Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta, 5-8 February

One of Lake Macquarie’s most loved charity events is back on the water in February 2026. The Heaven Can Wait Charity Sailing Regatta celebrates its 20th year, bringing together sailors, supporters and the wider community to raise funds for people living with cancer.

The regatta runs from 5–8 February 2026, hosted by the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, with races spanning the length and breadth of beautiful Lake Macquarie. From short, sharp dashes to endurance events (12 and 24 hour races), there’s something for everyone who loves sailing, or simply loves seeing sails on the lake.These events are open to yachts, multihulls and trailer sailers, creating a vibrant mix of vessels and crews on the water.

Once again, the Toronto Sunrise Rotary Club is a Major Sponsor, continuing their long-standing support of this important community fundraiser.

The Heaven Can Wait Regatta was founded by local Lake Macquarie resident, keen sailor and cancer survivor Shaun Lewicki. What began as a way to promote sailing and our region has grown into a major annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council Hunter Branch Home Help Program.

This program provides practical, in-home support for people who are terminally ill or recovering from cancer, helping with everyday tasks at a time when it matters most. Each year, more than 200 patients receive assistance thanks to funds raised through Heaven Can Wait.A small portion of funds raised also supports Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue, who provide on-water safety and rescue services during the regatta.

Since its inception, the event has raised over $700,000, with all entry fees and additional “virtual” fundraising by participating boats going directly to the charities.

You don’t need a boat to be part of this event. There are three easy ways the wider community can get involved. https://www.rmyctoronto.com.au/heaven-can-wait.

Buy a raffle ticket! Over $8,000 worth of prizes, including artwork, houseboat holidays, wine packages, joy flights, two-night marina berths, tote bags, meat trays and banquet vouchers. Tickets are here, and QR code.

Attend the fundraising dinner. The fundraising dinner is on Friday 6 February 2026 at the Royal Yacht Club of Toronto. Fewer than 20 tickets remain, book now. 

Grab a family BBQ Brekky on the lawn at the RMYC and watch the Paul Bennett Airshow from the Club, 10-10:30am Saturday 7 February

This is a true Lake Macquarie success story, built on community spirit, volunteering and generosity. Whether you buy a raffle ticket, attend the dinner, the family brekky or cheer from the shore, every contribution helps make life a little easier for local people doing it tough.

Heaven really can wait, but support is needed now.

Pig Day Out – Raising Funds for Jenny’s Place in Westlakes- 5 Oct- Toronto Hotel

Toronto Sunrise Rotary is bringing fun, colour and community spirit to the Toronto Hotel on Sunday 5 October with their much-loved Pig Day Out. This year, the stakes are even higher with all proceeds going once again to support Jenny’s Place, a vital local service for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Jenny’s Place has been helping women and children in the Hunter for over 40 years, offering crisis accommodation, outreach, legal and emotional support, and pathways to safer, healthier futures. With plans now underway to expand services into the Westlakes area, local support has never been more important. Domestic violence is sadly a reality in every community, and having accessible, specialised services close to home can make all the difference.

Pig Day Out promises to be a family-friendly extravaganza. Gates open at 11 am, with the first of five piglet races kicking off at 12 noon. Between the races, there’ll be delicious food and drinks, a jumping castle, face painting, superheroes to meet, and of course plenty of laughs and squeals from the track. Best of all entry is free.

By coming along, you’ll not only enjoy a day of entertainment but also contribute to a cause that saves lives. Jenny’s Place helps women recognise unhealthy relationships, provides safe spaces when they need to leave, and connects families with housing, financial and emotional support. The new service planned for Westlakes will extend that lifeline even further.

Toronto Sunrise Rotary has a proud tradition of combining fun with fundraising, and this event is a great chance to show support, catch up with neighbours, and help strengthen our community’s safety net.

So mark your calendar for Sunday 5 October at the Toronto Hotel. Come for the pigs, stay for the community, and leave knowing you’ve made a difference.