Tag Archive for: Wagga Wagga

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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.

Beyond a diagnosis: how rising fuel prices are impacting the most vulnerable

Donelle Ryan found a home at Lilier Lodge but with the increasing demand following fuel prices, Lilier Lodge is worried some might rethink about their treatment.

Donelle Ryan is sharing her struggle with travelling to Wagga after her husband was given six to 12 months to live, as fuel prices become a burden on top of it all.

Mrs Ryan’s husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2026 and has had to travel to Wagga for his treatment from Berremangra.

The cost-of-living crisis and soaring fuel prices have added to the challenging journey for the family.

“It’s a terrible thing – you think cancer and you’re in shock and then the next thing is money,” Mrs Ryan said.

“I mean you shouldn’t have to actually go to that but you’ve got no choice but to go to it.

“Just to fill up my car on half was $80 and it’s gone up since then.”

Mrs Ryan has found a home at Lilier Lodge, where they provide free accommodation for regional cancer patients and families.

However, Lilier Lodge’s Richard Moffatt said since the rise of fuel prices, demand has increased by 15 per cent.

“We run normally at around 85 per cent occupancy rate, but at the moment we’re running at 100 per cent occupancy rate,” Mr Moffatt said.

Donelle Ryan and Liliar Lodge’s Richard Moffatt call on the government to help regional cancer patients during the fuel crisis.

Mr Moffatt called on the federal and state governments to help regional charities struggling in such challenging times.

“The cost of going through cancer in the regions compared to the city is massive,” he said.

“What I’m calling on the federal government to do is to pause the fuel excise for anybody living in a regional postcode.

“Then what I’m calling on the state government to do is to ensure public transport services like TrainLink and the XPT are free for regional people.”

Some treatment like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be done over a lunchtime break of work but regional areas who don’t have the services nearby and have to travel hundreds of kilometres have to leave their jobs and usually stay in for weeks in town like Wagga.

Mr Moffatt said although the fuel and the rise in the cost of living are impacting the entire country, there are “too many city politicians” who do not understand the burden regional people are going through.

Mr Moffatt said this will not only help charities keep providing life-saving services but will also assist farmers and other services.

Greyhound Racing NSW has announced from March 27, travel subsidies for participants taking one greyhound to a race meeting will increase from $60 to $100 due to fuel prices.

Racing NSW has also announced a $1.5 million fuel relief package to ease the financial pressure on NSW trainers, owners and jockeys.

Help from the government would mean families like Mrs Ryan’s would not have to worry about such challenges while going through some of the hardest times in their lives.

“I went into shock when I found out my husband had cancer … but if the government would help just to take pressure off us country people who need the help, it would mean so much to us all,” Mrs Ryan said.

Mr Moffatt said if the situation continues as it is, families and patients might rethink having treatment.

“What I’m worried about is there will be regional people that will be sitting at home deciding if they would continue their treatment,” he said.

 

colypointobserver.com.au

March 30 2026

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Can Assist call for fuel tax to be waived to help rural cancer patients during crisis

The general manager of a Wagga cancer charity says the Federal Government needs to urgently remove fuel taxes for those who live in rural postcodes, to ensure people can still afford to travel to receive lifesaving medical treatment.

Richard Moffat runs Lilier Lodge and Wagga Can Assist, which provides subsidised accommodation and financial assistance to those suffering from long-term illnesses and their families.

“We are starting to see regional cancer patients from as close as Henty seeking accommodation support in Wagga because the cost of travelling back home is more than staying here the night,” Mr Moffatt said.

“Generally, people who live in towns like Temora, Henty and Junee will go home at the end of their treatment, but that has changed over the past two weeks.”

Mr Moffatt says soaring fuel prices are now a major barrier to accessing basic health services – particularly for those in small towns who have to travel long distances to see specialists.

“We know this crisis is affecting farmers and truck companies, but there’s also families who have to travel to Wagga for an appointment, x-ray or radiotherapy,” he said.

Under the NSW Government’s Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Scheme (IPTAAS), residents can apply to be reimbursed for part of their expenses if they have to travel more than 100 km for treatment.

“But you don’t get any support whatsoever from government if you travel less than that. There will be regional people who forgo treatment simply because they cannot afford to travel,” Mr Moffatt said.

“The Federal Government could remove the fuel excise and the GST from fuel for anyone living in a regional or rural postcode noting that those people living outside the major cities are more susceptible to the rising cost of fuel.”

The fuel tax is around 51 cents and is included in the price of every litre of fuel sold in Australia.

Mr Moffatt said the tax could be waived temporarily during the crisis and that politicians could also make public transport more accessible.

“I’m calling on the NSW Government to explore a targeted initiative to enable country cancer patients to access New South Wales TrainLink (XPT) services at no cost where rail is a viable option to attend treatment,” he said.

Last week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out any cuts to fuel taxes.

“When it comes to the fuel excise, that’s not something that we’ve been considering,” he told a recent press conference.

