Engines fired, chrome shone, and community spirit led the way as the 8th Annual Country Cruisin’ for Bathurst CanAssist rolled through the region on Sunday, 26th April, delivering another successful day of fundraising and connection.
Starting from the Spotlight carpark on Pat O’Leary Drive in Bathurst, more than 150 vehicles lined up before cruising through to The Foundations in Portland, where the event continued with a lively Show and Shine, food stalls, raffles and auctions.
Now firmly established on the local calendar, the event once again brought together car enthusiasts, families and supporters, all united behind a shared cause — raising funds for Can Assist Bathurst, which provides practical support to local people affected by cancer.
Organisers confirmed that $11,000 was raised on the day, a strong result that will go directly back into the community to assist with transport, accommodation and other essential needs for those undergoing treatment.
The cruise, founded in 2019 by the James family in memory of Ashley James, continues to grow in both scale and impact. This year’s event saw ideal conditions, with clear skies adding to the atmosphere as crowds gathered in Portland to enjoy the display of vehicles and the day’s activities.
In a statement following the event, organisers thanked the many contributors who made the day possible.
“In our eighth year, the James family continue to be extremely grateful to the car owners, the sponsors and the visitors on the day,” they said. “We had over 125 vehicles register for the cruise, the weather was just amazing, and the crowd was sensational. What a day.”
With its straightforward message — “Cancer sucks – they need our bucks” — the event continues to resonate across the region, combining a passion for cars with a clear purpose.
Once again, Country Cruisin’ for CanAssist proved that when the community comes together, it can deliver both a memorable day out and meaningful support for those who need it most. The date for 2027 will be advised soon!
