● News

Locals helping locals.

Together we are committed to making a difference. From our dedicated volunteers to our generous donors and community partners, each of you has played a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals.

Stay up to date with current news, fundraising events and local stories.

Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Charity Event Scores Big

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.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

A Morning Tea Filled with Heart, Hope and Community

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.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Pedals, Pies, and Purpose

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.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Strengthening Regional Cancer Care Through Education

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.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Cycling Through Records

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.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

A market day with heart: Year 10 commerce makes a difference

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.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Riding through records: Sunshine Ride smashes fundraising milestone

The Sunshine Ride has once again reached extraordinary heights, smashing last year’s fundraising record of $151,000 to raise an incredible $170,598 for local cancer services.

Through laughter, smiles and plenty of sweat, the community turned out in force, once again pedalling with purpose for a cause close to so many hearts.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Kindness in every stitch

Purple Chickens Raise Funds for Local Care.

It was an ordinary day at the Purple Chicken Cafe when founder Jen Tait opened a mysterious package topped with a “Random Acts of Knitting and Crocheting Kindness” card. The box quickly became a symbol of generosity and local spirit. Arriving unannounced, it was filled with 64 hand-crocheted purple chickens, each one unique. The attached note simply read, “Do with them what you will, sell, display, giveaway. I don’t mind what you do.”

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Welcoming new leadership

Welcoming new leadership.

Effective today, our Board Secretary, Richard Lukins, has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Sunshine Trust and will step in as acting Chair. Brad Robertson is stepping aside from his role as Chair during the Farrer By-election, in which he is a candidate.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Together, we shine

We’re proud to announce our new name, Sunshine Trust.

We remain a local charity, independently governed by a local board of directors who share a deep connection to the region.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Messages from the Chair

The AWRCC Trust Fund remains committed to ensuring that every dollar raised for cancer care in our region is applied transparently, responsibly, and exclusively for that purpose.

Read More
Terri Barden Johnson Terri Barden Johnson

Turning grief into hope

Pensioner Pete’s Power Paddle for Cancer - A heartfelt story of determination, persistence and emotion to honour Helen.

Read More