And They’re Off! 2025 Pumpkin Run Begins with Official Send-Off from Tilbuster Station.
Today marked the official launch of this year’s highly anticipated Pathfinders Pumpkin Run, with a convoy of more than 20 staff and young people departing from Tilbuster Station in Armidale, NSW.
With over 10 tonnes of freshly harvested pumpkins loaded into utes and trailers, the team is now on their way to Newcastle and Sydney, where the pumpkins will be used to prepare and serve meals to those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
The send-off was attended by several special guests, who gathered at Tilbuster Station to show their support for the young people involved.
Mayor of Armidale, Sam Coupland, congratulated the young people and staff involved, saying:
“A massive congratulations to the young people who have grown the pumpkins this year, and to everyone involved. What you do as a team is really special. The Pumpkin Run has a great purpose, it helps a lot of people, and that’s a truly wonderful thing.”
Joining the Mayor was Hon. Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC, Shadow Minister for Youth Justice, who praised the impact of the Pumpkin Run on both participants and the wider community:
“Pathfinders is doing great work with and for young people. The young people I’ve spoken to say they get just as much out of the Pumpkin Run as they put in, and that’s a powerful testament to the program’s impact.”
Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan acknowledged the dedication it has taken to reach this milestone:
“This has been a six-month journey for staff and young people, and I want to thank everyone who has contributed. The support from Armidale Regional Council is greatly appreciated, and I also want to thank the Armidale Lions Club for their generous donation today. We’re grateful to have staff from the Department of Communities and Justice here as well.”
The team’s first stop will be the Soul Hub in Newcastle, where they will begin serving freshly prepared meals to community members in need, before continuing their journey to Sydney.
