100 Years Young: Junee Co-op Celebrates a Century of Local Loyalty

THE Junee District Co-operative Society turned 100 this week — and marked the milestone the only way it knows how: by bringing the town together.

Tuesday morning’s celebrations at Junee IGA were filled with warmth, pride and a tangible sense of community — a fitting tribute to one of Australia’s last remaining community-owned supermarkets.

Locals poured through the doors from early morning, greeted by the smell of sizzling sausages thanks to the Junee Rural Fire Brigade, who hosted a free community barbecue out the front.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: Michael McCormack

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Inside, there were free food tastings, lolly bags for the kids, homemade slices, and birthday cake served at 10:30am, with smiling staff and shoppers sharing laughs and memories in the aisles.

Adding a special touch to the occasion, Rod Kilby, who served as manager of the Junee District Co-operative Society from May 1980 to early 1995, was invited to cut the cake.

Specials were slashed across the store, with dozens of products discounted by more than 50 per cent in the lead-up to the centenary.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: Michael McCormack

“We’re here to support Junee”

Secretary-Manager Shane Willis opened the formalities, reflecting on the journey from hardship to strength.

“Over the duration while the Co-op’s been going, it’s gone through a lot of hardship. Didn’t know from one week to the other whether they were going to survive,” he said.

“But we got through it — and look what we have produced for the town of Junee today.”

READ MORE: The 100-year history of the Junee Co-Op

Shane said the Co-op’s success is built on customer support, local loyalty and a mission to give back.

“We sponsor the town with nearly every single sporting event, any community event,” he said.

“The more support we get back, the more we can give back to the community — and that is what the Co-op is about: looking after the community of Junee. We are not here to make big profits. We are here to support the town of Junee.”

Junee Co-op Secretary Manager, Shane Willis | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Shane also praised the dedication of past and present staff in building what is now considered one of the state’s top independent supermarkets.

“Your dedication, your hard work shows what we’ve got here today.”

“We are one of the state-of-the-art stores in NSW. The store has been recognised for it in the last two years — and hopefully come this year, we’ll get a few more.”

To customers and locals, he offered a heartfelt thank you.

“This doesn’t happen without you. You are the leaders of the actual business — the ones who have given it the direction and pushed it to where it is today.”

He also acknowledged the guidance of the Co-op’s Chairman, Janice Brabin, and its directors Pam Halliburton, Lola Commins and Andrew Clinton.

From left; Junee Co-op Secretary-Manager Shane Willis pictured with Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Janice Brabin (Chairman), Pam Halliburton (Director), Andrew Clinton (Director), and Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

“100 years of local community”

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack praised the Co-op’s longevity and the foresight of its railway worker founders.

“100 years young. 100 years of serving the local community. And that is what this is all about. Local. Community. Because if you don’t use it, you lose it,” he said.

He spoke of the Co-op’s resilience through war, depression, droughts and the ups and downs of the economy:

“They’ve stayed the course, they’ve kept the faith, and they’ve done it because of the customers of Junee.”

Mr McCormack closed his speech by leading a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday”, joined by Shane Willis and Co-op staff.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack pictured with Secretary-Manager Shane Willis | Photo: Michael McCormack

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

“A contribution like no other”

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke echoed the praise, describing the Junee Co-op as a rare and remarkable success story.

“What a fantastic occasion and celebration — 100 years!” she said.

“Thank you to everyone who has played such an important part in this journey over such a long period of time. The difference it has made in this community is immeasurable.

“There are very few Co-ops like this — certainly none that have made a contribution the way that this one has. I wish there was a Co-op like this in every single town in the Cootamundra electorate.”

Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke and Shane Willis pictured with Metcash representatives | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Ms Cooke said the Junee model offered valuable lessons in resilience and reinvention, and called for another century of success.

“There is so much to be learned from what you have achieved here. I just want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best for another 100 years.”

Also in attendance were Metcash representatives, alongside a steady stream of happy locals soaking in the atmosphere.

The community birthday bash followed a special reunion event held Saturday, where more than 100 past and present staff came together for a night of memories and celebration.

Trolley dash winner Natalia Phillips scooped $1860 worth of goods in two minutes | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

A Dash of Fun

Adding to the festive atmosphere was a special trolley dash event featuring Natalie Phillips of The Crossing Motel.

Natalie had won a 2-minute trolley dash during a silent auction earlier this year, which formed part of a local fundraiser for two Junee businesses destroyed by fire.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The prize — donated by IGA — finally came to life on Tuesday, drawing curious shoppers to the ends of the aisles to watch it unfold.

In just two minutes, Natalie loaded up two full trolleys worth an impressive $1,863.75, sparking cheers and laughter from those watching on.

Junee Co-op Secretary Manager Shane Willis pictured with trolley dash winner Natalie Phillips | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin