Major fundraiser in the works for fire hit businesses

THE Junee Bulletin can reveal planning is underway for a major fundraising event to support both businesses impacted by last week’s devastating structure fire in Junee.

Junee Business & Trades (JBT) has announced it will host a community fundraiser – a cocktail affair featuring an auction and live entertainment – on Saturday April 5.

The event aims to raise much-needed funds to support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of So Dance Junee and Brick Lane Sewing Studio, which were destroyed in the tragic blaze on Monday, February 10.

The fire, which tore through the historic Lisgar Street buildings, triggered the largest emergency response in Junee in four years, with nearly 50 firefighters battling the inferno.

Despite their best efforts, the adjoining buildings, which have stood for more than a century, were reduced to ruins, leaving their owners grappling with immense loss.

In the week since the fire, the Junee community has thrown its arms around the affected business owners, donating thousands of dollars through GoFundMe campaigns to help them get back on their feet.

Now, JBT’s upcoming fundraiser is set to build on that momentum, offering locals another opportunity to contribute to the recovery efforts.

Recognising the challenges faced by new businesses, Junee Business and Trades President, Tony Butt, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to supporting them during difficult times.

“Junee Business and Trades is here to make Junee a nice place to do business, and when a new business has a setback starting out, we are here to help,” Mr Butt said.

With no insurance to cover their losses, Brick Lane Sewing’s owners, sisters Nicole Jackson and Megan Callow, suffered an especially devastating blow.

The fire consumed not only their workspace and trade tools, but also dozens of client’s garments, specialty fabrics, and over 45 wedding dresses.

In an update published to the business’ Facebook page on Monday, Mrs Jackson said she was temporarily setting up at home.

“Back to the original location,” she said. “We are still locating machines to borrow to get us back in business and finishing off those alterations. I have garments in with dry cleaners and others already completed.

“Please don’t hesitate to contact us for alterations. In the meantime, I will have to do home visits for fittings.”

Image: © The Junee Bulletin

Image: © The Junee Bulletin

For So Dance Junee, the fire was equally catastrophic.

Dance studio director Shannon Oke had dedicated years to transforming the historic building into a performing arts hub. Now, with the studio in ruins, she too has to start over.

The local dance studio has since been inundated with offers of help, including from Junee Shire Council which has offered Ms Oke temporary use of the Athenium Theatre while efforts to recover and rebuild continue.

At the time of publication, a GoFundMe campaign organised by Junee Business and Trades had raised almost $11,000 for Brick Lane Sewing, while a further combined $5,600 had been raised for So Dance Junee across two separate campaigns.

In her update on Monday, Mrs Jackson thanked the community for its overwhelming support.

“Our amazing community, friends and family have been so supportive,” Mrs Jackson said.

“From setting up community funding, washing fabric and garments, clearing out the damaged stock, donating supplies and offering emotional support, we will never forget this!”

The April fundraiser is expected to be a highlight on Junee’s social calendar, offering an evening of entertainment, community spirit, and generosity.

Further details, including venue and ticketing information, will be announced soon.

Residents and businesses eager to support the event are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and contribute in any way they can—whether by attending, donating auction items, or spreading the word.

With the resilience and kindness that defines Junee, the event is set to be a powerful step toward helping two cherished businesses rise from the ashes.

GoFundMe Campaigns as at 6pm Tuesday February 18

BRICK LANE SEWING
Organiser: Junee Business & Trades | Raised: $10,930
http://gofundme.com/…/fire-destroys-junee-sisters-dream…

SO DANCE JUNEE
Organiser: Elissa Drew | Raised: $4,200
gofundme.com/f/keep-the-magic-moving-at-so-dance-junee

SO DANCE JUNEE
Organiser: Veronika Heszterenyiova | Raised: $1,460
gofundme.com/f/please-help-to-rebuild-our-dance-studio
The Junee Bulletin | #ByLocalsForLocals