Local

More than 1,000 attend Junee Anzac march and service

Published

2 weeks ago

April 26, 2026

JUNEE once again came together in strength for its main Anzac Day service, as the town paused to honour those who served, reflect on their sacrifice and remember those who never returned.

Under clear autumn skies, the town’s traditional commemorative march stepped off from Memorial Park shortly after 10.30am on Saturday, April 25, with more than 200 people taking part in the parade.

Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance officially led the procession, with local firefighters and paramedics walking behind their vehicles.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

They were followed by more than 65 recruits from RAAF Wagga, led by a colour party carrying the flags of Australia, New Zealand, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Veterans, school groups and members of the wider community followed behind.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The parade proceeded down Peel Street before pausing at Railway Square, where a wreath was laid and the Ode of Remembrance recited at the railway workers’ memorial, recognising an important part of Junee’s history, before continuing on to the Cenotaph.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

As the service commenced, the scale of the crowd became clear, with veterans, families, young people and children assembling in a powerful show of remembrance.

While no official crowd count was available, The Junee Bulletin counted more than 220 people in the march and, after carrying out a rough on-ground count around the Cenotaph during the service, estimated total attendance at more than 1,200 people.

Junee RSL Sub-Branch President Greg Zakharoff claims that number was closer to 3,000.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Mr Zakharoff said the strong turnout was a powerful reflection of Junee’s enduring respect for Anzac Day and the generations who continue to uphold it.

“To the people of Junee, from the Committee and Members of the Junee RSL Sub-Branch thank you so much for your support,” he said.

“To observe so many young people attending is extremely encouraging for our future. ANZAC Day is in our heritage and DNA.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The service began with the mounting of the catafalque party before Mr Zakharoff officially opened proceedings.

After delivering his welcoming address, at exactly 11am, an historic Spitfire Mk VIII cut through the sky above, its roar providing a striking moment and a powerful link to the service and sacrifice being remembered below.

The flypast, delivered by the Temora Aviation Museum in partnership with RAAF No. 100 Squadron, formed part of a wider program of commemorative flights across the Riverina and South West Slopes.

After being buzzed by the warbird, Junee High School students Matika Simmons and William Chisolm delivered a reading of In Flanders Field, drawing a quiet stillness across the crowd.

Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

Prayers were then delivered by retired RAAF Chaplain Reverend David Hilliard, while the commemorative address was given by Major William “Bill” Stefaniak of the Australian Army Reserve (Retired).

As the service progressed, wreaths were laid by local leaders, schools, emergency services, community groups and members of the public, each tribute placed with quiet respect.

The Ode of Remembrance was delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Doug Bell (Ret’d), before a stirring rendition of the Last Post rang out across Broadway.

The call was sounded by Junee’s veteran bugler Shane Logan, who this year marked 61 consecutive years performing at local Anzac Day services.

At the conclusion of the service, Mr Logan’s milestone was acknowledged, prompting a strong round of applause from the crowd.

Father Paddy Sykes of St Joseph’s Catholic Church then delivered prayers for those currently serving in conflicts abroad and their families, before the service concluded with the Australian and New Zealand national anthems performed by the Cootamundra-Junee Band.

Across the Junee Shire, strong attendances were also recorded at services in Bethungra and Junee Reefs, reinforcing the depth of community connection to Anzac Day.

Lest we forget.