Junee Reefs remembers in heartfelt afternoon service

THE small community of Junee Reefs has once again delivered a strong show of remembrance, with a large crowd gathering for its traditional Anzac Day afternoon service.

About 150 people attended the commemorations at the Junee Reefs Ivor Hall from 3pm, with locals, farming families and visitors from across the region filling chairs and wooden pews in a powerful display of community spirit.

In a locality with a population of just 86 people, according to the 2021 Census, the turnout marked another significant moment for one of the Junee Shire’s most cherished Anzac Day traditions.

2026 Anzac Day Service at Junee Reefs | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

Held under a crisp, clear sky and warm autumn sun, the service formed part of a full day of commemorations led by the Junee RSL Sub-Branch, which also coordinates the town’s dawn service, main service and traditional Anzac Day march.

READ MORE: Bethungra turns out in force for Anzac Day

Prayers were delivered by Junee’s Reverend David Hilliard and Father Paddy Sykes of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, honouring veterans, current defence personnel, the fallen and their families.

Students from St Joseph’s Primary School also played a key role in the service, with Benny and George delivering moving readings.

READ MORE: Junee marches in remembrance

Benny read a poem written by a soldier about a nurse connected to Junee-born veteran Daisy ‘Tootie’ Keast — a story that has been the focus of research by the hall this year — while George delivered the Ode of Remembrance.

St Joseph’s Primary School student, Benny, delivered | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

Born in Junee in 1911, Captain Daisy Cardin Keast served with the Australian Army Nursing Service during the Second World War and was among a group of nurses captured by Japanese forces at Rabaul in 1942.

She endured years of internment under harsh conditions in both New Guinea and Japan before being liberated at the end of the war, returning home in 1945 after more than three years as a prisoner of war.

2026 Anzac Day Service at Junee Reefs | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photography

The service also featured veteran bugler Shane Logan, whose playing of the Last Post added a poignant note to the afternoon proceedings, continuing a lifetime of service that has seen him perform at Anzac Day commemorations across the district for decades.

READ MORE: Junee honours Shane Logan’s Anzac milestone

As the service concluded, those in attendance gathered for afternoon tea, a long-standing tradition that continues to bring the community together in reflection and connection.

Lest we forget.