On the move: Junee Kids rolls out bright new 25-seater excursion bus

JUNEE KIDS Early Learning is about to hit the road in style, following the arrival of its very own branded bus which is set to drive a new era of adventure and hands-on learning for local children.

The colourful 25-seat vehicle rolled into the centre this week, wrapped in a custom-designed mural bursting with vibrant rural imagery — a visual celebration of the fun, nurturing and community-first values that define the Junee Kids philosophy.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Speaking with The Junee Bulletin, Junee Kids HR Manager Samantha Gugliotti said the bus will open up a world of opportunity for the centre’s little learners.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the bus here on site,” Samantha said.

“Having our own bus means we can take the children on meaningful local adventures — safely, easily, and without putting extra pressure on parents.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The bus made its grand entrance at the centre on Tuesday, greeted with wide eyes, cheers, and contagious excitement as children and educators flocked to the fence for a first glimpse.

Drawn in by the vivid, farm-themed artwork, the children stood in awe, pointing, smiling, and waving with delight.

It was a heartwarming moment of shared pride and wonder, with even the educators visibly moved by the milestone.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The custom bus — the first of its kind in Junee — will be used to transport children to swimming lessons at the Junee Recreation and Aquatic Centre, as well as on day trips around the Shire and, in time, to neighbouring towns.

“The first big step is our new swimming program, where we’ll partner with the local pool to teach vital water-safety skills from a young age,” Samantha said.

Now parked proudly at the centre, the new vehicle — which spent the past few weeks being wrapped in striking decals at a workshop in Narrandera — is expected to officially hit the road in December, once final approvals are complete.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Back-to-nature approach

The new bus marks another major milestone for Junee Kids, which opened in September 2022 and has quickly earned a reputation for its back-to-basics, nature-driven learning model.

The centre is part of a broader family of privately owned Riverina early learning services, including Kiewa Kids in South Albury, Corowa Kids which opened in June, and a new 102-place centre in Leeton, opening later this month.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Kiewa Kids has operated its own excursion bus for more than six years, inspiring the Junee team to bring the same model north after overwhelming praise from families in Albury.

“It’s a proven success story,” Samantha said.

“Our families in Albury absolutely love the freedom and excitement the excursions bring, and we wanted children in smaller regional towns like Junee to have that same experience.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Beyond the new wheels, Junee Kids continues to lead the way with its celebrated Bush Kinder and Farm Daycare programs — immersive initiatives that encourage children to connect with nature, animals, and the rhythm of the land.

With paddocks and animals on-site, children learn about farming, sustainability, and caring for living things from an early age.

“Our approach is all about getting back to nature,” Samantha explained.

“We live in the country, so it makes sense to let kids learn through the land — to see how things grow, care for animals, and understand the changing seasons.

They’re life skills that build resilience, curiosity and compassion, but they also do wonders for children’s confidence and mental health, especially in a world where so many spend time on screens.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Locally owned, community-grown

Junee Kids prides itself on being local in every sense — privately Riverina-owned, hands-on, and deeply connected to the community it serves.

From sourcing bread from the Junee Bakery to groceries from Junee IGA, the 102-space centre makes a conscious effort to keep business within the shire.

“Supporting local is huge for us,” Samantha said.

“What goes around comes around, even the business that wrapped our bus has kids enrolled with our new centre in Leeton. That’s what community is all about.”

That same philosophy extends to how the centre operates.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

With around 30 educators and staff, the Junee service also employs local gardeners and maintenance workers to help manage the Farm Daycare and Bush Kinder programs.

As a privately owned service, Samantha said Junee Kids also has the flexibility to invest more in quality resources, nutritious food, and better equipment for children and educators alike, without the corporate red tape.

“Being privately owned allows us to go above and beyond,” she said.

“We’re not run from a corporate office in Sydney; we’re here on the ground, and that means we can say yes to the things that make a real difference.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Looking ahead

The new bus isn’t the only fresh addition to the centre. A mini soccer pitch is set to open before the end of the year, giving children another way to play, learn teamwork, and build confidence outdoors.

With 2026 enrolments now open, the team says the new excursion program is already sparking excitement among families keen to see their children experience more of the world around them.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

When the Junee Kids bus officially hits the road, it won’t just be a vehicle — it’ll be a symbol of growth, community spirit, and the boundless curiosity that fuels early childhood learning.

“It’s a dream come true for our educators and a milestone for our whole community,” Samantha said.

“It’s going to be such a special moment for the kids. They’ll have their little vests on, ready to climb aboard and see the world, and that’s what early learning should be all about.”

Interested families are encouraged to book a tour or contact the centre to learn more about available placements and programs.