Olga Forner, who runs Griffith Can Assist, said she’d found the fuel crisis had been manageable, but it was a matter on the agenda for her next meeting.

“At the moment, the biggest complaint from families we help is the cost of the medical services themselves. We have a lot of people who now have to travel to Wagga for an MRI or an ultrasound, because there’s such a long wait in Griffith. The cost can be almost as high as $1000 for an MRI, and Medicare doesn’t cover it,” she said.

“But rising fuel costs will just add to expenses. One thing the NSW Government should look at doing is broaden eligibility for IPTASS, so you get support if you’re travelling less than 100 km.”

regionriverina.com.au

27 March 2026

Keeping Matty’s legacy alive and helping others along the way

The second fundraiser for Matty Rake has raised more than $50,000 for an important Wagga service.

Matty was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer in December 2020 and underwent an 18-month journey of intense chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation before he died in 2022.

He left behind two children, Ellie and Joey.

Matty’s family have since held two successful Matty Rake Memorial Days, one in 2023 and one this year.

In 2023, the family raised $45,000 and had even a bigger event was held in 2025, which raised $53,659 for Can Assist.

Matty’s sister Trina Rynehart said without the community these big donations to an important cause wouldn’t be possible.

“The crowd is getting bigger and bigger and the donations that we’re receiving are getting bigger as well,” Ms Rynehart said.

“So, if it wasn’t for those people out in our community and our family and our friends, we would not be able to raise this much money for our local branch.”

Ms Rynehart said she understood the importance of the funds for Can Assist as it was an essential part in making her brother’s journey easier.

“Can Assist approached us and assisted with things like vouchers when we had to go to Sydney for other treatments and operations,” she said.

“They assisted by Woolies vouchers and things like that and that just helped at that time, because he wasn’t able to work for 18 months.”

The funds will help Can Assist provide support for Wagga residents who are battling cancer.

Can Assist welfare officer Sally Davidson said the money would now allow the charity to pay for psychologists for those who are battling cancer.

“This is giving us the opportunity to look at things like a psychologist … which we haven’t really had before, from my understanding,” Ms Davidson said.

“This is giving them an opportunity so we can now pay for them to have access to that sort of aspect, which I think is critical.

“We’re getting a lot of referrals from the mental health team, it would be great if we could get more referrals from doctors themselves.”

Can Assist Wagga treasurer Gerry Grant said the aim was to get more donations for their service but also about increasing awareness of what they do.

“They don’t believe that we can offer that much. All it is like paying for an X-ray … we want more people coming through,” Ms Grant said.

Those wishing to help can donate to Can Assist through their website.

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Huge crowd turns out for inaugural Wagga race day backing Can Assist

Music was provided by Aleyce Simmonds. Photo by Kabel Dawes.

 

The sun was out and so was the community spirit at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday, as a crowd of more than 1200 turned out to support the inaugural Can Assist Charity Race Day.

While seven local races provided plenty of trackside thrills, the family-friendly atmosphere was the day’s big winner.

A jam-packed Kids Fun Zone kept the little ones entertained, two-time Golden Guitar award winner Aleyce Simmonds provided the soundtrack for the afternoon, and punters kept one eye on the big screen for live coverage of The Everest from Royal Randwick.

The event was a new partnership between the MTC and Can Assist Wagga, designed to raise vital funds and awareness for regional cancer patients, and leaders from all organisations were thrilled with the result.

 

Majella Gallagher, Gerry Grant, Mardi Walker, Natalie Philps from Can Assist. Picture by Kabel Dawes

 

Lilier Lodge General Manager and Can Assist Wagga representative Richard Moffatt said the charity “jumped at the opportunity” to host the race day.

“We are thrilled with our first race day in partnership with the MTC, as it allows for vital funds and awareness to be raised for cancer patients in NSW,” he said.

MTC chief executiveJason Ferrario praised the collaboration.

“The Can Assist team has been fantastic to work alongside in bringing this day to life. Raising vital funds and awareness for cancer patients is close to many people’s hearts and a cause we are proud to be aligned with,” he said.

The sentiment was shared by John Nixon, president of Can Assist Wagga.

“The day has gone fantastically and the MTC has done a great job,” he said.

“My volunteers have done a great job; today is about raising money, but also getting our name out there, as people don’t know who we are.”

Watching families enjoy the atmosphere, he added, “today is all about the family, and there are kids having fun in the play area, and it’s great.”

Following the strong turnout, the MTC is confident the charity day will become a cornerstone of its annual calendar. As Mr Ferrario put it, “from little things, big things grow.”

 

dailyadvertiser.com.au

October 20 2025

Can Assist Race Day at Murrumbidgee Turf Club

The inaugural Can Assist Race Day built by Steel Supplies is set to bring the Murrumbidgee Turf Club alive on Saturday. 

 

With clear skies predicted and people aplenty expected to converge on Wagga Wagga’s Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC), the Can Assist Race Day built by Steel Supplies has set its sights on one goal: raising money for regional cancer support.

