As a chapter closes, a new one begins

Today we say thank you to our Mayor Katrina Humphries, Councillor John Tramby, Councillor Jim Crawford, and a belated farewell to Councillor Sue Price, for their tireless effort put into our Shire.

Each Councillor has brought their own unique skills, commitment, and passion for the Shire to the table and though they are not seeking re-election they will be fondly remembered for their tenure.

After a remarkable and memorable 13-year term as the Mayor of Moree Plains Shire, Mayor Katrina Humphries officially signs off.

"Addressing the challenges of our Shire takes courage and commitment because these issues can only be solved when we all work together to create change. From managing a public health crisis to confronting natural disasters, we have achieved historic milestones together," said Mayor Humphries.

Katrina, the first woman to be elected as Mayor in 2008, has held the position as Mayor of Moree Plains for the longest to date.

Growing up on a property in Garah NSW, Katrina’s roots have always been firmly grounded in the black soil plains. Following in the footsteps of her father, The hon. (Wal) Wallace Murray. Leadership was always engrained in her and has led her in good stead through her political career.

“What I love most about Moree Plains are the people: from the small business owners to our farmers; from our seniors to our future generations; the ordinary people who do extraordinary things every day,” she said.

Her no-nonsense and staunch attitude aided her to make some very critical and hard decisions.

Mayor Humphries will be remembered greatly for many of her achievements and the changes she passionately implemented for our community.

Cr Humphries has sat on a number of committees in her time as a Councillor and most recently held positions on the Internal Audit Committee, Moree Community Safety Committee, Floodplain Risk Management Committee, Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, Garah Public Hall Committee, New England Joint Organisation, Joint Regional Planning Panel (alternate), Moree Reconciliation Group, Newell Highway Taskforce and the Moree Plains Gallery Board.

Ticking off a series of accomplishments despite an incredibly full schedule of Council commitments, Cr Humphries was also chair of the Country Mayors Association (the Association) from 2016 – 2020. This is especially noteworthy as the Association’s Constitution generally only allows for terms of up to two consecutive years. Such was the impact Cr Humphries had during her tenure, that the Association resolved to dispense with this requirement to enable her to continue on two occasions.

JOHN Tramby OAM

After 26 years of service, we farewell Councillor John Tramby OAM.  John's grassroots began in Gurley where he remains after many years of running the family-owned and operated business Tramby and Hanks.

Our very passionate Councillor Tramby has been heavily involved in the Upper North-West Council RSL, Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia, Bellata Sub-Branch and a life member of RSL NSW advocating the needs and rights of veterans

John, a returned serviceman from Vietnam, was a founding committee member of the ‘Welcome Home’ parade for Vietnam Veterans in 1987. John was instrumental in the development of ANZAC Park, located on Gosport Street, Moree.

First elected to Council in 1995, Cr Tramby held the Mayoral role for Moree Plains during 2004-2007.

Cr Tramby has sat on several committees during his time as a Councillor and most recently represented the Council on the Moree Community Safety Committee, Urban Advisory Committee, Floodplain Risk Management Committee, Road Network Consultative Group, Gurley Hall Committee, Gwydir Daycare and Preschool Parents Committee, Rural Fire District Liaison Committee and Moree Saleyards Committee.

John will continue with his dedication of his voluntary role with the Rural Fire Services, the Moree and District Military Museum and the Upper North West RSL District Council and may have more time for his ongoing work at Tramby and Hanks.

JIM Crawford

‘The accidental Councillor’, Jim Crawford said, “it has been fun, interesting, and very different – I am interested in politics but I’m no politician”, at the last Ordinary Council Meeting. 

“It has been my honour to serve this Shire and hopefully making your lives a little better,” Crawford said.

Jim arrived in Moree with his wife Christine in late 1982 from his hometown of Inverell.  After having had a long-term career with the NSW Government-owned electricity network – North West County Council, now Essential Energy – as the area manager and retired as regional manager.

Cr Crawford is a proactive member of a number of community associations and volunteer groups including: the Moree Apex Club and the Rotary Club of Moree, where he served terms as president and secretary; six years as the honorary treasurer for the Moree Rural Counselling Service; president of Moree Family Support;  committee member of Moree Area Homelessness Services; president of University of the Third Age; volunteer driver for Moree Community Transport; and on a permanent roster for Meals on Wheels deliveries.

Cr Crawford’s priorities were about making sure supplies could get to rural producers and their products to markets via the local road network.  He is looking forward to seeing the Moree Plains develop as a tourist destination and sees it as advantageous to diversify the Shire’s industry opportunities.

Cr Crawford held positions on a number of committees including the Internal Audit Committee, Road Network Consultative Group, Big Sky Libraries Committee, Rural Fire Service District Liaison Committee and the Local Traffic Committee.

 SUE Price OAM

Becoming a Councillor in 2008, Cr Price was also voted Deputy Mayor, a role she held until 2016. Cr Price officially stepped down and retired in December 2020.

Amongst her listed achievements one of her highly recognised achievements was being awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) Australia Day, 2019, followed by her recognition as Elected Representative Regional NSW Women of the year award the same year.

Being a Councillor is a challenging role that requires a passion for the community and the community of Mungindi benefited significantly from her community involvement, outside of her service to Local Government. 

The friendships forged along the way, are a true testament to Cr Price and her valued contribution to the Moree Plains.

"She has been an absolute essential component of any success that has occurred during my tenure,” declared Cr Humphries.

“No matter how large the struggle, Sue Price is someone who has never given up,” Mr Marshall said.

Cr Price represented Council on a number of committees including the Mungindi Crime Prevention Committee, Road Network Consultative Group, Mungindi Aged Care Committee, Mungindi Showground and Racecourse Committee, Mungindi Youth Council, Weemelah Public Hall Management Committee, Treasurer of Arts North West and a Board Member of Regional Development Australia – Northern Inland.