MOREE Shire residents are encouraged to nominate local legends – individuals and groups – for the Moree Plains 2026 Australia Day Awards, to be held at Jellicoe Park on January 26.

Nominations can be lodged online HERE or by using the QR code embedded in this story.

Council staff and volunteers will have an information stall with nomination forms in various locations on Balo Street in the coming days.

Hardcopy forms can also be collected over the counter at Council’s Customer Service in the Max Centre.

Nominations for all categories have been extended until 5pm, January, 20.

Moree Plains 2025 Citizen of the Year Darryl Brady with Moree mayor Susannah Pearse at last year’s Australia Day awards ceremony.

The awards are due recognition of Moree Shire’s remarkable individuals and community groups who go above and beyond to support, enrich and improve life across the black-soil plains.

The awards are an enduring feature of Australia Day in Moree, with nominations called for several categories, including Citizen of the Year, won last year by Darryl Brady, who was also named Volunteer of the Year in 2021.

“It was all a bit overwhelming, and an honour to be recognised,” Mr Brady smiled.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said the Citizen of the Year award was about recognising someone whose dedication, service and selflessness have made an extraordinary impact on Moree Plains communities.

Also last year, Beth Hearn was bestowed the Mayoral Award.

This year, she’ll be at Jellicoe Park flipping bacon, eggs and sausages on the Moree Lions Club barbecue – an Australia Day staple.

The Mayoral Award is reserved for someone who exemplifies selflessness, dedication and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.

Categories this year include Citizen of the Year (over 25 years), Young Citizen of the Year (aged 14-25 years); Community Event of the Year; Community or Volunteer Group of the Year; Sports Person of the Year (over 18 years); Young Sports Person of the Year ( under 18 years); and Volunteer of the Year.

Cr Pearse, encourages residents to get behind the awards and nominate individuals and groups who have made a significant, voluntary contribution to the Moree Plains community.

“Now is the time to recognise the outstanding contribution of our region’s inspirational and unsung heroes,” Cr Pearse said.

Moree Shire residents are urged to nominate people for this year’s awards by completing and submitting the online form at Australia Day Awards 2026 – Fill in form.

Hardcopy forms can also be collected over the counter at Council’s Customer Service in the Max Centre or from staff members on Balo Street over the next few days.

Keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for further event information.
“Let’s come together to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions that make our community stronger and the Moree Plains such a great place to live,” Cr Pearse said.

Cr Pearse will also welcome to Moree, Australia Day ambassador Bruno Efoti.

Mr Efoti is a passionate mental health advocate and founder of Tradies In Sight, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the emotional wellbeing of tradespeople and their families.

Australia Day Ambassadors are inspirational Australians from all walks of life, who demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields.

They are role models and leaders who make positive and significant contributions to their communities, state and nation.

Since its inception over three decades ago, the Australia Day Ambassador program has grown to become one of the longest-running and most successful national Australia Day programs.