Celebrating Excellence - Australia Day Award Winners 2025

Celebrating Excellence - Australia Day Award Winners 2025

Our Australia Day Awards commenced with welcoming 5 new citizens to the Plains, Canada, New Zealand and India. Mayor Susannah Pearse expressed “I am excited for what this means for our community, as we welcome new faces new ideas and new passions to our community to our new citizens today thank you for choosing to call the Moree Plains home. We are honoured to have you”.

 “Today at its heart, is intended as day of celebration. A day to celebrate our new Australians. To celebrate those in our community who go above and beyond, who look out for those less fortunate, who strive to bring our community together, to do their best, and to make our region the great place it can be.”

Mayor Susannah Pearse went on to highlight and congratulate the inspiring achievements of the people of the Plains.

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Moree Plains Australia Day Awards winners. Moree’s Citizen of the Year - Darryl Brady

Darryl is an incredible pillar of the Moree community, contributing selflessly across numerous roles. As Treasurer of the Moree RSL Sub-Branch, a member of the Moree Regional Military Museum, and an active volunteer with the Moree Rural Fire Service, Darryl's dedication knows no bounds. In 2023 alone, he responded to 450 callouts with the fire service, often handling multiple emergencies in a single day.

His support extends to the Moree Boars Rugby League Club, the Moree Show, and Legacy Week, where his fundraising efforts have made a huge impact. Every morning, he delivers newspapers to residents of Whiddon, brightening their day, and he’s always there for those in need, whether mowing lawns, moving items, or offering assistance without being asked.

Despite managing all of this while caring for his non-verbal adult son, Darryl continues to serve his community, even at the cost of his health. His unwavering commitment to others, even when it takes a personal toll, is a testament to his character. Today, Moree recognises and celebrates Darryl's profound impact, this selflessness and tireless dedication truly embody the spirit of community.

Volunteer of the Year - Peter Winkley

Peter is truly the heart and soul of Moree. His involvement and unwavering dedication are unbelievable, and he perfectly embodies the qualities we celebrate with this award.

Peter is a dedicated volunteer who contributes significantly to the Moree community. He serves as the unpaid caretaker of the rugby union club, maintains the golf course, cleans headstones at the cemetery, and helped with building work for the new museum. Last year, he also coached the women’s rugby team. Peter’s unwavering commitment to improving his community makes him a true pillar of Moree, embodying the spirit of service and dedication.

Sports Person of the Year - Eric Dumas – (unavailable)

Eric’s 2024 powerlifting achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a glimpse of his incredible year:

2024 World Masters M3/105kg Powerlifting Champion – Sun City, South Africa 2024 Commonwealth Masters M3/105kg Powerlifting Champion – Sun City, South Africa 2024 Australian Masters M3/93kg Powerlifting Champion – Newcastle, NSW.

But Eric’s success did not stop there:

3rd Best Lifter at the 2024 World Masters Championship 1st Best Lifter at the 2024 Commonwealth Masters Championship His efforts contributed to a 2nd place Team Award at the World Masters Championship and a 1st place Team Award at the Commonwealth Masters Championship.

Eric also shattered records across the board in 2024:

5 Commonwealth Masters Records 14 Oceania Masters Records 26 Australian Masters Records.

Eric’s dedication, hard work, and passion for powerlifting have inspired not just his fellow athletes but the entire community. His relentless pursuit of excellence embodies the true spirit of Australian sport.

Young Sportsperson of the Year Award - Kate McDonald

At just 12 years old, Kate has already achieved incredible success across multiple sports, showcasing remarkable commitment and resilience. Highlighting some of her outstanding accomplishments include.

Athletics

3rd in the 1500m and 2nd in the 800m at the State Championships. 10th in the 1500m and 9th in the 800m at National Trials. Qualified for regional competition in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m for Little Athletics.

Cross Country

8th place at the state level, earning a shadow reserve spot for the NSW PSSA Cross Country Team.

Local Achievements

Multiple school and zone records, including in the 100m, 200m, 800m, and 1500m for 12-year-old girls. Holds the local women’s 5K record at the Moree Park Run with a time of 18:53. Dominated the inaugural Run the Plains event, winning her age and gender categories and finishing first overall in both the 3K and 5K races.

Equestrian

Champion 75cm Showjumper at the Interschool State Championship. 4th in Combined Training at the Interschool State Championship. Competed at the Interschool Nationals as part of the 90cm Primary Showjumping Team.

Swimming

Competed in the 50m breaststroke at the State Championships, achieving a personal best.

Kate’s dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Primary Schools Sport Association Sports Person of the Year – Moree Zone Award. Her commitment to excellence and humility makes her a role model for her peers and an inspiration to us all.

Community/Volunteer Group of the Year - Life House Pantry Moree

Life House Pantry is a vital support service in Moree, providing essential help to those in need through the dedication of unpaid volunteers. They operate a food pantry, offer clothing and furniture, and deliver these items to those who need them most. During special occasions like Christmas, they bring joy through gift programs and food hampers. They also provide relief in times of crisis, such as floods and fires. Beyond practical support, the team offers compassion, confidentiality, and encouragement, making a significant impact on the community. Their selflessness truly exemplifies the best of Moree's community spirit.

Community Event of the Year - Run the Plains – Moree

Run the Plains, held on September 27 and 28, 2024, was a remarkable celebration of health, fitness, and community spirit. The event featured races ranging from 1km to 36km, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities, including families, wheelchair participants, and seasoned runners. Over 345 entrants participated across six races, showcasing Moree’s beautiful open spaces while boosting the local economy as visitors stayed, dined, and shopped locally.

The event also raised awareness for men’s mental health, with the charity Steps 4 Strength playing an active role. Thanks to local businesses, partnerships, and dedicated volunteers, Run the Plains not only brought the community together but also promoted health, inclusivity, and personal achievement. It was a true celebration of what makes Moree a vibrant, welcoming town.

Among those recipients recognised is the Australia Day Mayors Award which was awarded to Elizabeth Hearn.

Beth, as she's lovingly called, is the heart and soul of the Moree Lions Club. For years, she’s been a tireless volunteer, always putting others before herself with no expectation of recognition. Beth has led numerous initiatives to improve the community and is a constant presence at the Moree Markets, ensuring the event’s success and gathering feedback from stallholders. Her work has even earned recognition in NSW Parliament for the Lions Club’s invaluable work under her guidance.

Beyond her Lions Club contributions, Beth’s kindness extends into her everyday life, whether it's helping office staff, assisting those in need, or quietly paying for someone’s meal. She recently stepped in to help a homeless young woman, offering care and support until the woman could return home to her family overseas.

With over 40 years of running her own business, Beth has created a ripple of positivity and care in Moree, making a true difference in the lives of others. Beth’s selflessness and dedication to the Lions Club are unmatched, earning her the title of someone who’s truly "addicted to Lions".  Her passion for helping and uplifting others is a powerful example of community spirit.

The event held at Jellicoe Park was sponsored by Moree Plains Shire Council and organised by the Moree Lions Club providing the community with a free BBQ breakfast and we would like to thank the vocals of Rachel Cubis.

Image – Elizabeth Hearn, Peter Winkley, Felicity Taylor, Cr Dominique Hodgkinson, Cr Mayor Susannah Pearse, Julie Rushby, Casey Smith, Will Smith, Katie McDonald and Darryl Brady.