Junee IGA takes top Rotary honour as staff chase national title

JUNEE’S much-loved IGA supermarket has once again proven it’s more than just a grocer — it’s a cornerstone of the community, earning praise for both its retail excellence and unwavering commitment to local values.

The Junee District Co-Op IGA was formally honoured with the Rotary Vocational Excellence Award on Sunday night at Junee Rotary’s 67th annual Changeover Dinner, held at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club.

The award recognises outstanding service to the local community, with a focus on leadership, customer service, and support for local causes.

The accolade came as a surprise to Secretary Manager Shane Willis, who attended the dinner unaware the supermarket was in line for recognition.

Shane Willis, Secretary Manager of Junee IGA, was surprised and honoured to receive the Rotary Vocational Excellence Award at Sunday’s Rotary Changeover Dinner | Picture: Junee IGA

“I was delighted to discover that our store had received the Vocational Excellence Award,” Mr Willis said.

“On behalf of management and staff, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Junee Rotary team for acknowledging our store’s achievements over the past two years, and we look forward to continuing our relationship.”

Mr Willis took the reins in 2023 following the retirement of long-serving manager Ian Cooper, who spent an extraordinary 48 years with the local Co-Op.

State Champs Eye National Stage

The Rotary honour adds to a growing list of accolades for the regional supermarket, which continues to punch well above its weight.

For the second year running, Junee IGA’s Dairy and Freezer Department has been crowned the best in New South Wales and the ACT, winning Medium Dairy and Freezer Department of the Year at the IGA NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence in both 2024 and 2025.

The department is led by powerhouse duo Nita Seton and Kim Murdoch, who will again represent Junee and NSW at the 26th Annual IGA National Awards of Excellence on the Gold Coast next month.

Junee IGA’s Nita Seton and Kim Murdoch pictured with their department’s state awards in 2024 and 2025 | Pictures: Junee IGA

After narrowly missing out on the national title last year, the pair returns in 2025 as strong contenders—up against the top-performing IGA departments from across the country.

The national awards recognise excellence in independent retail, with judging based on customer service, merchandising, store performance, and community engagement.

A Local Business With Heart

From supporting local sporting clubs and community events to backing charity drives and local non-profits, Junee IGA remains deeply woven into the fabric of the town.

This latest award not only acknowledges that contribution—it reinforces the vital role independent businesses play in sustaining and uplifting small regional communities.

The Junee Bulletin congratulates Shane Willis and the entire IGA team on this well-earned recognition, and wishes them every success as they prepare to fly the flag for Junee on the national stage.