Local

Junee dawn service ‘biggest in years’

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2025

HUNDREDS of Junee residents rose with the sun this morning to attend what was one of the town’s biggest Anzac Day dawn service in years.

The pre-dawn peace was shattered by the haunting call of the Last Post, echoing throughout the town as the crowd stood solemnly around the Broadway Cenotaph.

Hosted by the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, the ceremony began at 5:40 am and paid tribute to the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Australia and New Zealand.

This year also marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

Veterans stood shoulder to shoulder with families and community leaders — all united in silent tribute as the first light of day crept over the horizon.

In a powerful display of remembrance, 108 white crosses carpeted the lawn behind the Cenotaph in honour of the 108 local soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

For many, it was a deeply personal moment — a time to remember loved ones, ancestors, and comrades lost to war.

Today’s dawn service marked the beginning of a full day of commemorations in Junee, with a mid-morning march and main service to follow from 10:15am before an afternoon service at Junee Reefs.