Achievers placed in spotlight at Moree Australia Day celebrations

Jellicoe Park was full to the brim with Australia Day cheer as Moree Plains Shire Council celebrated outstanding achievements in the community.

The Australia Day awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the special efforts made by those who contribute through their diverse talents and efforts that make a positive impact to the shire. Councils across the nation held festivities and acknowledged community service, with a theme this year of Reflect, Respect and Celebrate.

Mayor Mark Johnson acknowledged the presence of Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and expressed gratitude to him for being in attendance in Moree for Australia Day 2024.

“From our traditional landholders to our early migrants to our soon to be new citizens, let us reflect on what it means to be Australian,” Cr Johnson said.

“What it means to live and be a part of this nation and how fortunate we are to be able to call ourselves Australians.

“My hope is that our shire on this day can come together and accept that we are different, embrace those differences and as one Reflect, Respect and Celebrate.”

During the presentation of awards, Wayne Tighe’s dedication was acknowledged when he was announced as Citizen of the Year.

Wayne’s active involvement in a diverse community sphere demonstrates the qualities that make him a true asset to the Moree Plains.

Wayne’s outstanding contributions are marked by the countless hours he has dedicated to various facets for community betterment, serving as an active committee member of the Moree Tourism board, and as a Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) committee member.

Wayne’s selflessness extends beyond these organisational roles, as he generously volunteers his time to oversee the social bowls at the Moree Services Club.

A valued member of the Moree Magpies Bowls team, Wayne’s sporting skill and teamwork demonstrate the spirit of collaboration, a sense of camaraderie and unity, creating positive ripples throughout the community.

His commitment not only fosters but also adds a recreational and social dimension to the community life.

Brendan Munn was announced as the Volunteer of the Year, paying tribute to his outstanding service to the Moree Show Society.

Brendan has been volunteering his time through the show society, where he has been the president for 10 years.

Brendan also dedicates his own time to attend to fire calls for the local Gurley community where he is also a part of the Local Recreational Ground Committee and has the pleasure of putting on a favourite red suit throughout festive celebrations in Gurley.

Brendan’s commitment to the show society sees him volunteering long hours in the lead up to the annual Moree Show, to ensure the show is a great success for the Moree community as well as those that visit for the show.

Sports Person of the Year was awarded to Ben Picton, a third-generation long range target rifle shooter from Mungindi, who in 2023 competed in a number of championships in Queensland and NSW where he has achieved many accolades.

His accolades include first place in the Australia Day prize shoot (Brisbane), fifth pace at the NSW Rifle Association (Sydney), second place at the North West New England Open Prize meet, second place at the Darling Downs OPM (Warwick), first place at the Goondiwindi OPM, second place at the National Rifle Association of Australia (Sydney), fourth place at the ACT Kings Competition (Canberra) and first place at the Armidale Rifle Club OPM.

Ben has been selected in many representative teams where he has represented NSW and the country in amateur shooting.

When Ben isn’t training for state and national teams, he is found coaching the younger generations or raising funds for the Mungindi Rifle Club, where Ben is the president.

Ben was an apology at the awards ceremony as he is currently representing Australia in the World Target Rifle Championships in South Africa.

Rifle shooting was again in the spotlight, with Young Sports Person of the Year awarded to Jack Picton.

Jack, the son of Ben, is a fourth-generation long range target rifle shooter also from Mungindi.

In 2023, Jack took part in several championship meets throughout NSW and Queensland where he had many achievements.

His achievements include second place at the Australia Day Prize Shoot (Brisbane), first place at the New England Northwest OPM, third place at the Darling Downs OPM (Warwick), fourth place at the Goondiwindi OPM, sixth place at the National Rifle Association of Australia (Canberra) and first place at the Armidale Rifle Club OPM.

Jack is worthy of a special mention as he is the youngest ever team member to be selected in the NSW and Australian Under 25 teams, at the young age of 17.

Jack was also an apology as he is representing the Under 25s Australian National Rifle Association Team in South Africa where he will compete in the World Target Rifle Championships.

Moree Show Society was celebrated for its work in organising in one of the region’s most cherished events – the Moree Show – as the recipient of the Community Group of the Year Award.

Through their tireless efforts, this recognition serves as a testament to the show society’s exceptional dedication, leadership, community spirit and outstanding contributions and enduring dedication to the enrichment of the Moree community.

The success of the Pally Bush Markets was placed in the spotlight after being awarded Community Event of the Year.

The markets are being held three times a year, on a Sunday, and have grown considerably.

At the first market, organisers had 40 stallholders and welcomed an estimated 2000 visitors.

By the fifth market, the event had grown to 70 stallholders and a turnout estimated at 4000 people.

The markets are seen as an enormous boost to the Pallamallawa community.

The continued growth has surpassed organisers’ expectations.

Proceeds raised from the markets go back to the community, towards the Pallamallawa School of Arts and Memorial Hall.

Organisers said stallholders travel from far and wide, including Brisbane, the Mid North Coast and Hunter Valley.

The markets stand as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, community spirit, and the celebration of local talent.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Kyla-Belle Roberts who stands as a beacon of inspiration for the community’s youth, proving that talent, passion and hard work can propel individuals to remarkable heights.

Kyla-Belle, has extraordinary talent and is a local star, not only captivating the Moree Plains, her national exposure on Sunrise and widespread recognition has seen her performing on the ‘Fanzone’ stage at the prestigious 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Adding to her list of accolades, Kyla-Belle’s remarkable skills as a busker earned her the well-deserved runner-up position in the 2023 National Busking Championships. Kyla-Belle was an apology for the awards ceremony.

Also among those recipients recognised was the Australia Day Mayor’s Award recipient Marty Roberts.

Marty, Moree’s music maestro for an impressive 25 years, was chosen for this award for his sustained dedication and remarkable contributions to the vibrant tapestry of the Moree community.

At the helm of the Moree Town Band, Marty has not only showcased his musical competence but has also orchestrated a symphony of community involvement by organising a multitude of events that resonate with the harmonies of unity and cultural appreciation.

Marty has been the driving force behind the musical presence in significant gatherings and various other community events.

Beyond his role as a conductor and coordinator, Marty serves as the facilitator and instructor of the string section ukulele group, showcasing his commitment to nurturing musical talent at the grassroots level.

His role as a mentor not only imparts musical skills but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among aspiring musicians.

Marty was also an apology at the festivities.

Cr Johnson congratulated the award recipients and praised their dedication to the community.

“To those in our community who received awards thank you, thank you, thank you for doing what you do”, Cr Johnson said.

In addition to the awards, council also welcomed five new citizens.

New citizens who were welcomed on Australia Day were Avtar Singh (India), Suchada Chasuntia (Thailand), Naowarat Chuenchom (Thailand), Thi Ngoc Thuy Hayne (Vietnam) and Sammu Arachchige Hasini Maheepala (Sri Lanka).

Master of ceremonies, shire council general manager, Kelvin Tytherleigh thanked the volunteers of the Moree Lions Club for the free barbecue provided, along with his appreciation to Rachel Cubis and the Moree Pipe Band for the entertainment before proceeding to the awards.