Tag Archive for: Forbes

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Together We Did the Distance in 2026

Throughout August, our Can Assist branches brought their communities together for our annual peer-to-peer fundraising challenge, Can Do the Distance.

Across the walks, we saw fundraisers, donors, members, volunteers and families who are, or have been, supported by Can Assist all coming together to walk, connect and show their support for people affected by cancer in their local communities.

These walks are a wonderful way to bring local communities together, raise additional donations and showcase the important work our branches are doing to support people affected by cancer.

They’re also a valuable opportunity to put Can Assist in front of new audiences. Local newspaper, radio, online and community coverage can help more people discover Can Assist — including people who may not yet know we’re here to support them when cancer strikes.

The more people who know about Can Assist, the more likely we are to reach people who need our support — ideally earlier in their cancer journey, so they know they don’t have to navigate it alone.

We’re so proud of everyone who got involved and helped make this year’s Can Do the Distance so special.

We hope these stories give our branches ideas and inspiration for Can Do the Distance 2027, including how their local walk can create meaningful stories and media opportunities for their community.

FORBES – SATURDAY 22 AUGUST

Forbes Branch Do the Distance!

Forbes hosted their Can Do the Distance walk on a beautiful sunny day by Lake Forbes with 140 people attending. This was their second year hosting a walk for Can Do. 

Lake Forbes

The Bridge to Bridge route gave people the choice to walk one lap or keep going, making it easy for everyone to take part at their own pace. The Forbes Branch set up their Can Assist tent by the lake, creating a place for walkers to meet, have a chat, donate and connect before setting off.

Beau Hartwig and Ann Bray, patients supported by the Forbes Branch, joined the walk with their families.   

Fundraiser Melissa celebrated for her efforts

The day also included a special moment for Melissa Nicholson, who received a certificate recognising her fundraising efforts, so far she has raised $1842 for Forbes. Melissa walked in honour of her sister Kristie who was assisted by Forbes during her cancer journey. 

After the walk, everyone headed to Forbes Sport & Recreation Club from midday for a well-earned sausage sizzle.  


Local Media:
Join Sunday morning walk for CanAssist
Step up for CanAssist, local families, this Sunday 

 

TAMWORTH BRANCH – SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST

Tamworth walkers in front of Can Assist Truck

Tamworth was back for a second year of Can Do the Distance, following the success of last year’s walk.

This year, the weather certainly put the community to the test, with rain and flooding in the lead-up to the event. But a little rain wasn’t going to stop Tamworth! Ten determined walkers braved the wet weather to come together at King George Avenue and take part.

The branch also introduced a $15 entry fee, giving people a simple way to take part while helping raise additional funds for their local Can Assist Branch.

Tamworth Vice President Bill Moss also took on his own Can Do the Distance challenge, aiming to reach an incredible 100,000 steps throughout August. Bill has raised up to $2,500 for the branch so far — an amazing effort!

Despite the weather, Tamworth showed that Can Do the Distance is about more than the walk itself. It’s about getting involved, supporting your community and finding ways to make a difference.

The branch is already looking ahead to 2027 and is keen to build on this year’s event and bring even more of the Tamworth community together.

PARKES BRANCH – SUNDAY 23 AUGUST

Parkes came together on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning for their Can Do the Distance walk around North Parkes Oval, with 75 people joining in.

The morning brought together members, volunteers, fundraisers, families and local supporters for a few laps, plenty of conversation and a chance to show their support for people affected by cancer in country NSW.

The Parkes Branch also set up a Can Assist tent where people could make donations, have a chat with the team and find out more about Can Assist. The day even resulted in a new volunteer signing up to get involved!

It was a lovely opportunity for the Parkes community to get moving, catch up with familiar faces and come together for a cause close to home.


Parkes Branch Do the Distance and Mornos!

A morning tea was also hosted after the walk, giving those who stayed a chance to sit down, have a chat and enjoy some time together.

PEAK HILL BRANCH – SATURDAY 29 AUGUST

Peak Hill enjoyed a beautiful sunny day for their Can Do the Distance walk with around 30 people attending. While not everyone took part in the walk, there were plenty of ways for the community to get involved and support the day.

The walk started at Peak Hill Memorial Park before heading along Derribong Street to Whitton Park Road and returning to the park.

The community really got behind the day, with Coles in Parkes donating towards the BBQ and local businesses generously donating gifts for a raffle, including Harvey Norman in Dubbo, Bunnings, Kmart and Kaisercraft. The raffle prizes were drawn at the Ex-Services Club on Saturday night.

