The annual event is named for the former proprietor of the Anna Bay Tavern, Ian “Thommo” Thompson, who allowed the inaugural event to be held at his pub seven years ago.

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Following his death from pancreatic cancer in 2023 the event was renamed in his honour.

“He was our number one supporter,” said Darren James of “The Coasties”, the team set to participate once more in the annual County Hope Riverina Rally.

As reported in November 2024, Darren and his partner Karen Jones have been involved with the Country Hope event for seven years, and with their involvement comes the challenge to raise funds for the rural charity.

Thommo’s Pig Races are at the heart of that fundraising effort in Port Stephens.

Partnering with The Coasties and Anna Bay Tavern is a team from Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs, who will run the show on the day.

And yes – pig racing is exactly what it sounds like.

“Seven piglets are set down to find a bowl of milk,” Darren explained.
“The first to the bowl wins.

“On the day we auction them (the piglets) off.

“Half the money raised goes to Country Hope, and the other half goes to the person who bids for the winning pig.”

Apart from the titular races, the event is a fairly wholesome family affair, with raffles, refreshments and a returning special guest.

“We will also have Hephner, the famous Alpaca attending!”

Readers may be familiar with Hephner following his brush with fame late last year, when the snowy Alpaca sneezed on the visiting King Charles at an appearance at the Australian War Memorial.

Hephner and his family have been making the trip to Anna Bay from their home in Goulburn to appear at these races for three years.

This in part goes to show the broad reach of the work that Darren and Karen, and Country Hope, are involved in – drawing people from across the country to help with the cause.

Country Hope offers support to families in regional areas who are dealing with life-threatening illness.

A major part of their work is the “Time Out For Life” camp, which offers a positive holiday experience to suffering kids and their siblings whose families may not be able to afford one.

Being part of the Country Hope Riverina Rally has allowed Darren and Karen to form deep bonds with other participants, and created cherished memories as they have travelled across the country in the name of charity.

“We were once driving over the Flinders Ranges in our front-wheel-drive Camry, heading to Cameron Corner through the Strezlecki Desert.

“We were driving through bull dust holes, and the car got covered in so much sand, and we had zero visibility, that we had to stop until all the dust settled.

“We could barely stop laughing.”

What keeps them in good spirits in the face of moments like this are the words that have become their slogan: “We’re doin’ it for the kids.”

The first race will kick off at approximately 1pm.

By Lindsay HALL