As the sun rises over the Riverina on April 25, the small town of Junee will once again pause to honour the Anzac legacy. ANZAC Day, observed across Australia and New Zealand, is a solemn day of remembrance and commemoration for all Australians who have died in war, with dawn services held each year at the time of the original landing at Gallipoli in 1915. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, April 25th, and the Junee community is preparing for a day of deep reflection, tradition and unwavering mateship.
The Dawn Service will begin at 5:40am, with their march from Memorial Hall occurring at 10:40am at the Cenotaph. An afternoon service at Junee Reefs Hall will take place from 3:00pm.
President of the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, Greg Zakharoff, said to pay attention to the weather. If it’s cold, keep warm and vice versa.
He would also like to encourage parents to bring their children down and let them experience their heritage and the ANZAC spirit.
At the heart of Junee’s commemorations stands the Junee Cenotaph. Erected in honour of those who fell during the First World War, the tower was unveiled on Empire Day, 24 May 1928. Beneath this historic tower, a black stone cenotaph engraved with an honour roll for the Second World War. Later conflicts have been added over time, ensuring that the service of all generations is remembered. This central monument serves as the focal point for the town’s Dawn Service and Main Service.
In past years, more than 300 people have participated in the march, including veterans, recruits from the RAAF Base Wagga, emergency services, school students, scouts, and community groups. The march proceeds through the town before arriving at the Cenotaph on Broadway for the Main Service.
Junee’s commemorations are deeply personal, often highlighting the stories of local service personnel. A figure of particular significance is Private Wilfred Knight. Born in New Zealand, he was living in Junee and working as a railway fireman when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1914. He is recorded as the first New Zealander to die at Gallipoli. His story, which unites the trans-Tasman bond, has been honoured by the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, with representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force attending local services to pay tribute previously.
The commitment to remembering local veterans is a continuing tradition. In 2018, a decorated Junee-born naval officer, Lieutenant Michelle Barker, returned to her hometown as the guest speaker, having served for over two decades in the Royal Australian Navy. Similarly, the town’s 2025 service was a significant event, with over 1,500 attendees gathering at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing. The service included a moving recitation of the names of the 108 Junee residents who fell during WWI by local high school students.
The success of Junee’s ANZAC Day services is a testament to the town’s community spirit. A small number of dedicated volunteers work behind the scenes for months to ensure the day runs smoothly. Local students are also heavily involved, with teams from Junee High School often beginning their day at 3:00am to set up audio equipment for the Dawn Service.
Local traditions continue with the parade often escorted by a fire truck, which is a duty that has been passed down through generations of local firefighters.
As the Last Post echoes through Broadway and a minute’s silence falls, the Junee community stands together, reflecting on the sacrifices of those who served and the mateship that defines the Anzac spirit. It is a day that transcends generations, uniting the town in a powerful and enduring act of remembrance.
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