Junee Rotary launches 2026 with BBQs, donations, markets and more

JUNEE Rotary has kicked off the new year with a packed community calendar—serving up barbeques at local events, supporting cancer research fundraising, and extending assistance to Victorian fire-affected communities.

The club began 2026 by running barbeques at two Junee trot meetings, including the Cup meeting, and again at the Junee Recreation and Aquatic Centre on Australia Day, providing sausage sandwiches for families and locals who worked up a hunger.

At the club’s first meeting of the year, members heard from Jason Ferrario, who spoke about taking on the Big Three Trek to raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation, supporting brain cancer research and patient care.

Rotary said the cause has touched local families, with community members among those who have completed a 150-kilometre walk from Sydney to Newcastle, alongside more than 50 other participants, to raise money towards finding a cure.

The club has since made a donation to support Mr Ferrario’s upcoming Big Three Trek walk in June.

Photo: File Image/Junee Rotary Club

Junee Rotary has also provided support beyond the region, donating funds to the Rotary Club of Euroa to assist people impacted by January’s bushfires in Victoria, particularly in the Longwood and Ruffy areas.

Locally, Rotary’s regular monthly markets are set to return from March, with the club encouraging residents to support stallholders, the Rotary barbeque, and the Rotary coffee stand.

The markets will resume on Sunday, March 1, with Rotary hoping for a strong turnout as community events ramp up for the year.

Rotary has also partnered with Junee Prime Lamb to present the Junee Community Island Showcase at the Athenium Theatre on Saturday, March 21, featuring 20 performances celebrating Islander culture, followed by food and soft drinks.

Entry will be free, with donations accepted in support of Rotary. You can read more about that, here.

Rotary said the new year was already shaping as a busy one, with the club continuing its focus on practical community support, charitable fundraising, and building connections across Junee.

Island Showcase to light up Junee’s Athenium Theatre