Local man Rick Read also ran a 100-square chart at $20 a square, adding another great fundraising effort to the day.Together, the raffle, 100-square chart and donation tins raised an incredible $2,581, alongside $2,050 raised through Grassrootz — an outstanding effort from the Peak Hill community!

A special mention also goes to Linda Gaunt, an 85-year-old long-time member of the Peak Hill Branch, who took part in the walk and raised an incredible $500 for the branch. After the walk, everyone was invited to enjoy a free sausage sandwich, cupcakes and a cool drink — a lovely way to finish a fantastic day together.

HARDEN BRANCH – SUNDAY 31 AUGUST

 

Leanne walking with Ellie’s daughter Ivy

Harden came together for Ellie’s Walk, led by Ellie’s sister Leanne Schulz, the face of this year’s Can Do the Distance campaign.

Leanne walked an incredible 270km throughout August (10km for every year of Ellie’s life) finishing her challenge with the final 5km at the community walk. Leanne’s family were there to share the special day, alongside Ellie’s husband Paul and daughter Ivy.

Ellie’s daughter Ivy

Held at Harden oval, the walk brought around 70 people together on the day, with 50 people joining Leanne for her final 5km. The oval gave the community a wonderful place to come together, with people able to walk alongside Leanne, join at different points, or sit and watch and cheer her on.

Leanne has raised an incredible $4,036 for the Harden Branch, with the support of the local community. She got local businesses behind her challenge, with posters popping up around town and businesses finding their own ways to get involved. One local coffee shop even donated $1 from every coffee sold, raising an extra $68 for Can Assist over the month.

The Harden Branch supported Leanne throughout the organisation of the walk and on the day, as well as hosting a raffle to give locals another way to get involved and support the branch.

A local butcher generously donated the sausages for a fundraiser sausage sizzle, with Leanne’s husband taking charge of the BBQ while everyone came together after the walk.

It was a beautiful community celebration of Ellie’s life and Leanne’s incredible challenge, with local businesses, families, volunteers and friends all coming together to support Leanne and raise funds for people affected by cancer in their community.

Local Media:
Do it For Ellie: One Sister’s Dream Carried Out By Another – Twin Town Times 

 

A huge thank you to every branch who gave Can Do the Distance a go this year, in whatever capacity they could.

Save the date for August 2027!

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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

Forbes Can Assist Charity Golf Day Success

Handicap Winners Jack Cole, Stuart Thomas, Alister Carlisle, Ryan Dunn.

 

In June a field of 84 Forbes and vis­iting golfers turned out for the Annual Can Assist Charity Golf Day. The sun shone but could not compete with the sparkle of the play on the course.

Can-Assist Forbes President John Schraeder thanked all the participants and especially the sponsors for making this another successful day. He presented the prizes amidst much jocular banter which was a common theme throughout the day.

The Scratch Winners, on count back, were the group of L Hurford, C Hurford, D Fairley and J Geppart who finished on 61 Scratch. They stormed home with seven birdies.

The Handicap Winners, also on count back, were Alister Carlisle, J Cole, R Dunn and S Hayes who managed 58.37 nett.

They scored under par on each half and used a very handy handicap.

Other prizes were presented down to Handicap 5th along with a ‘Bradman’ prize.

 

Forbes Bowlers host great day for Can Assist

Can Assist day winners John Gorton, Laurie Crouch and Maynard with Can Assist president John Schrader

Can Assist Day: 33 bowlers, 10 teams of keen bowlers took to the greens to participate in our Can Assist Charity Day. The vibe was electric across the green with lots of laughter and banter from all players.

Two games of 10 ends were played before lunch with scores being based on ends won over the two games. Following the delicious lunch cooked and prepared by our army of volunteering heroes, Can Assist, we crowned the day’s winners, drew the raffle and held a small auction.

Can Assist have advised that money raised on the day with all profits going to our local Can Assist branch totalled just over $1900 which is a great effort and every little bit helps.

At the conclusion of the games, there were two standout teams who both had won 30 ends each over two games so it went on a count back of margins.

Maynard, John Gorton and Laurie Crouch were the victors of the day with 30 ends and a margin of 30 points followed closely behind were Jason Howell, Posso Jones and Bobby Grant who had won 30 ends with a margin of 15.

Thank you to all that participated in the day and raised much-needed funds for Can Assist and to the workhorses of the day, our local Can Assist team who always do a fantastic job.

