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
