The students of Wodonga West Primary School have shown that kindness can come in many forms — from a gold coin donation to a handmade scarf stitched with care. On the final day of term two, the school’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) organised a casual clothes day to raise funds for better cancer care in the region, with students proudly contributing what they could. Together, their efforts raised an impressive $408.15 for Sunshine Trust.

Patients will benefit from a more streamlined breast cancer surgical pathway at Albury Wodonga Health (AWH), thanks to a $188,575 contribution from the Sunshine Trust. 

The donation has enabled AWH to invest in two advanced technologies: the SCOUT Radar Localisation System and the Faxitron Path System, bringing specialist breast localisation and specimen-imaging capability to the region’s public health service for the first time. 

After raising more than $1.4 million for local cancer support services since 2019, the Sunshine Walk is preparing for its biggest year yet. Following a record-breaking 2025 event that attracted more than 1,000 walkers and raised over $170,000, the community is invited to join organisers for the official launch of the 2026 Sunshine Walk and meet this year's Champions, Cath Howard and Jebb Hutchison.

After COVID-19 restrictions forced its closure in March 2020, the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre’s wellness facility reopened with a new coordinator at the helm.

Ben Engel, who has taught mindfulness to cancer patients and their carers at the centre since 2018, stepped into the role of Wellness Centre Coordinator.

Since reopening the Wellness Centre doors, Mr Engel has been focusing on re-establishing support groups and programs which have been on hold since the start of the pandemic.

When Sarah Hamilton from Enhance Physiotherapy first reached out to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund in January, her excitement was contagious. She shared an ambitious plan to host a Winter Gala on August 2nd, with all proceeds going to support cancer services in our region. A portion of the funds raised will go towards the Trust Fund and Albury Wodonga Health Paediatric Oncology partnership.  Fast forward a few months, and that dream is fast becoming a reality. 

Albury Wodonga Health, in partnership with GenesisCare, has become the first regional hospital, and only the second public hospital in Victoria, to offer a rectal spacer program to prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

The launch of the rectal spacer program has been facilitated by a $300,000 grant from Sunshine Trust.

This included a $256,500 donation made by an anonymous Rutherglen couple, and $50,000 from the Murray Valley Centre.

When Zac Simmonds and Georgia Morris celebrated their wedding, they chose to ask for donations to the Sunshine Trust instead of traditional gifts, raising over $2,200 for local cancer services.

“We didn’t feel comfortable with people giving us gifts or money, so thought what else could we do,” Zac said.

“We both have parents or grandparents who have gone or are going through cancer, and thought this was a great opportunity to do something for a good cause.”

It was hot, the terrain was steep and rugged, and there was no alternative but to keep pushing ahead despite tired, aching muscles.

But after spending 12 days trekking across Sicily to raise money for ovarian cancer research, Albury radio host Lu Pelizzari can’t wait to do it all again.

This time Ms Pelizzari and co-organiser, Kellie Kadaoui from Wildlime Events, are planning to travel to Greece.

She described it as a “life-affirming adventure”.

A special thank you to Culcairn Football Netball Club for their incredible support at this year’s Ladies Day.

The day brought the community together with live music, market stalls, roaming canapés, and memorable moments shared by guest speakers Kellie Finlayson and Michelle Hansle.

The atmosphere was filled with connection and generosity, as friends and supporters gathered to make a difference.

On Saturday 16 May, race goers flocked to the Wodonga Racing Club to partake in the Racing Wodonga Charity Gala Day in support of two very worthy causes. 

Sunshine Trust was thrilled to be asked to be a beneficiary for the very first time, alongside Community Crew Albury Wodonga.

Becoming a beneficiary for the first time this year, Sunshine Trust welcomed valued supporters and guests for a day of racing, auctions, raffles and fun, headlined by Australian comedian Chris Wainhouse. 

The inaugural Holbrook Long Lunch was an overwhelming success, raising an astounding $50,000 for local cancer services. The support from the community was truly inspiring, setting the stage for this event to become a highly anticipated biannual tradition for years to come. 

“We’re absolutely blown away by the turnout and the incredible generosity of our community,” said event coordinator Helen Geddes. “This event has truly showcased the heart and strength of Holbrook, and we’re beyond grateful for the unwavering support of everyone who attended and contributed.” 

TRASH is being turned into treasure by generous individuals who are collecting recyclable cans and bottles to raise money for Sunshine Trust.

Nine years after starting Cans for Cancer, Albury couple John and Sharyn Waldron have decided to scale back their volunteer work which has raised over $217,000 for charities including the Trust Fund.

Lung cancer patients across the region will continue to benefit from the generosity of the local community thanks to the Sunshine Trust’s latest investment in patient comfort and care.

Building on the success of previous purchases, the Sunshine Trust has invested a further $735 to provide 50 handheld fans and, for the first time, five wearable neck fans for patients experiencing breathlessness. These simple but effective devices are designed to help manage symptoms and improve day to day comfort during and after treatment.

Therapy of the four-legged kind is having a positive impact on patients and carers at Sunshine Trust.

George the Australian labradoodle has been visiting the chemotherapy, radiation and inpatient wards where he has been bringing joy to those in need.

The highly anticipated State of Origin charity fundraiser held on the 14th September, proved to be a monumental success, raising significant funds for Sunshine Trust. Featuring elite players from the best of the best, the event showcased thrilling matches, with both New South Wales teams claiming victory in the men’s and women’s games.

Hosted at the Thurgoona Golf Club and organised by the incredible Glenys Clayton, this special Morning Tea brought together more than 77 guests for a day of fundraising, laughter and heartfelt moments, raising an amazing $5,993.69 for the Trust.

Funds were raised through ticket sales, raffle tickets, auction items, donation boxes and even the flowers from the tables, proving that every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

Martin Brennan Conquers 3,011km in 18 Days, Raising $9,404 for Cancer Services.

In an inspiring 18-day challenge, Martin Brennan cycled 3,011 kilometres across New Zealand, raising an impressive $9,404 for Sunshine Trust. Battling not only the rough terrain but also a broken bike, New Zealand’s unpredictable weather, and plenty of flat tires, Martin’s determination shone through every kilometre of his journey.

In 2023, Amanda Kiss was awarded the Tim Fischer scholarship to undertake her Masters in Cancer Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Hear directly from Amanda Below and listen to exactly how it is benefiting local cancer care.

Lake Hume Cycle Challenge Goes Past $300,000 raised for Cancer Services.

Since its inception in 2004, the Lake Hume Cycle Challenge has brought people together with a shared purpose, to ride, connect, and give back. The 2026 event, held on 8 February, proudly continued this tradition, raising $31,493 for Sunshine Trust and reinforcing the remarkable legacy built since the event began in 2004. This year’s total has only been surpassed once, in 2018 when the event raised $32,000.

There was a real buzz around James Fallon High School during Term 1 when the Year 10 Commerce class turned their learning into something truly special.

What began as a classroom project quickly grew into a vibrant Market Day fundraiser, one that combined entrepreneurship, teamwork and compassion, all in support of the Sunshine Trust.