Forbes Branch great day for Schatz memorial bowls

The Schatz family congratulating the winners: Albie Pallister, Cathie Schatz, Ryan Schatz, Rod Butler, Kasey Schatz, Bradley Sharkey and Dale Maynard.

 

The Annual Donny Schatz Memorial Day was held on Saturday which saw the greens full of colour, lots of interesting costumes and a great atmosphere from start to finish.

There were 20 teams competing for 2026 title with all proceeds being donated to Can Assist Forbes.

There is a great deal of planning that goes into this day a special mention has to be made to all of the sponsors who supplied gifts to raffle or donations, the Can Assist Forbes Team who are always there to help out, cook the barbecue and support our local community, the Schatz family for all of their work throughout the year to ensure the day runs smoothly and to Grant Roberts, Grant supplies all of the food every year and is a valuable friend to the Schatz Family.

The winners of the 2026 title went to Rod Butler, Dale Maynard and Bradley Sharkey.

Runners up: James Johansson, John Markwort and Malcolm Radburn.

The wooden spooners: Dale Scott, Tim Everst and Jason Howell.

Club winners: Colby Johansson, Rod Butler and Sharon Sharkey.

Raffle winners: Brad Roberts (Esky), Grub Reilly (wheel alignment), Jeff Nicholson (wine), Regan Acret (coffee machine).

There was a best dressed on the day winner that went to ‘Murphett’ aka, Terry Murphy.

Forbes Maureen Field pays tribute to ‘great team’ for honour

Long-serving Can Assist Forbes treasurer is our Senior Citizen of the Year.

 

Maureen Field has been recognised for her extraordinary commitment to the community over many years as our Forbes shire senior citizen of the year.

In accepting the honour, the long-serving CanAssist treasurer immediately shared the spotlight with her fellow volunteers.

It was 2001 when Maureen joined CanAssist and she has now served as its treasurer for more than 20 years.

But her contribution extends far beyond managing finances and this was acknowledged at the shire’s Australia Day awards gala dinner at Town Hall on Sunday, 25 January.

Maureen is a compassionate source of support for individuals affected by cancer and a steady source of guidance for fellow CanAssist members.

A strong and determined advocate, she works tirelessly to secure wider, fairer and more accessible support for country patients, particularly those who must travel for treatment and essential medical services.

Her efforts help ensure that rural residents, especially those who must travel long distances for cancer treatment or other essential medical services, receive the support they need.

Maureen is also an active member of several local organisations including the Parish of Forbes St Laurence O’Toole and the View Club, where she contributes generously to their ongoing work.

Accepting the award, Maureen indicated the table of CanAssist volunteers there to support her and president John Schrader, our Citizen of the Year.

“We are a great team,” she said.

This is a milestone year for Forbes CanAssist, which formed 70 years ago.

The Advocate looks forward to sharing the history of this organisation, and an update on the incredible amount of support it distributes to those affected by cancer in our shire, in an upcoming edition.

 

forbesadvocate.com.au

January 26, 2026

John Schrader our Citizen of the Year in Forbes

Forbes Shire’s Citizen of the Year is the humble but very deserving John Schrader.

 

Can Assist president John Schrader has been named Forbes’ Citizen of the Year, recognised for his long-standing contribution to the community and his commitment to supporting others.

The announcement was made at a gala dinner on Sunday, 25 January, when Forbes Town Hall filled with nominees, family members and supporters to celebrate this year’s Australia Day award recipients across the Citizen, Young Citizen and Senior Citizen categories.

Welcoming guests, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the 15 nominees reflected a caring, connected community.

“Their stories remind us of just how much kindness, effort, and passion is in our backyard here in Forbes,” Mayor Miller said.

“All of you have contributed to the fabric of life in our town of Forbes.

“Whether it’s through volunteering, sporting achievement, community initiatives, work in the community, cultural contributions or everyday acts of generosity our nominees show what it is truly to be a part of a connected and caring Forbes community.”

Mayor Miller congratulated and thanked every nominee for their dedication and the difference they make across the shire.

Speaking the following day, John said he was still coming to terms with being named Citizen of the Year, both honoured and humbled by the recognition.

In his current role as president of Can Assist, he is constantly reminded of the generosity of the Forbes community, and he was quick to acknowledge the contributions of fellow nominees and volunteers who work quietly behind the scenes to support others.

John moved to the district as a young child when his parents settled on a soldier settlement block near Wirrinya, where he enjoyed what he describes as “an absolutely brilliant childhood”.

