If you’ve ever been to Junee, you’ll know the Junee Hotel. This important piece of architecture sits at the heart of the town, watching over residents and visitors as they go about their business.
And while many things in Junee have changed since 1878, this beauty has stood the test of time. Constructed even before the local bank or post office, it was the first commercial building in the town.
Of course, over time and decades of serving others, the Junee Hotel began to show its age. It needed some love and attention. And even, perhaps, a bit of a makeover.
Enter the Reynolds family.
The Reynolds made the move south to the Riverina when their children were young.
‘About ten years ago, we moved from Dubbo to Wagga Wagga due to Brendon’s job,’ explains Emma. ‘We made the move before our kids started school, which was a great decision for our family of five.’
‘Junee's location was a perfect fit for us as well. Situated just half an hour from Wagga Wagga, it offers a sense of community while still being close to larger towns. The sense of community here is truly special.’
Then along came the lure of the Junee Hotel. ‘Choosing the Junee Hotel as our business venture was inspired by its immense potential and rich history. We saw an opportunity to restore this piece of history and bring it back to life,’ says Emma.
And there is plenty of history to preserve and restore. Early editions of Junee’s Southern Cross newspaper were printed in a shed out the back, while the cobblestones in the rear laneway are said to date back to the days that Light Horse Brigade meetings were held inside. Formerly known as the Railway Hotel, this matron did some heavy lifting during the railway’s busiest era.
Undergoing extensive renovations, both inside and out, has yielded stunning results. Now, the Junee Hotel embarks on an exciting new chapter in its storied history.
‘When we took over, the hotel and equipment were quite rundown, and the accommodation needed a lot of attention. The front bar area was also lacking personality.
‘So we’ve worked hard to turn things around and make improvements that respect the hotel's history and appeal to our guests. The community has been very supportive, which keeps us motivated to keep going and continue building something special for Junee,’ Emma says.
From the historic photos on the walls to the views of the railway, this hotel is all about showcasing what makes Junee unique. ‘We’ve also focused heavily on improving the food quality, making the most of our location in the food bowl of NSW, where fresh, top-quality produce is in abundance,’ explains Emma.
‘We want the Junee Hotel to be a warm, welcoming place that reflects the spirit and pride of our community. Our hashtag is #countryproud.’
And the Reynolds family is definitely country proud!
‘Looking back, the move has been a rewarding and transformative experience,’ says Emma. ‘Restoring the Junee Hotel has allowed us to become part of a community that values its heritage, and the support we've received has been truly heartening.
‘From the moment we arrived, we’ve felt embraced and supported by the people of Junee. We've built great friendships, and it's been wonderful to feel like a part of the local fabric. We’re invited to events, and one of our kids even plays sports for Junee, which has helped us connect even more with families in town,’ adds Emma.
Indeed, the residents of Junee have a lot to celebrate. Located within the beautiful Riverina region, halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, Junee has all the advantages of a smaller town while being within driving distance of the state’s largest inland city.
‘The slower pace and natural beauty of the area add a charm that is unique to regional life and really sets Junee apart as a destination,’ explains Emma.
Junee has a rich heritage and immense town pride. Its natural scenic beauty is complemented by heritage architecture. Visitors can enjoy discovering more about its railway roots at one of the most significant transport heritage sites in NSW, indulge at the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, or explore the local wetlands and Murrumbidgee River.
The Canola Trail is also hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. Linking Temora and Coolamon to June, it winds through glowing fields of gold, and offers tourists loads of lovely homegrown experiences to boot, from the Coolamon Cheese Factory to the Junee Hotel itself.
Being a small-business owner anywhere brings challenges, so what’s it like running a business in a regional town?
‘People here are incredibly supportive, and they genuinely care about the success of local businesses,’ says Emma.
‘One difference from our expectations has been the amount of involvement and dedication needed to run a business in a smaller town. We knew it would take work, but regional businesses often require more personal touches and a strong commitment to building relationships..’
The family has also found a lot of support from local government particularly with the Shire’s recent Economic Development Plan that focuses on business expansion in the area. And with the launch of the Canola Trail, there’s so much new opportunity here as well!
‘If you’re thinking about making a move to a regional area – or even returning after time away – our advice is to embrace the slower pace and enjoy the community spirit. Take time to build relationships with locals. It’s amazing how welcoming people can be, and those connections really enrich the experience,’ says Emma.
‘Be prepared for some adjustments, as regional life has its own unique pace and resources. The benefits are real, especially if you appreciate a more laid-back lifestyle with strong community ties. Ultimately, if you’re open to new experiences and ready to get involved, the transition can be incredibly rewarding.’
And as for the future of the Junee Hotel? ‘Our goal is to ensure the hotel stands strong for another 150 years, giving future generations a beautiful place to connect and enjoy.
Find out more about life in Junee. If you think a Country Change could be the right move for you, please get in touch with us. We would love to help make your dream a reality.
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