Moree Plains Shire Council

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Council wins for exceptional environmental management Moree Plains Shire Council has been recognised by the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) in Sydney. James Maxwell, Council’s Special Projects Manager of Environment and Compliance, was present to accept the award in the Asbestos Management category and to speak on the Moree Plains Shire Burnt and Derelict Housing Enforcement Program. James has successfully led our ‘Burnt and Derelict Housing Enforcement Program 2024 – 2025’. Managing this community challenge has been a high priority for the Council and the results of Council’s enforcement activities since 2020 have seen the remediation of 60 burnt and derelict buildings in Moree with thirty (30) remediated since February 2024 and a further four (4) in Boggabilla. The Local Government NSW awards acknowledge how Councils are leading in innovative ways that make an impactful solution to local environmental issues. #LGNSWEnviro2024 #LGNSWEvents James Maxwell, guest speaker at the Local Government NSW awards

2024 A R Bluett Memorial Award Moree Plains Shire Council was a finalist for the 2024 A R Bluett Memorial Award with the winner announced at the Local Government Association NSW conference held in Tamworth over the weekend. We would love to congratulate Bega Valley Shire Council for being awarded this very prestigious award. Bega Valley Shire Council impressed the judges with strategies to maintain its $1.9 billion worth of assets following the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019/20 and 13 subsequent disaster declarations, by guiding the growth of the shire to a more sustainable community. General manager Kelvin Tytherleigh would like to thank honorary Trustees, Les McMahon, Genia McCaffery and Paul Braybrooks OAM, who took the time to come to the Moree Plains to see our important and instrumental contributions to the Moree Plains Shire for the 2023/24 financial year. The principal activities we reported on were, The Burnt & Derelict Housing Enforcement Program 2024-2025 Borderless Communities – Balonne Shire Council and Goondiwindi Regional Council Livvi’s Place at Jacaranda Park - Inclusive Playground Special Activation Precinct (SAP) Significant funding was achieved for the redevelopment of the Moree Aquatic Artesian Centre (MAAC) Improvements at the Moree Regional Airport Addressing the Crime in the Moree Plains Ron Harborne Oval Disaster Relief Australia The A.R. Bluett Memorial Award has been presented annually since 1945 in commemoration of Albert Robert Bluett, who served as the Secretary and Solicitor to the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW for 30 years.

LGNSW’S 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Mayor Susannah Pearse spoke against a motion at the Annual Conference held at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre today, a motion that would have seen rural rates increase. The Annual Conference is the supreme policy-making body of LGNSW and an opportunity for councillors to come together to share ideas and debate issues that shape the way LGNSW is governed and advocates on behalf of the local government sector. LGNSW members may put forward motions for consideration of the Annual Conference. Where a majority of voting delegates at the Annual Conference vote in support of the motion, it is adopted as a resolution of LGNSW. LGNSW updates its Policy Platform annually to reflect these resolutions and inform our Advocacy Priorities. The conference is also an opportunity for mayors and councillors from NSW to learn from and support each other, and consider new ways to deliver for the communities they represent. The annual conference is held from Sunday 17 to Tuesday 19 November 2024.

An Advantage For Mungindi The final layer of asphalt has been laid forming the playing surface of the new multipurpose courts and vibrant line marking has been completed for the community of Mungindi ahead of the October long weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mungindi Tennis. Tennis has long been a regular social gathering for the community from tournaments like the Murphy and Bingham Cup to social tennis games. Netball enthusiasts and local school children will also have the opportunity to play outdoors on the new high-quality multipurpose courts, which will serve as a vital hub for community engagement, health, youth and intergenerational connections. Director of Infrastructure John Dyer is delighted to announce the completion of the courts, “It has been a priority to rebuild this vital community asset and we are delighted to have completed stage one of the project, for all to enjoy”. The multipurpose courts consist of four tennis courts and two netball courts, with stage two comprising the installation of permanent fencing, final landscaping and a Tennis Australia compliant playing surface will be laid (weather conditions permitting). Council would like to thank the Mungindi community for their patience and the countless volunteers who have assisted us in delivering the project. The majority of work was completed by local contractors, creating local job opportunities and long-lasting benefits is what the Federal Government is proud to support. The project has been delivered under the following Federal Government funding, Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3 (SCCF3) grant of $208,780.00 and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Round 2 (LRCI2) grant of $300,000.00.

