FRED McGrady is a passionate man.

He’s passionate about his First Nations’ heritage, he’s passionate about the Moree Shire, and he’s passionate about the land on which he lives and works.

“If we, the people, don’t take care of our land and lose sight of what our environment is telling us – it will not take care of us,” Mr McGrady said.

Mr McGrady campaigned for a seat on Moree Plains Shire Council about 25 years ago with six colleagues on the same ticket.

He’s decided to go in for the fight again, and he’s deeply concerned about social issues across the Shire, chiefly juvenile crime.

Mr McGrady says reforms are needed, and wants to develop a community policing and trust-building program to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community through community policing initiatives.

“We need to encourage officers to engage with residents in non-enforcement roles to build trust and understanding,” he said.

Mr McGrady wants to get young people involved in street beautification projects around social housing areas, and says Moree Plains Shire Council should implement a program to engage local youths living in these areas.

“We need youth training and employment skills in landscaping, project planning and management, building work ethics, personal confidence and growth, along with opportunities to apply for Council and mainstream job vacancies,” he said.

Fred McGrady has a raft of ideas and possibly programs to help solve Moree’s juvenile crime problem (Image Copyright).

Mr McGrady has lived in the Moree Shire most of his life and is fiercely proud of his rich heritage, upbringing and work ethic.

He was raised and educated at Toomelah Aboriginal Mission. In 1967, he relocated to Moree and has never been out of work since.

He began employment as a porter at Moree Railway Station and completed a welding apprenticeship in the 1970s.

“I was also employed in government and non-government roles, where I worked to support Aboriginal families in need and, until recently, I ran my own lawn-mowing and yard maintenance business,” Mr McGrady said.

Mr McGrady currently drives a school bus in Moree and the staggered working hours gives him the time needed to serve the Moree Plains community if elected to Council on September 14.

“I want to see authentic change for the common good of all community members,” Mr McGrady said.

“I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience shaped by my time living in Moree, Toomelah and Boggabilla.

“My first-hand understanding of the unique social, economic, and regional-specific challenges faced by our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities enables me to offer a perspective that is deeply informed by the realities of isolation and marginalisation.

“This experience equips me to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions that address the diverse needs of underrepresented groups, driving inclusive, equitable and authentic change for both Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Peoples across our region,” Mr McGrady said.

Words: Bill Poulos