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Laurie Daley returns home as Junee unites for Fire Fundraiser

Published

3 weeks ago

April 6, 2025

JUNEE’s generosity and community spirit were on full display last night, as more than 160 locals filled the Athenium Theatre for a powerful fundraising event supporting businesses devastated by February’s fire in the town’s CBD.

Hosted by Junee Business & Trades, the cocktail-style event raised funds to help So Dance Junee and Brick Lane Sewing Studio rise from the ashes.

The evening was filled with entertainment, heartfelt speeches, raffles, and big-ticket auction items, creating a buzzing atmosphere that showcased Junee at its best.

Dozens of goods and services—generously donated by local businesses and individuals—went under the hammer through live, silent, and online auctions. From luxury getaways and entertainment packages to signed sporting memorabilia and everything in between, the line-up was impressive.

Among the most anticipated items was a framed 2014 NSW State of Origin jersey, personally donated by NSW Blues head coach and Junee rugby league great Laurie Daley.

Daley made a special appearance at the event, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd grateful for his ongoing support.

“It’s always great to come back to Junee,” Daley said. “This place has played a very important part in my life. It’s great to see so many people here tonight supporting everything that makes Junee special.”

Business owners Nicole Jackson and Megan Callow from Brick Lane Sewing, along with So Dance Junee’s Shannon Oke, took to the stage to personally thank the town for its overwhelming support.

For sisters Nicole and Megan, the emotional toll of the fire was compounded by the loss of their beloved grandmother, who passed away the day after the blaze.

“We suffered a double tragedy… so it really was a hard week for us,” Mrs Jackson said.

“[Our grandmother] would be so proud of what our beautiful community has done to help get us back on our feet. We will be forever grateful.”

She also paid tribute to locals who stepped in immediately after the fire to help salvage what they could.

“Our community members reached out to wash fabric, help remove anything we could salvage, and restock supplies. It’s made us realise just how much this small town values what we’ve built.”

So Dance Junee owner, Shannon Oke | © Junee Bulletin

Ms Oke echoed the gratitude, thanking organisers, sponsors and supporters for their overwhelming generosity.

“I cannot thank Junee Business & Trades enough. The volunteers, all the amazing sponsors and the auction items have just blown my mind,” she said.

So Dance Junee has been temporarily operating out of the Athenium Theatre and Junee Showground’s Belling Hall since the fire.

Ms Oke also shared plans to reinvest the support they’ve received into improving Belling Hall.

“I want to personally thank all the businesses and the Junee Shire Council for reaching out to offer us a new home,” she said.

“Any funds So Dance receives from fundraising or personal donations will go back into Belling Hall—whether that’s painting, air-conditioning, or other upgrades—we plan to leave it more beautiful than when we started.”

Saturday night’s event has been widely hailed as one of the town’s biggest charity fundraisers in years.

As the crowd filtered out of the theatre, many left with more than just auction wins—they left reminded of the strength, spirit and resilience that defines their town.

The final fundraising total is expected to be announced in the coming days.