Those early years laid the foundations for a lifetime of involvement in local organisations and community life.

Raising a family with his wife Maree, John’s connections continued to grow, with involvement spanning school P and C committees, sporting clubs, community halls and local producer groups.

“You just did that,” he reflected. “In a small community everyone got involved.”

As their sons grew up playing sport, John became involved with both junior and senior rugby league, before later contributing to the annual Sportsperson of the Year Awards, helping celebrate the achievements of local athletes.

His interest in motorbikes also led him to become involved in charity poker runs and fundraising rides.

“I just think it’s something everyone should have a go at – being involved in community organisations,” John said.

“Grassroots Australia survives on volunteers and we are in danger of losing some of these organisations because of a lack of volunteers.”

Getting involved not only keeps these organisations, clubs and activities thriving for future generations, it enriches your own life – even if it does get busy at times.

“You meet a lot of good people, many of whom become life-long friends,” John said.

“It’s all positive as far as I’m concerned.

“You don’t have to be up the front of the room, you can be at the back of the room if you want to, just be involved.”

John’s involvement with CanAssist began after his own cancer treatment, after conversations with others in oncology waiting rooms highlighted the practical support the organisation provided.

He joined the local branch around 2014–2015, initially expecting to take a low-key role.

He later stepped into the presidency following the retirement of long-serving volunteer Kerry Dunstan.

“They are a magnificent bunch of people,” John said of the Forbes CanAssist branch.

The organisation includes many long-term volunteers, including Senior Citizen of the Year Maureen Field, who is in her 26th year as treasurer, along with several members who have served for more than two decades.

This year marks Can Assist’s 70th anniversary, a milestone that reflects decades of community fundraising and support.

Local historian Rex Barton has recently compiled the organisation’s history, highlighting the collective effort that has ensured assistance is available for those undergoing cancer treatment. The Advocate looks forward to sharing that story in an upcoming edition.

“We couldn’t provide the financial assistance we do if it wasn’t for the absolutely fantastic support we get from the community of Forbes,” John said.

“I liken CanAssist to a conduit: the money’s given to us on the left hand side and then we give that money out the right hand side to those who need it.

“It’s amazing, the Forbes community is absolutely amazing.”

Less widely known is that many CanAssist volunteers, including John, are cancer survivors themselves.

“When you get a diagnosis like that it’s very daunting,” he said.

“We often find that when people first approach us … and they realise that a lot of us have been in a similar situation, they’re quite happy to just sit and talk and ask questions for a little while.”

 

27 Jan 2026

orbesadvocate.com.au

Serendipity Studio Open Day

Corallie and Laurie Crouch and Michelle Herbert presenting

$400 to John Schrader from Can Assist.

 

Serendipity Studio recently held an open day to show off their pottery wares, and they also had stall holders all promoting their wares and talents. Throughout the day they raised money for Can Assist.

 

forbesphoenix.com.au

December 11, 2025

 

Bowls day benefits Can Assist

John Shrader from Can Assist accepts the bowls day proceeds from John Cutler.

 

Following on from our successful ‘Willding, Herbert and Parslow invitational bowls day’ held on 22 November 2025, John Cutler, one of the main organisers of the successful tournament and mate to all three legends was on hand at the club to pass onto John Schrader from Can Assist Forbes $1000 donation made from the auction items.

Can Assist is a very worthy cause in our community that everyone is happy to contribute and donate to and we were pleased we could also contribute to our local branch.

 

forbesadvocate.com.au

December 11, 2025

U3A treat: An afternoon tea at Anglesy House

Robyn Drury, Trevor Drury, Bev Green and Lloyd Gerdes enjoying afternoon tea

 

On Sunday 9 November, 48 members and guests of Forbes U3A (University of the Third Age, formerly College for Seniors) were treated to afternoon tea at Anglesey House. What a beautiful afternoon.

Thanks go to Vanessa Crompton for welcoming us to her magnificent home, and for presenting the history of the house and the Thomas family which built it.

The U3A ‘tea ladies’ did a mighty job in feeding everyone, treating them to fine china and delicate portions of sumptuous sandwiches and cakes.

Special thanks go to the two ladies co-opted at the last minute to make sure the afternoon proceeded without a hiccup.

Thank you, too, to the Uniting Church for the use of their tables and chairs, and to the muscle-men from the Bowling Club who transported them.

In fact, thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this function.

With the aid of the well-supported raffle, Forbes U3A was able to present $1017 to Forbes Can Assist.

 

forbesadvocate.com.au

December 8, 2025

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