On Monday, February 10, our town was rocked by a devastating fire that tore through Lisgar Street, leaving two of our beloved businesses—So Dance Junee and Brick Lane Sewing Studio—in ruins. This tragic event triggered Junee’s largest emergency response in four years, with nearly 50 firefighters battling the inferno.
Despite their heroic efforts, the historic buildings were reduced to rubble, and the business owners were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered dreams.
Junee has always been a community that stands together in times of crisis. In the days following the fire, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of support—from donations to GoFundMe campaigns to acts of kindness that remind us of the strength of our town’s spirit.
Now, it’s time to take our support a step further. On April 5, Junee Business & Trades will be hosting the Fire Fundraiser Event at the Athenium Theatre to raise much-needed funds for So Dance Junee and Brick Lane Sewing Studio to restore their businesses. This will be an unforgettable night filled with entertainment, live auctions, online auctions and silent auctions, raffles, a licensed bar, and more. This 18+ cocktail-style event is our opportunity to come together, not just to raise funds, but to show these business owners that they are not alone.
Both So Dance Junee and Brick Lane Sewing have been integral to our community. Shannon Oke poured her heart into creating a performing arts hub for local dancers, and now, with her studio gone, she faces the monumental task of starting from scratch.
Likewise, sisters Megan Callow and Nicole Jackson built Brick Lane Sewing from a childhood dream into a thriving business, offering expert seamstress services. Losing everything in the fire—including their workspace, equipment, and over 45 wedding dresses— has been a devastating blow, made even more challenging by the fact that they were uninsured.
Although not part of the fundraiser we are not forgetting that the Riverina Co-op, formally JJS Glass & Co was also badly affected by smoke and water damage and although are insured are doing it tough as well with most of their stock having to be replaced and the interior needing a good clean up, we are asking the community to give them the much needed support to help get their business back on track as well.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available online via the QR code or link provided or from Remax Junee, The Crossing Motel and Junee Library. Prices are $80 per person or $700 for a group of 10. Ticket sales close on April 3rd, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful cause.
While the road to recovery will be long, our community’s unwavering support can make all the difference. Whether you attend the event, donate an auction item, or simply help spread the word, every contribution matters. This is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a testament to the resilience and generosity that defines Junee.
Let’s stand together and help these businesses rise from the ashes.
See you on April 5.
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
