Anzac Day 2026: Junee prepares to pause and reflect

JUNEE will fall silent on Saturday as the community pauses to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought, served and died for the nation on Anzac Day.

One of the most solemn and significant dates on the Australian calendar, Anzac Day stands as the nation’s day of remembrance, honouring the fallen and reflecting on the courage, endurance and mateship that have shaped generations of service.

Large crowds are expected across the shire for a series of commemorative services in Junee, Bethungra and Junee Reefs.

Led by the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, the day will begin with the traditional 5.40am dawn service at the Broadway Cenotaph in Junee, where a strong turnout is expected as the town gathers to remember those who served, those who fell, and the legacy they left behind.

2025 Anzac Day dawn service in Junee | © The Junee Bulletin

A separate dawn service will also be held in Bethungra at Memorial Park from 6.15am, with members of the public asked to gather by 6am.

Following the Junee dawn service, the Junee RSL Sub-Branch will host its traditional gunfire breakfast at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club, before the community regroups later in the morning for the town’s main commemorations.

Those wishing to take part in the march to the main service are asked to gather on the Peel Street side of Memorial Park by 10.15am.

The march will proceed along Peel Street before turning right into Railway Square, where it will pause briefly for the Ode, Last Post and Reveille in honour of railway workers who lost their lives.

Junee’s 2025 Anzac Day commemorative march | © The Junee Bulletin

The parade will then continue across the railway line and onto Broadway for the 10.40am main service at the Junee Cenotaph.

An estimated 1,500 people gathered around the Cenotaph for last year’s service, which also marked the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

2025 Anzac Day in Junee | © The Junee Bulletin

Commemorations will continue into the afternoon, with the Junee Reefs service to begin at 3pm at the Junee Reefs Ivor Hall.

Following the main service, a community luncheon will be held at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club.

Attendees are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to all service start times.

LONG-WEEKEND TRAVEL

With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday this year, the NSW Government has gazetted an additional public holiday for Monday, April 27, creating a three-day long weekend for many across the state.

Double demerit points will be enforced during this period, from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27, and apply to all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

Authorities are urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and keep their cool, warning that one careless mistake could come at a far greater cost than a fine.