Can Assist Harden Celebrates 25 Years of Compassion and Community Support
Harden Celebrates 25 Years
More than 80 guests gathered at the Harden Country Club on Saturday, 18 July, to celebrate 25 years of Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah supporting local people affected by cancer.
Originally part of the Young/Boorowa/Harden branch, the Harden-Murrumburrah branch was established in 2001 after local community members recognised the need for dedicated support closer to home. Inspired by Monica O’Connor’s family’s experience with cancer, founding members including Brian Dunn, Nikki Bolger, Chris Manchester and Monica O’Connor helped create a branch that has since become a lifeline for countless local families.
O’Connor Family
Over the past 25 years, the branch has raised vital funds through community events including golf and bowls days, trivia nights, Dancing with the Locals, black-tie balls, bike rides and even an Elvis Night. A generous bequest from Patricia and Graham Kemp also helped establish the much-loved Corridor of Life parkland in Murrumburrah.
Julie and Peter O’Connor
The anniversary celebration featured entertainment by Julie and Peter O’Connor, heartfelt speeches from Tim O’Connor, Steph Cooke MP, Richard Moffat from Lillier Lodge and Monica O’Connor, and the draw of a 25th birthday raffle with more than $15,000 in prizes.
Organising Committee
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of Life Membership to founding member and long-serving voluntary medical adviser Nikki Bolger, recognising her outstanding commitment and compassionate care over the past quarter century.
Harden Life Members
The branch’s impact has grown significantly, with annual assistance increasing from $1,685 in 2001 to more than $63,000 in 2025, helping ensure local people can access cancer treatment without facing the journey alone.
Reflecting on the milestone, Treasurer Maryanne Fitzgerald said, “I am so proud of everything our branch has achieved in the past 25 years and what we continue to offer to our community.”
Harden Life Member
The celebration was a fitting tribute to the volunteers, supporters and donors whose generosity has made 25 years of local cancer support possible – and a reminder that, thanks to Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah, no one has to face cancer alone.
