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Australia Day 2026 in Junee: Events, awards and family fun

Published

1 week ago

January 25, 2026

JUNEE will roll out a full day of community celebrations this Australia Day with a slate of family-friendly events planned across town, as the Riverina faces what could be its hottest Australia Day long weekend on record.

From a redesigned fun run to the town’s annual awards ceremony, a free pool party and an all-day family-friendly beer garden, Junee’s Australia Day 2026 program will offer something for all ages.

However, the celebrations will unfold amid an extreme heat event, with temperatures forecast to surge into the low-to-mid 40s for seven consecutive days starting Sunday, with a peak of 45°C expected on Wednesday.

In Junee, festivities will begin early to beat the heat, with the town’s annual Australia Day Fun Run kicking off at 7.30am.

This year’s edition introduces a new 3.2-kilometre course, starting and finishing at the historic Athenium Theatre.

The early morning timing allows locals and visitors to take part in the run before the worst of the day’s forecast heat.

Around 100 runners of all ages rose with the sun to take part in last year’s event, and organisers are hopeful the refreshed course will draw even more community participation.

Organisers are encouraging participants to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and take advantage of the free pool entry available later in the day.

The run’s new identity also reflects a changing chapter in Junee’s recent history.

Formerly known as the Jail Break Fun Run, the event once began at the Junee Correctional Centre and made its way through town to the Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

The run had been sponsored by private prison operator GEO Group, which managed the facility from its opening in the 1990s.

After three decades of private operation, the correctional centre was handed back to the NSW Government in 2025, marking the end of GEO’s presence in Junee.

Australia Day Awards

At 10am, attention will turn back to the Athenium Theatre for Junee’s annual Australia Day Awards Ceremony, recognising outstanding local contributions across the shire.

This year, 14 nominees across five categories have been named, highlighting what organisers describe as the depth of talent, commitment and community pride that continues to shape Junee.

Serving as Junee’s official Australia Day Ambassador will be Luke Taylor, a former NSW Police detective turned educator and keynote speaker.

Responding to news of his appointment, Luke said he was “honoured” to have been chosen.

“My role for this Australia Day will involve a number of key events at Junee, and I look forward to sharing my positive message with that fantastic community,” he said.

“As a former police officer and now educator, I accept this role on behalf of every hard-working police officer — sworn and unsworn — and teacher and support staff.

Luke brings a career spanning 14 years in frontline policing and a second chapter in education and public speaking, with a focus on storytelling, resilience and community engagement.

Luke Taylor | Photo: Facebook/Luke Taylor

Pool Party & Beer Garden Fun

The celebrations will continue well into the afternoon, with Junee’s annual Australia Day Pool Party to return with free entry to the Junee Recreation and Aquatic Centre from 12pm.

It is tipped to be a highlight of the day, with temperatures forecast to soar into the mid-40s.

Meanwhile, Junee’s Commercial Hotel will host an all-day, family-friendly Beer Garden Party, featuring live music, kids’ face painting and classic Aussie challenges.

Traditional yabby races, prizes for the best Aussie outfit, and themed chef specials are among the highlights, with organisers promising a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere welcoming locals and visitors alike throughout the day.

Australia Day 2026 in Junee is shaping up as a celebration of community spirit, local achievement and shared resilience — beginning with the town’s early-morning fun run and ending with families gathering across town to cool off, celebrate and reflect on what makes Junee home.