The Association

The Southern Cross Association (FTC) Inc. (SCA), formed in March 1998, is run entirely by volunteers who raise funds for children’s charities.   

SCA’s major fund raising event is an annual 5 Day Poker Run through country Queensland, in aid of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld.

Unlike some charity organisations, SCA only recoups administration costs from monies raised, and the remainder goes directly to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld. As all those involved with SCA do so in their own time, no wages are paid and the Association receives no Government funding.

Currently, SCA has members Australia wide, with some International members also. Some members do not own or even ride a motorbike. However, all are valuable members.

Membership is only $10.00 per year with fees due on 1st February each year. All new members receive a Badge, Membership card and the Newsletter, which is published bimonthly.

Southern Cross Annual 5 Day Poker Run

The main fundraising event for the year is the Southern Cross Annual 5 Day Poker Run, which is held in the first week, beginning on the first Monday of September every year. The Poker Run covers nearly 3,000km during the week, and is believed to be the longest in Australia.

Each year the Poker Run travels throughout regional Queensland, camping at showgrounds and sporting grounds each night. All evening and morning meal, along with camping facilities, are organised for the 5 days. All of this is included in your registration. (see Poker Run 2009 for different classes and costs)

The run coincides with Spina Bifida Awareness Week, with all the money raised going towards equipment such as much needed mobility devices and support of the children and their families.

The first poker run was held in 1998 with approx 45 people, raising $500. Over the sequential years, SCA has donated the following to SBH (Qld).

1999 $1,030.00, 2000 $1285.00, 2001 $2,216.00, 2002 $6,250.00, 2003 $21,417.00.

We had 287 people playing the game, over 200 bikes and 305 people on the ride, 2004 $35,000.00. We had 344 people playing the game, over 320 bikes and 360 people on the ride, 2005 $47,030.00 340 tickets were sold, with 320 bikes, and over 350 people on the ride. The person travelling the most distance was from Western Australia, with several people from New Zealand, 2006 $41,100.00 370 tickets were sold, with over 309 bikes. The person travelling the most distance was from the Northern Territory. People also travelled from New Zealand, 2007 $39,400 395 tickets were sold, with over 340 bikes.  The person travelling the most distance was from Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory with friends from New Zealand and Tasmania.

These amounts do not included direct donations to SBH (Qld) collected along the way from the general public. Our riders come from all over Queensland and a few from NSW and NT. Each year they bring more people along.

Aside from raising money, the Poker Run also raises awareness of Spina Bifida, and the support that is available. Several families have had contact for the first time with SBH (Qld) due to the Poker Run visiting their community.

When possible we like to use local groups like Lions, CWA, or other community groups in the area, so they can benefit from our visit and raise money for their community.  Most of these community groups donate a portion of their profits to contribute to our cause.

Each year the RACQ supports the Poker Run by suppling a breakdown vehicle and driver. The RACQ van is always the last to leave each morning and all riders are encouraged to be in front of the RACQ van because if they breakdown the RACQ van will not go back.

The next time you see a huge number of bikes in the first week of September (most will be wearing blue shirts), please don’t hesitate to walk up and say gidday.

Poker Run Costs

Tickets are $80.00 if you pay before 1st August, or $90.00 if paid after the 1st or on the day. Ticket price includes all camping fees, Poker Hand, Badge, Short Sleeve T-shirt, and plenty of giveaways.  A minimum of $10.00 out of every ticket sold is donated to Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Queensland. Long Sleeve T-shirts and Polo (collar) T-shirts can be substituted for the short sleeve T-shirt if ordered by the 1st July at an extra charge of $10.00 ($90.00). Please note: The above prices do not include meals.

So book your holidays, pack your swag, prepare your wheels and be prepared to have some serious fun while supporting kids with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Other Activities

SCA members also attend any functions that the Spina Bifida Association runs such as camps, weekends away for teenagers, Christmas parties and fun days. The rides given to the children and their families during these events give obvious enjoyment for both the families and SCA members.

If you want to join or renew your membership
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Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld (SBHQ), who receives very little Government funding, greatly appreciates the social and financial support they receive from the SCA.

Spina Bifida, meaning split spine, is a congenital defect of the spine. It involves a failure of the vertebrae and spinal cord to develop properly and occurs within the first month of pregnancy.

Babies are usually born with a lump or sack on the back which may contain the spinal cord and its coverings. The amount of damage to the spinal cord and nervous system varies from person to person.

In 90% of cases, Spina Bifida is accompanied by hydrocephalus which is the result of a blockage in the flow of fluid in the brain. Specific nerve damage to areas of the brain may occur due to build up of pressure. Hydrocephalus is usually controlled by surgically implanting a thin flexible tube with a valve called a shunt. The shunt drains the excess fluid from the ventricles of the brain into the abdominal cavity where it is reabsorbed by the body.

Some people with Spina Bifida are mobile and some are in a wheelchair but all enjoy the freedom the experience on the back of an SCA bike or trike.