With seven races providing the on-course action, a Golden Guitar Award winner entertaining throughout the day, some of the best food in town on offer and one of the region’s best venues setting the scene, Lilier Lodge general manager and Can Assist representative Richard Moffatt believes the MTC is the place to be this Saturday (18 October).

“The race day was formerly known as Kurrajong Race Day, and it ran for about 30 years,” Mr Moffatt said.

“It unfortunately ceased in 2022. At the start of the year, MTC approached us looking for another charity to jump on board for the long term.

“Being a local charity that looks after regional cancer patients, we’ve grabbed it by the horns. This is our first attempt at giving it a crack, but we’re hoping to get around 3000 people in attendance at the event this Saturday.

“Gates open at 12 o’clock. It’s going to be a family-friendly day, in line with what our charity does.

“We’ve got seven local races. There are three major races also being shown around the ground, being the Everest, the Kosciusko and the Caulfield Cup. We’ve got a very large children’s entertainment and gaming area. We’ve got fashions on the field, lots of food and lots of live, local music options as well.”

Mr Moffatt highlighted the importance of days such as the Can Assist Race Day built by Steel Supplies, which support not only the charity but also the people it serves.

“Having cancer in the regions is an expensive and exhaustive exercise,” he said.

“If you’re fortunate enough to live in a place like Sydney or Melbourne, getting quality of care and access to your treatments is quite easy. But as we know, in the regions, when you’ve got cancer, you’ve got large distances to travel.

“What we do here at Can Assist is look after the practical side of the cost of having cancer. This is where the partnership with Lilier Lodge comes in.”

Lilier Lodge is a Wagga facility for cancer patients to use when travelling for treatment, and has worked in partnership with Can Assist in providing accommodation for the patients.

“We’ve got people from Hay, Hilston and Tumbarumba who use the lodge and stay here for up to six weeks for treatment,” Mr Moffatt said.

“While we provide them with basically free accommodation, we can also provide support with their petrol, their travel costs, and if they have to go to Sydney or Melbourne for even bigger cancer treatments, we cover those costs as well.

“So it’s just really about making sure that regional people have the same access to treatment as city people have.”

Mr Moffatt said he was looking forward to seeing the many volunteers and supporters enjoy a day at the track while also helping a good cause. He does, however, warn against taking his advice when trying to tip a winner.

“My advice is not to listen to me when it comes to horse racing. I’m an absolute shocker,” he joked.

“We’re meant to be looking at 25 degrees and perfect sunshine.

“It’s a great day to come down and have a beer and a sausage sizzle. And if you’re into it, have a bit of a punt. And all in the name of a local charity and cancer patients.”

 

 

regionriverina.com.au

14/10/2005

The Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch

Hundreds of Wagga men have banded together to to help to raise thousands for life-saving cancer services.

The Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch was held at the Wagga RSL on September 13. Convenor of the lunch, Simon Paton said approximately 300 men attended the event.

“We hoped that it would be bigger than last year and we achieved that,” he said.

The day involved an auction, raffle and entertainment, while Mr Paton also handed over cheques to three different organisations that provide support to those dealing with prostate cancer.

“We’re giving away $5000 to Can Assist Wagga Wagga, we’re giving $5000 to the Wagga Prostate Cancer Group and $25,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia,” Mr Paton said.

 

 

www.dailyadvertiser.com.au

September 13 2024

Wagga Charity Golf Day

Can Assist Wagga Wagga and CareVan accepting the shared funds

 

RSM staff members enjoying the chance to present two wonderful local charities with the proceeds from our Charity Golf Day.
Our RSM crew love hosting the annual charity day and the participants always enjoy a round at the Wagga Country Club for a good cause.
With plenty of fun had and everyone keen to raise money, the RSM Charity Golf Day is a win for all.

 

9 May 2024, RSMWaggaWagga

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Wagga Wagga Can Assist Australia Day 2024 Nominees

The official Wagga Wagga 2024 Australia Day Award finalists have been announced and will be presented at Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

Can Assist long time member an honorary life member Bill Lane is nominated for the Citizen of the year Award.

Bill has been described as a selfless and dedicated individual who goes beyond volunteering his time for several successful community causes. As a survivor of prostate cancer, Bill gives his time to the Wagga Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group and is at the forefront of awareness campaigns at annual events. Bill was recognised as a “Life Member” of Can Assist for his fundraising activities over the past 6 years. Bill was also presented with a “Paul Harris Fellowship” by the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga for embodying their motto of “Service above Self” and being the “Face of Fundraising” in the local community. Bill is proactive in promoting raffles at various points across the city, organising and participating in barbecues at events, and bottle collection. From these three activities, Bill has successfully raised $100,000.

Despite the Covid pandemic, Bill’s fundraising activities, plus donations during the last 6 years have allowed Can Assist Wagga Wagga to distribute over half a million dollars to support over 400 people through their cancer treatment.

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