Smiling Sylvia honoured as Senior Citizen for 2023

The smiling face of Sylvia Broderick is familiar to many across Moree – as a business owner and dedicated community member.

Sylvia was honoured as Moree Plains Shire Council’s Senior Citizen for 2023 and was awarded at last week’s shire luncheon.

Sylvia’s heart has always been in the shire. She moved to Moree as a six-month-old and her father pursued a long-standing career in shearing within the Moree district.

Attending St Philomena’s Catholic School, Sylvia’s legacy extended into the family’s future generations with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending the school also.

She remains connected to St Philomena’s as she is part of the Women’s group for the Catholic Church, where they continue to raise funds for local initiatives.

In 1976, Sylvia set up her long-standing shop ‘Sylvia’s Fabric’, on Heber Street, where she still currently works, ably supplying the community with materials and sewing equipment.

Presiding over the awards ceremony, mayor Mark Johnson congratulated Sylvia.

“‘It gives me great joy to recognise your generosity, your contribution and commitment to our community and the shire,” Cr Johnson said.

“In addition to running a small business, Sylvia has been a wonderful ambassador for the Moree Plains and an avid volunteer.

“She coordinates ticket sales for community events such as plays, debutante balls, concerts, and the like. Her many years of voluntary service to the community include 40 years with the Evening View Club, 30 years with line dancing and 22 years with the Community Visitors Scheme which involves visiting the residents at Whiddon Moree on a weekly basis … just to name a few.”

During the COVID lockdown, Sylvia still took it upon herself to check in with Whiddon residents to support and care for their well-being via telephone.

Sylvia has received recognition for her support for local initiatives including the St Philomena’s Spring Fair, Moree on a Plate, Community Choir, RSL Nashos and the Church Choir. In recent years, Sylvia received the customer service award in 2019 and 2022 and was included on the Elders Honour Roll in 2022.

“We thank Sylvia for her dedicated time to the community. Congratulations to our other nominees, Barb Davis and Joan Limb, we thank all of our nominees for their outstanding contribution to our shire,” Cr Johnson said.