Veterans Motorcycle Club Rides for Fletcher Street Cottage
Neville "Nifty" Watts and Steve "Bones" Williams - Veterans Motorcycle Club
The Northern NSW Chapter of the Veterans Motorcycle Club is hitting the road for a cause close to their hearts - raising funds to support veterans and others experiencing hardship through Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron Bay.
Recent figures show that around 5,800 Australian veterans - or 5.3% of those transitioning from the Australian Defence Force - experience homelessness each year, compared to 1.9% of the broader population.
To help address this growing issue, proceeds from the inaugural ‘Lest We Forget’ Dice Run on Saturday 22 November 2025 will be donated to Fletcher Street Cottage. The funds will go directly towards providing meals, emergency relief and essential support services for local veterans doing it tough.
The ride will start at the Mullumbimby Cenotaph, with registrations opening at 8am and stands up at 10am.
Steve ‘Bones’ Williams, President of the Veterans Motorcycle Club Northern NSW Chapter, said the event was a way for veterans to give back to their own.
“Many of us know mates who’ve done it tough after leaving the Defence Force. This ride is about looking after our own - raising awareness and practical support for veterans who’ve fallen on hard times. Fletcher Street Cottage does incredible work helping people in need, and we’re proud to support their mission.”
Damian Farrell, Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, said the partnership with the Veterans Motorcycle Club will make a meaningful difference.
“We’re honoured to be chosen as the beneficiary of this ride. The funds raised will directly support local veterans and others in need with meals, crisis support and vital services. It’s community-driven initiatives like this that remind us what true solidarity looks like.”
Fletcher Street Cottage provides essential support, advocacy and referral services to people experiencing hardship in the Byron region. Each month, the service assists around 900 visits with food, showers, laundry, health and housing support.
Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre, said that this support will make a lasting difference for veterans.
“Every donation is an act of respect. Thanks to the Veterans Motorcycle Club and supporters, we can offer veterans not just a meal or a shower, but dignity, connection and a pathway to longer term support. We are grateful to everyone who rides, donates and champions this cause.”
Event Details
Lest We Forget Dice Run
Saturday 22 November 2025 | Mullumbimby Cenotaph
Registration from 8am | Departure at 10am
Do you know that many veterans are homeless? Recent records suggest that an estimated 5,800 veterans (or 5.3%) transition from the ADF and experience homelessness every year. This is compared to 1.9% of the broader population. That is why this year the NNSW Chapter of the Veterans Motorcycle Club will be donating to Fletcher Street Cottage. Located in Byron Bay, the service provides support, information, referral and advocacy to people at risk of homelessness and those already sleeping rough. Funds raised on the inaugural ‘Lest We Forget’ Dice Run will be donated to Fletcher Street Cottage to support locals doing it tough, including veterans. This will be through the delivery of hot breakfasts, emergency financial relief, critical support services, and much more. The ‘Lest We Forget’ Dice Run will be held on 22 November 2025 with registrations commencing from 8am and departing at 10am from the Mullumbimby Cenotaph.
About Byron Community Centre
The Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community.
For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.
Fletcher Street Cottage provides support and services for people in need in the Byron Shire. For more information please see: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.