Local

Christmas lands in Junee as giant tree rises in Broadway

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2026

Junee's eight-metre Christmas tree was hoisted into position on Sunday morning, November 15 | Image: The Junee Bulletin

CHRISTMAS has officially arrived in Junee, with the town’s towering eight-metre Christmas tree and festive banners installed along Broadway on Sunday morning, signalling the countdown to next weekend’s Christmas on Broadway celebrations.

A small but dedicated crew was on the job from 7am, transforming the historic shopping precinct ahead of the town’s biggest Christmas celebration, which returns for its 12th year on Saturday, November 21.

First on the agenda was the installation of the town’s festive banners, with crews taking advantage of the quieter early-morning conditions before vehicle and pedestrian traffic increased along Broadway.

The red and gold banners, proudly displaying the names of local businesses and sponsors, were secured along the awnings of Broadway’s historic shopfronts, adding a splash of Christmas colour to the town centre.

With the banners in place, attention turned to the morning’s main event, the installation of Junee’s enormous Christmas tree.

Standing eight metres tall and measuring three metres across, the towering structure was hoisted into position by local business Coen Cranes.

The locals behind the Christmas magic

The annual operation has become a familiar November spectacle, carried out by a handful of dedicated locals who generously give their time and resources.

At the heart of the operation is local businessman and Junee Business and Trades chairman Tony Butt, who has overseen the installation of the town’s Christmas tree for more than a decade.

The enormous structure was originally designed and fabricated by Tony and his team at T-Line Steel, becoming a centrepiece of the annual Christmas on Broadway celebrations.

Although T-Line Steel closed its doors in 2025, Tony has remained committed to ensuring the much-loved tradition continues.

Working alongside him is Andrew Coen of Coen Cranes, who provides the crane and his services each year to safely manoeuvre the towering structure into position.

Their longstanding contributions have been instrumental in keeping one of Junee’s favourite Christmas traditions alive.

Also lending a hand with Sunday’s installations were Shane Willis of Junee IGA and Broadway Builder Supplies, Michael Butt from Junee Shire Council, Darby Asmus, and Brian Higginson.

Together, the crew helped ensure both the tree and banners were in place, ready for the thousands of residents and visitors expected to descend on Broadway next weekend.

It’s a tremendous behind-the-scenes effort that often goes unnoticed, but one that reflects the generosity and community spirit underpinning the annual celebration.

Six days until Christmas on Broadway

The festive transformation comes just six days before Christmas on Broadway returns for its 12th instalment, promising five hours of family entertainment in the heart of Junee.

Organised by Junee Business and Trades, this year’s event will feature more than 60 market stalls, food vendors, live entertainment, showbags and amusement rides.

In a welcome boost for families facing mounting cost-of-living pressures, organisers have secured sponsorship and grant funding to make all children’s amusement rides completely free.

Admission to the event will also remain free.

Santa and Mrs Claus are scheduled to make their grand arrival at 5.45pm, while the evening’s highlight will be the official lighting of the town’s Christmas tree at 8.50pm.

Until then, the towering tree will remain unlit, with its spectacular illumination reserved for the big night.

The celebration has grown considerably since its beginnings in 2013, when fewer than 800 people attended the inaugural event.

Today, Christmas on Broadway attracts thousands of visitors and provides a significant boost to local businesses, while bringing the community together for an evening of festive entertainment.

The event’s return is particularly meaningful after its future was thrown into doubt last year, when a dwindling organising committee threatened to bring the long-running celebration to an end.

A strong community response helped preserve the tradition, ensuring the festivities would return for another year.

Christmas on Broadway will be held on Saturday, November 21, from 4pm to 9pm. Entry and children’s amusement rides are free.