Bethungra turns out in force for powerful dawn service

THE small Junee Shire village of Bethungra has delivered one of its strongest Anzac Day turnouts in recent years, with almost the entire community rising before the sun to honour those who served and those who never returned.

Just over 100 people gathered at the village’s war memorial from 6am, forming a remarkable crowd in a town of just 137 people, according to the latest Census data.

As first light approached, residents stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a powerful show of remembrance, underscoring the enduring importance of Anzac Day in even the smallest of communities.

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2026 Anzac Day Dawn Service in Bethungra | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photograhpy

Among those in attendance was Junee photographer Struan Timms, who said it was vital that services in villages like Bethungra continue to be recognised and supported.

“It’s so important these small community services are recognised and continue to be supported,” he said.

“It’s been a couple of years since I attended [the dawn service at] Bethungra and there were more people here than last time.”

READ MORE: Junee Reefs remembers in heartfelt service

2026 Anzac Day Dawn Service in Bethungra | Photo: Supplied/Struan Timms Photograhpy

The service was further strengthened by the presence of the Bravo Company Catafalque Party from the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, led by Sergeant Amy Grant.

The group made the hour-long journey from Kapooka, waking well before first light to attend the service, adding a strong military presence to the village commemoration.

In another year marked by strong turnouts across the Junee Shire, Bethungra’s dawn service stood as a powerful reminder that remembrance runs deep, no matter the size of the town.

Lest we forget.