Junee chocolate factory’s new event space shines at star wedding

THE world-famous Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory has made headlines across Australia, after its newly renovated function space set the scene for a secret celebrity wedding. 

Framed by the factory’s grand arched windows, Australia’s popular Weekend Sunrise weather presenter of 15 years, James Tobin, tied the knot with his long-term partner, Farrah, on the building’s newly built rear balcony last weekend.

It was an intimate ceremony, with the couple’s family and closest friends enjoying a long lunch before dancing the night away at the iconic venue.

The wedding generated extensive media coverage for the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, taking Junee’s event industry to new heights and once again propelling the premier venue onto the national stage.

Photos: Instagram

The Factory’s owners, Neil and Coral Druce, first began renovating the space back in January 2023.

Their daughter, Rhiannon Druce, is the Factory’s sales and marketing manager and said they are always looking at new ways to expand the business.

Speaking in a webinar with regional tourism consultancy firm the Tilma Group, the Factory’s sales and marketing manager, Rhiannon Druce, said they were prioritising creating an immersive experience for their customers with the renovations, including adding a rooftop bar.

“You’re not coming to a chocolate factory to be a boring person, you’re coming to have fun, to take photos and show everyone that you’re at a chocolate factory,” Rhiannon said.

“We want people to leave happier than when they first walked in and we are renovating at the moment with that in mind.

“We are bringing people off the highway to come to Junee and put it on their map as a destination because they enjoy what we’re putting forward to them.”