A Life of Service: Junee’s Shane Logan awarded one of RSL’s highest honours

FOR more than six decades, Shane Logan has sounded The Last Post as Junee pauses to remember its fallen servicemen and women.

On Remembrance Day this week, it was his turn to be honoured.

The long-serving Junee bugler was awarded Life Membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) on Wednesday, November 11, recognising more than 60 years of dedication to commemorative services, veteran welfare and the local community.

The prestigious honour was presented by Junee RSL sub-Branch President Greg Zakharoff and Far South West District RSL NSW President Rodney Cooper.

Junee’s Shane Logan (centre) pictured with Far South West District RSL NSW President Rodney Cooper (left) and Junee RSL sub-Branch President Greg Zakharoff | Image: Facebook/Junee RSL Sub-Branch/Courtney Hawke

The recognition marks another milestone in a remarkable lifetime of voluntary service spanning more than six decades.

Shane was just 11 years old when he began performing at Junee’s commemorative services in 1965, having first picked up the bugle a year earlier.

“It started when I was 10. I started to learn and my father said, if you start, finish,” Shane told 7 NEWS Riverina.

More than six decades later, his stirring renditions of The Last Post and Reveille remain an enduring part of the town’s ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day traditions.

Each ANZAC Day, Shane performs at three separate commemorations, beginning with the Dawn Service, followed by the town’s main march and commemorative service, before travelling to Junee Reefs for the afternoon service at Ivor Hall.

Shane Logan pictured sounding the bugle at Junee’s Anzac Day service in 2024 | Photo: Facebook/Michael McCormack MP

But his contribution stretches well beyond the familiar sound of the bugle.

Over the years, Shane has performed at countless commemorations, including United Nations peacekeeper services, school ceremonies, veterans’ funerals and Junee’s memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

He has also sounded The Last Post at an estimated five veterans’ funerals each year, travelling throughout Junee, Wagga and surrounding districts to pay tribute to those who served.

A former Australian Army Reservist, Shane served from 1973 to 1984 and has devoted much of his adult life to the RSL and the welfare of fellow veterans.

His extensive involvement has included lengthy periods as Secretary and Treasurer, followed by several years as Welfare Officer and, more recently, Wellness Support Officer.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Since 2021, he has dedicated an estimated seven hours each week to visiting and supporting veterans, including those living at home, receiving treatment at Junee Hospital or residing at Cooinda Court Aged Care.

He has also played an important role in organising the sub-Branch’s annual ANZAC Day badge and Remembrance Day poppy appeals, helping raise funds to support veterans and their families.

Mr Zakharoff described Shane’s lifelong contribution to Junee as “extraordinary”.

“From playing The Last Post at our commemorative services to providing ongoing support to local veterans and their families, he has given so much of his time to the RSL and our community,” he said.

“This Life Membership is a fitting recognition of his dedication, and we are proud to see his service honoured.”

Junee’s Shane Logan (left) pictured with Junee RSL sub-Branch President Greg Zakharoff | Image: Facebook/Junee RSL Sub-Branch/Courtney Hawke

Mr Zakharoff acknowledged Shane’s remarkable 61 years behind the bugle at Junee’s main ANZAC Day service in April, prompting resounding applause from the assembled crowd.

READ MORE: 61 Years of the Last Post: Junee honours Shane Logan

His decades of service have also earned him the 2024 RSL Australia Day Medallion, while he was nominated for Junee Shire’s 2024 Citizen of the Year award.

Photo: Facebook/Junee RSL Sub-Branch/Ben O’Malley

Photo: Facebook/Junee RSL Sub-Branch/Ben O’Malley

In a statement, the Junee RSL sub-Branch said Wednesday’s honour recognised the extraordinary breadth of Shane’s voluntary service and his lasting contribution to the community.

“His dedication to commemorating Australia’s service personnel and supporting veterans has made a lasting contribution to Junee,” the sub-Branch said.

“The Junee RSL sub-Branch congratulates Shane on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for the many years he has devoted to the League, its members, and the wider community.”