive and Ribbon Run members at the branch’s Christmas meeting. Ribbon Run president Chris Watson thanked the community for the wonderful ongoing support of the group’s fundraising efforts.

 

Temora Can Assist greatly appreciates the continued outstanding support from our community. This includes the most recent donation from the Temora Ribbon Run group of $25,000. This group coordinates an annual motorcycle ride in October and other fundraisers throughout the year. It is a great example of the many groups and individuals in our community who are kind and generous in their support for cancer patients. Temora Can Assist members continue their regular fundraisers including street stall and raffles, and are planning a public meeting to increase awareness in the community of how Can Assist can help and services available.  

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Blayney Branch Autumn 2025-26 Highlights

After a two year break, the Business House Morning Tea on Wheels made a come back on Friday 1st May. Many business houses in Blayney can not attend our fundraisers as they occur during business hours, so we took our fundraiser to them. Who would have thought that a small town like Blayney was home to ninety plus businesses within its boundaries. The majority of these businesses were very supportive of our fundraiser with 248 boxes of morning tea ordered.

Sandwich makers at work: Sheree, Jo, Shirley and Sue make an assortment of sandwiches on the day.

Our amazing members and volunteers cooked up a plethora of slices, small cakes and scones as well as making a range of fresh sandwiches on the day. They then worked like a well oiled machine to pack and label the boxes. The finished boxes were beautifully presented with an assortment of sandwiches or slice or a mixture of both depending on the order.

Slices Galore: Just a few of the slices on offer.

A dedicated group of  members then personally delivered the morning tea boxes to the business houses so they arrived in time for the morning tea break at each business. Our fundraiser was extremely successful and we are very grateful to the business houses that supported us by ordering a morning tea box or gave a generous donation ( in some cases, both). Blayney is a very generous, caring community and we can not thank the community enough for all the support we are given. Thanks must also go to our volunteer cooks and our hard working members.

Margie, Elizabeth, Sue T, Sheree, Sue H, Denise, Barbie Anne & other members carefully prepared the boxes prior to delivery.