It’s back! Junee’s Christmas tree rises at dawn as street party nears

JUNEE’S iconic Christmas tree has returned, marking the official start of the festive season and arriving just in time for the town’s annual Christmas street party.

The towering 8-metre tall, 3-metre wide tree was craned into place at first light on Thursday, November 13, continuing one of the town’s most anticipated traditions.

The installation was carried out with precision by T-Line Steel and Coen Cranes, who donated their time, equipment, and expertise to ensure the tree was safely installed before morning traffic flowed through the Broadway precinct.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Now standing proudly in the heart of town, the tree is ready to take centre stage for Christmas on Broadway on Saturday, November 22.

The tree will remain unlit until then, with the traditional lighting ceremony forming the highlight of the evening.

Droves of excited children gather to watch the tree burst to life, with the magical moment marking the true arrival of Christmas in Junee.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

2024 lighting of the Christmas tree | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

A TREE BUILT BY COMMUNITY

More than just a decoration, Junee’s Christmas tree has become part of the town’s festive identity — a towering symbol of local pride, volunteerism and shared celebration.

The structure was originally built more than a decade ago by T-Line Steel, with a custom-designed steel frame fabricated in-house by Tony Butt and his team.

Since then, Tony has personally overseen the tree’s installation every year, free of charge.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Tony Butt of T-Line Steel pictured in yellow with Andrew Coen of Coen Cranes in the driver seat | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

What began as a modest effort to bring festive spirit back to town has now grown into a full-blown celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and locals alike.

In 2021, the tree underwent a major refurbishment thanks to a $4,000 sponsorship grant from Inland Rail, with further support from Junee Shire Council.

The aging tinsel, which had suffered years of weathering and bird damage, was replaced with modern dimensional garlands, UV-stabilised stainless-steel baubles, and fresh lighting to create a more vibrant and durable display.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR A FESTIVE FAVOURITE

This year’s Christmas on Broadway, set for Saturday, November 22, marks the culmination of months of planning by Junee Business & Trades.

Thousands of people are expected to flood Broadway for the twilight street party, a remarkable rise from the event’s humble beginning in 2013, when fewer than 800 people attended.

But this year also carries added emotion.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

The 2025 event will be the eleventh, and potentially the final Christmas on Broadway, unless a new organising committee steps forward.

Junee Business & Trades has shouldered the responsibility since the beginning and has signalled it cannot continue without fresh leadership and volunteers.

Despite the uncertainty, organisers say this year’s event will be a celebration of how far the tradition has come — a night that brings thousands into the heart of Junee and marks the true beginning of Christmas in the community.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin