The Rotary Club of Dubbo South hosted a biennial cycling event from October 6 to 12, 2025. Spanning over 800km across the Orana Region, it was one of Australia’s longest and most rewarding charity rides.
Supporting Macquarie Home Stay Through the Ride
Originally launched in 2013, this ride was created to generate funds for Macquarie Home Stay – an essential lodging option for individuals from regional and remote areas who require medial care in Dubbo. Since it’s inception, the tour, along with the Rotary Club of Dubbo South, had raised over $1 million for the facility, which welcomed it’s first guests in 2019.
Funds collected from that year’s ride aided in the stage three expansion of Macquarie Home Stay which introduced much-needed accommodation for families. By participating, you not only helped turn this vision into a realitty but also showed government and funding organisations that this project had strong community support.
Friday, 15 October 2025, a large crowd gathered at the Walgett Sporting Club taking the opportunity to support the 2025 Tour de OROC with a dinner and silent auction fundraising for Macquarie Home Stay, Dubbo.
This year, there was a strong local focus on the event with Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service securing corporate sponsorship to support WAMS GP Dr Nina who was competing in her 4th Tour de OROC.
Over 100 residents, riders and supporters participated in an evening of fun and fundraising. Dr Nina and her team of local friends and supporters organised the best event for the ride. The online auction raised over $15,000 – 100% for Macquarie Home Stay.
Over 100 residents, riders and supporters participated in an evening of fun and fundraising. Dr Nina and her team of local friends and supporters organised the best event of the ride. The online auction raised over $15,500 – 100% for Macquarie Home Stay.
A highlight of the evening was when Walgett Shire Mayor, Jasen Ramien, put together an auction package of “Dinner with the Mayor’, including two guests, at the Hon Doo Restaurant, Walgett, with the highest bid of $1500.00 securing Roy Butler the honour of an audience with the Mayor.
An update of the total fundraising amount will be announced soon and will be published in a future edition of The Spectator.
Thrilled with the response of the fundraising effort at the event are Rod Crowfoot, Manager Macquarie Home Stay and Walgett Shire Mayor, Jasen Ramien.
