Local businesses and residents have provided some much-needed assistance to the 14-year-old, who is fund-raising for the cost of travelling to the northen hemisphere.

The cause got a big boost this week with Junee Fire and Rescue captain Rob Duncan handing over some funds raised by the brigade’s social club.

Duncan said the Friday night raffle at the Commercial Hotel had helped raise the $500 the brigade’s social club was donating to Deacon.

Deacon’s mother, Danielle said there was a few events planned for future fund-raising in the new year including a “Junee’s Got Talent” event which is pencilled in for late February.