Communities across NSW will once again benefit from the annual Pathfinders Pumpkin Run, with young people from the organisation’s programs preparing to depart Tilbuster Station near Armidale on 1 June 2026 for the 12th year of the initiative.
The project brings together young people, volunteers, local growers and community organisations with a shared goal of supporting people doing it tough through the distribution of fresh produce and meals.
Over the past year, participants have worked alongside staff and volunteers at the Tilbuster property to plant, maintain and harvest pumpkins. Despite poor seasonal conditions affecting this year’s crop, the community rallied behind the initiative, with additional pumpkins donated by supporters and local growers to ensure deliveries could continue.
The Pumpkin Run will see the group travel from Armidale to Newcastle and Sydney, delivering pumpkins and preparing pumpkin soup for charities and frontline services supporting vulnerable communities.
Stops along the way include Soul Hub, OzHarvest and Allambi Care in Newcastle, before the group continues to Sydney to visit Newtown Mission, Addison Road Community Centre and Wayside Chapel.
The following week, Pathfinders will continue the initiative across regional NSW, hosting local events and distributing pumpkins in communities including Coffs Harbour, Taree and Port Macquarie. Young people involved in the program will also help prepare meals for local support services, helping extend the reach of the project to as many people as possible.
More than 500 meals were prepared and shared through the initiative last year.
Pathfinders chief executive Alan Brennan said the Pumpkin Run highlighted the strength of community support and the positive impact young people can have when given the opportunity.
“Initiatives like the Pumpkin Run matter because they give young people the chance to contribute in a real and meaningful way. They’re not just participants – they’re the ones doing the work, giving back, and seeing firsthand the impact they can have in their community,” Brennan said.
“This year has also shown our young people that farming and regional life can be unpredictable. Despite the challenges with the harvest, they’ve remained committed to making sure the charities and communities relying on this support are not let down, and that’s something they should be incredibly proud of.”
The group will be officially farewelled from Armidale with a police escort before travelling down the coast.
The Pumpkin Run will conclude on 4 June 2026 at Government House Sydney, where participants have been invited by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC to attend an event recognising their efforts and contribution to communities across the state.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with North Coast Times to reach locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.