General News
2 October, 2025
Warm welcome for Tour de OROC
The 2025 Toyota Tour de OROC is set to roll into Warren on Monday, October 6, with a record number of cyclists taking part in the biennial 800km fundraising ride across the Orana region.
This year, 37 riders and eight support crew will journey through western NSW to raise about $250,000 for Macquarie Home Stay, which provides affordable accommodation for rural families needing to travel to Dubbo for medical treatment. Funds raised will go toward stage three of the facility, including the construction of urgently needed family units.
Warren locals are preparing a warm welcome for the peloton as it rides in from Collie via the Oxley Highway. Community and social riders, including children, are invited to join the final stretch into town, with interested cyclists asked to meet at the rest area opposite the Ewenmar Waste Depot before 2.30pm.
Warren mayor Greg Whiteley, who will also join the ride into town, said it was a privilege to again host the tour. “Out here, we know how tough it can be when you’ve got to travel for treatment,” mayor Whiteley said. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike and showing our community spirit by supporting families who rely on Macquarie Home Stay.”
Council’s general manager, Gary Woodman, echoed those sentiments, calling the ride a meaningful way for communities to lend a hand. “Council is proud to be part of the Tour de OROC; I know personally how important Macquarie Home Stay can be for people in need of treatment and their families,” he said. “This ride is about giving families the support they need at the toughest times and showing how regional communities pull together.”
As part of the tour tradition, a Charity Dinner Function will be held that evening at the Windows on the Wetlands (WoW) Centre in Warren. Funds raised from the event, along with the ride itself, will directly support Macquarie Home Stay’s expansion.
Tour de OROC organising chair Ben O’Brien said the event continues to grow in strength and purpose since it began in 2013.
“Every town we visit, we try to host a fundraiser. For Warren, that has traditionally been the dinner, and the community always gets behind it,” he said.
“With 38 riders confirmed for the full tour this year, we’re close to capacity, which shows the strong support we’re receiving.”
He explained that the tour not only raises funds but also promotes the good work of Macquarie Home Stay in the communities that rely on it most, including Bourke, Lightning Ridge, and Walgett. This year will also feature an inaugural detour to the Macquarie Marshes.
“Our aim is to fund construction of new self-contained accommodation units so families have a home-like setting at their time of greatest need,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We don’t muck around, we’re aiming for a quarter of a million dollars this year.”
As part of the tour tradition, a Charity Dinner Function will be held that evening at the Windows on the Wetlands (WoW) Centre in Warren. Funds raised from the event, along with the ride itself, will directly support Macquarie Home Stay’s expansion.
Tour de OROC organising chair Ben O’Brien said the event continues to grow in strength and purpose since it began in 2013.
“Every town we visit, we try to host a fundraiser. For Warren, that has traditionally been the dinner, and the community always gets behind it,” he said. “With 38 riders confirmed for the full tour this year, we’re close to capacity, which shows the strong support we’re receiving.” He explained that the tour not only raises funds but also promotes the good work of Macquarie Home Stay in the communities that rely on it most, including Bourke, Lightning Ridge, and Walgett. This year will also feature an inaugural detour to the Macquarie Marshes.
“Our aim is to fund construction of new self-contained accommodation units so families have a home-like setting at their time of greatest need,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We don’t muck around, we’re aiming for a quarter of a million dollars this year.”