Local and Junee RSL Sub-Branch President Greg Zakharoff was acknowledged in a Parliamentary speech last Wednesday for his service to his community and work around the town.
Many may know Zakharoff for his speeches at the various services around Junee, such as ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day, or popping around Junee with the various things the RSL Sub-Branch does.
Steph Cooke, Member for Cootamundra, was the one who acknowledged him last week, saying, “As communities across Australia pause to honour the fallen, I would like to recognise Gregory Zakharoff, President of the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment and dedication to preserving the legacy of Australia’s servicemen and women. On….. Remembrance Day, Greg once again led the local service in Junee, guiding the community in reflection, gratitude, and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Through his tireless work with the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, he ensures that the stories of courage, resilience, and mateship remain alive for future generations. His leadership brings together veterans, families, schools, and community members in a shared spirit of remembrance and unity.
“Known for his humility and deep respect for tradition, Greg represents the very best of community service. His efforts remind us that remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about continuing the promise to honour and support those who have given so much. I thank Greg for his service, leadership, and enduring commitment to keeping the Anzac spirit alive in the heart of Junee, Lest We Forget.”
Zakharoff himself said it was a great way to start the year, especially since the Sub-Branch have a big year ahead of them. Already the Sub-Branch have been cooking up a storm at Wagga Bunnings to raise money, even getting money in the pouring rain.
“I was pretty humbled. I had no idea about this, and I was pretty humbled when it came through. Mainly because we’re doing it here for our veterans and families as a team effort. No one singular person is the only driving force. It takes a few people. We’ve got several wellbeing officers, and they do a tremendous job with families and veterans.
“Putting together things like Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day. I’ve been in event management now for 40 years, but it’s still very pleasing when everything works. Speaking of Anzac Day, how is everything coming along for that?
“Pretty good. We are about set. I’ve got to dot a few I’s and cross a few T’s, and we’re there.
“We are putting together a veteran’s morning tea commencing Tuesday week down at the club for veterans, and serving members to rock in and have a cup of coffee and a yarn.
“It is going to be once a month at the moment, we’ll just see how it goes.
“Just drop in, have a talk with us and have a yarn, and it is just to get people talking.
“Anzac Day is coming along very well. We have got one very good speaker as the guest speaker. It should be very good.
“The last five we’ve had have been pretty good, record crowds every year and involving the kids a lot.”
– Jack Murray
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