“There are old people in our Junee community, living alone, and I’d love to encourage them out of their houses to mix socially,” the Treasurer of Junee Seniors Inc said at the organisation’s 70th Birthday Lunch on 24 September 2026, held at the Seniors Hall in Lisgar Street.
That desire to bring older people together has been part of Junee Seniors’ story for 70 years.
The organisation began in 1956 as the “Old Age and Invalid Pensioners Association of Australia, NSW Division, Junee Branch”, at a time when government departments were still catching up with the needs of older people.
The Junee Branch became an active advocate for its members, lobbying local, State and Federal Government bodies on issues including increased pensions, reductions in Council and electricity rates, fairer rents, State Rail fares, better housing in Junee, Commission housing, and permission for groups to build housing for older people.
The concerns recorded in those early minutes provide a glimpse into the issues facing Junee’s older residents more than half a century ago.
Looking back through the archives
She also went through the organisation’s archives to find historical photographs for an audiovisual slideshow. More recent photographs were added to the presentation on the Hall’s big screen, allowing members and visitors to look back over the years.
The historical Minutes were compiled into a folder for guests to browse, while interviews conducted by Junee High School pupils in 1992 were also brought out of the archives and displayed.
The historical material was warmly received, giving members and visitors an opportunity to see some of the people, issues and activities that have shaped Junee Seniors over the decades.
Community support keeps the Hall thriving
Jenna Raulston from Remax Junee spoke about the willingness of local businesses to support Junee Seniors with raffle prizes and the value of those contributions.
Junee Council General Manager Michael Jackson announced that Junee Seniors had been successful in its grant application for repairs to the Seniors Hall front wall. Although relatively new to the position, he also acknowledged the important role organisations such as Junee Seniors play in the community.
Neil McKenzie spoke on behalf of Junee Community Power, which helped Junee Seniors install solar panels on the Hall roof. The payment plan for the panels has now been fully paid, and Junee Community Power was pleased to have been able to assist the organisation.
The Rotary Club of Junee, which has supported Junee Seniors from 1968 through to the present day, also made a donation towards the cost of the 70th birthday celebration. The donation was presented to President Donna Bedingfield.
Jane Gentle from Capital Chemist Junee spoke about how busy the Hall can be and how good it is to see the facility being so well used by the community.
Recognising dedication and looking ahead
Barb was then presented with a large bunch of flowers in recognition of her long-term loyalty and dedication to Junee Seniors.
The card accompanying the flowers expressed the Committee and members’ appreciation for her contribution:
“The Committee and Members thank you for your loyalty and dedication to the ongoing operations of Junee Seniors Inc. You are the rock upon which we prosper.
Flowers seem such a fleeting token of our appreciation but they are, nevertheless, heartfelt tokens of our respect for you.”
Junee Seniors also thanked the members and visitors who attended the celebration, as well as those who helped with preparations and tasks before and after the event.
The anniversary was not only an opportunity to look back. The organisation’s Secretary has invited community seniors to become involved, while future Secretaries have been encouraged to ensure that decisions and activities are adequately documented so the Association’s records remain useful for future generations.
Seventy years after Junee’s older residents first came together to advocate for better conditions and support one another, Junee Seniors continues to provide a place for older people to connect, participate and remain involved in their community.
Highlights from the Junee Seniors 70th Anniversary Lunch
Click on any image below to view the slideshow.
