16 Sep 2025
Fundraising at the Heart of the Bowral Classic
The Bowral Classic, one of Australia’s premier cycling events, returns to the Southern Highlands this October with more than just kilometres to conquer. Beyond the challenging climbs and scenic roads, the event has become a powerful platform for fundraising, supporting both national charities and local community groups.
This year, riders are encouraged to fundraise for the Bowral Classic’s official charity partner, Quest For Life, or nominate a cause close to their hearts. For rider Jackson Space, that cause is deeply personal.
Riding in Memory of Amity
Jackson and his team, Team Amity, will take on the Bowral Classic in memory of his daughter, Amity, who passed away from a brain tumour at just six years old. The team fundraises for the Children’s Cancer Institute, honouring Amity’s dream of becoming a scientist.
“The dream to see an end to childhood cancer inspired us to ride,” Jackson says. “She always wanted to be a scientist, so it’s fitting that we are raising money for the scientists who will ultimately find a cure for her cancer.”
While Jackson jokes that training has been “sporadic” with his team of “middle-aged men with dad bods and no time,” the cause drives them forward.
“We hope that we can make it better for a family who comes after us, which is what Amity would have wanted,” he says.
Jackson’s favourite Bowral Classic memories are at the finish line, “reliving the highs and lows at the village; the back slaps and hero-talk. Such a great feeling.” For him, the event is a way to honour Amity’s memory and spread her message: “Be thankful and be kind.”
Donations to Jackson’s fundraising page for the Children’s Cancer Institute can be made here: https://bowralclassic25.grassrootz.com/ccia/jackson-rogers.
More on Amity’s story is available at: https://www.ccia.org.au/our-impact/seeking-a-cure-for-dipg.
Volunteers at the Heart of the Community
The Bowral Classic also relies on the dedication of local volunteer groups, including the Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong, who assist with marshalling, feed stations, and serving food to riders.
Mary Ramsay, a member of the club, says:
“The Rotarians who volunteer for the Bowral Classic enjoy assisting in the safe running of the event. The enjoyment they get out of providing BBQ food and drinks, and finishing the day with the satisfaction of being part of this marvellous local event, is immense.”
Funds raised through the Rotary’s involvement stay in the Highlands, supporting the hospital, schools, and youth projects.
Cycling for a Cause
With thousands of riders expected to take part, the Bowral Classic continues to grow not only as a cycling challenge but as a force for good, helping riders support the causes that matter most to them while giving back to the Southern Highlands community.
“If you see the commitment and professionalism at the Children’s Cancer Institute, it makes it pretty easy to keep going,” says Jackson. “They are making world-leading advances in childhood cancer.”
The Bowral Classic invites riders and supporters alike to get behind the fundraising efforts and help make every kilometre count.
For more information, road closure details, or to register in the ride, head to www.bowralclassic.com.au.
The Bowral Classic is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
About The Classics
The Bowral Classic is part of The Classics series by Bicycling Australia. Bicycling Australia is the nation’s most established and highly respected cycling media platform, in print and online for over 35-years and 250 issues. Over the last nine years, The Classics have proudly hosted Gran Fondo Cycling events in three states and continue to deliver The Classics series: the Bowral Classic and the Mudgee Classic.
Websites:
www.cyclingclassics.com.au & www.bowralclassic.com.au
For further details, contact -
Jasmine Sutherland, Marketing Manager
jasminesutherland@yaffa.com.au
0481 761 063
Vanessa Burges, Event Director
vanessaburges@yaffa.com.au
0402 218 845