OUR NEW COUNCILLORS The Electoral Commission has released the results for the 2024 Local Government Elections held 14 September 2024. The Moree Plains Shire Council Councillors are represented by returning Councillors amongst some first-time Councillors. We would like to congratulate the following elected candidates who will represent the Moree Plains Shire as Councillors for the 2024 – 2028 term. Kerry Cassells, Dominique Hodgkinson, Kelly James, Peter Mailler, Frederick McGrady, Susannah Pearse, Brooke Sauer, Wayne Tighe and Debra Williams. We would like to thank candidates Mekayla Cochrane, Meryl Dillon, Michael Ivanov, Karen Munn, Stephen Ritchie, and Liz Taylor for their participation in the election process. The inaugural meeting to induct the Councillors of the 2024-2028 term will occur 15 October 2024 at the Council Chambers, Level 1 Max Centre. Moree.

REVAMPED AND REVITALISED – BAMM RECEIVES NEW ENHANCEMENTS The Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), Moree Plains’ home of one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in regional NSW, has reopened offering an enhanced visitor experience after renovations. The renovations included updates to the exhibition spaces, improved external lighting, and enhanced accessibility features, making it easier for visitors to experience the art. General Manager Kelvin Tytherleigh shared his enthusiasm for this new improved space “Having an accessible walkway and landing to the front entrance of BAMM is something we are proud of as accessibility in the Moree CBD is something we are working hard on improving. We want to reduce the barriers to accessibility for better inclusion for people.” One of the new features of the building includes the modification and repurposing of the timber entrance doors, which have been automated. The previously carpeted exhibition spaces have also received a modern facelift, with the aging floor coverings replaced with vinyl planks. With a complete replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) the new climate control system will provide greater temperature and humidity control of the exhibition areas and critical artwork storerooms. We would like to thank interim Director Bruce Tindale for his dedication to BAMM and for providing a unique experience for visitors to still explore exhibitions at the Pop-Up gallery in the Chandelier Ballroom of the Max Centre while works were undertaken. Council also acknowledges the contributions of the BAMM Board and staff for their collaboration and support throughout the design and delivery process. With the appointment of a new BAMM Director, Rosie Dennis, art enthusiasts will be able to continue to admire exhibitions, educational programs and community events held at BAMM. The improvements to BAMM have been made possible through funding by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program ($860,000) and co-contribution by Moree Plains Shire Council ($392,259).

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Introducing The New Local Connector for the Welcome Experience In Moree Plains The Welcome Experience is a step closer to being rolled out across the Moree Plains, with Fiona Kennedy starting as the new Local Connector. The Welcome Experience is a free concierge-style service to support essential workers and their families to feel more at home in their new community through personalised support, local information and connections. Fiona brings a wealth of lived experience and knowledge about relocating to the Moree Plains and the local community. She has also been a positive advocate of living and working regionally through her previous work in Moree Plains Shire Council’s Regional Activation Unit. “One of the amazing things about living in the Moree Plains is you notice how one person can have so much impact in a small community,” said Ms Kennedy. “Having a small family, I am acutely aware of the challenge in attracting and retaining our local doctors, nurses, teachers and childcare workers. I am looking forward to showing our newcomers what an amazing community we have in the Moree Plains.” “Moree provides us with meaningful career opportunities and direct connections to Sydney for easier international travel to visit my friends and family,” said Ms Kennedy. Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said The Welcome Experience pilot program has been a major success since it launched in June last year, supporting over 511 workers and their families to relocate to regional New South Wales. “Moving to a new town can be daunting, but the feedback we receive from workers is that having a Local Connector like Fiona to offer a warm welcome and local advice, significantly increases their likelihood of staying and contributing to their community long term,” said Ms Moriarty. “We’ve had close to 1800 enquiries from a range of essential workers considering making the move, and this demand for tailored relocation support is one of the key reasons The Welcome Experience has been such a phenomenal success so far.” “The NSW Government’s recent decision to expand the program to 52 Local Government Areas across the state reaffirms our commitment to regional communities by ensuring they receive the skilled and robust workforce they need.” Fiona loves living in the Moree Plains with her family and enjoys being part of local committees and sporting groups. She also really enjoys the short work commute! Government and non-government workers in the following industries are eligible for The Welcome Experience: ·      Health ·      Aged Care ·      Education ·      Early Childhood ·      Disability Support ·      Child Protection and Out-of-home care ·      Corrections and Justice ·      Emergency services. For more information about the program, visit: https://lnkd.in/gWuD_rSy

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