Murray River Police District has today handed over a cheque for a record fundraising effort from the Murray River PD Charity Ball, with this year's funds helping sick children and their families.
Launched in 2022, the Murray River Police Charity Ball is held every two years. In 2022 and 2024 the ball raised an incredible $65,000 for charities, including the Albury Wodonga Health's Children's Wards and NSW and Victoria Police Legacy.
On Saturday 27 June 2026, close to 200 members of the community, businesses and community leaders, NSW Police, Victoria Police, emergency services, Australian Defence Force personnel gathered from both sides of the border, at the SS&A Club in Albury to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity.
Today (Wednesday 29 July 2026), Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM was joined by Superintendent Paul Smith and Ronald McDonald House CEO Peter Bishop to hand over a cheque for just over $53,387.00.
The money will be used by Ronald McDonald House to fund a range of services including the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Albury Wodonga Hospital, which provides a comfortable place for families to stay within or close to major hospitals, while their child receives medical treatment.
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM said today's presentation demonstrated what can be achieved when police emergency services, local business and the community come together.
"I'd like to thank everyone who attended the charity ball, donated prizes, sponsored the event or contributed in any way. Every dollar raised will help families focus on what matters most, supporting their children who are battling illnesses, while ensuring the families are getting the support and care they need too," Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
"The record-breaking funds raised this year, brings the overall fundraising tally to close to $120,000. That is an incredible result and the success of this event shows the strength of the Murray River community and highlights the positive impact we can have when NSW Police and the community work together for a common cause."
Ronald McDonald House (Victoria and Tasmania) CEO Peter Bishop said the funds raised through the Murray River District Police Charity Ball will help provide accommodation, care and support for families from across Victoria and Tasmania during the most challenging times
"In the past year alone, we've seen 300 more families turn to Ronald McDonald House while their child received life-changing medical care. With families staying an average of 7.9 nights, the incredible support from the Murray River District Police Charity Ball means 34 more families will have a place to stay close to their child when they need it most. That's the real impact of this incredible community's generosity. We simply couldn't provide that support without communities like this one," Peter Bishop said.
