MOREE councillor Kelly James’ deep connection with the Moree community was recognised at the 2020 Australia Day Awards, when she was named Volunteer of the Year.

The award came on the back of being presented female Non-Aboriginal of the Year at the 2019 Moree Reconciliation Awards.

Her contribution as a volunteer in the Moree community is immense.

Mrs James is vice-president of Moree Public School and Moree Secondary College Parents and Citizens’ Associations and also fills the same role at Moree Little Athletics Club.

She is a driving force behind the upcoming Run for the Plains Carnival, which is expected to bring hundreds of visitors, competitors and tourists to Moree in late September.

Mrs James won a seat on Moree Plains Shire Council at the 2021 local government elections and says she has so far achieved everything she set out to do.

“I want to now focus on building a brighter future for the Moree Plains,” Mrs James said.

Her objectives for a second term, if elected, include economic growth and diversification, infrastructure development, environmental stability, community wellbeing and transparency and accountability.

Kelly James says Moree is on the cusp of massive growth (Image Copyright).

Mrs James is employed as a justice advocate, and supports people with cognitive impairments in the New South Wales criminal justice system. She also runs a mowing and landscaping business with her husband and holds qualifications in business, project and contract management, civil construction and work, health and safety.

Since joining council nearly three years ago, Mrs James became contact councillor for Weemelah Public Hall management committee, Moree Cultural Art Foundation board, Road Network Consultative Group and Border Towns Crime Prevention committee.

She is passionate about the Special Activation Precinct, which is forecast to bring 4000 new residents and just as many jobs to the Moree Plains Shire over the next 10 to 15 years.

Mrs James says the possibilities are endless.

“With the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) implemented by the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation and the Inland Rail project, there is nothing Moree can’t accommodate,” Mrs James said.

“We are on the cusp of massive growth and I don’t want to see that fail.

“As a dedicated and engaged member of this community, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face, but also the opportunities that are there for the taking.

“I believe my skills, experience and perspective make me an ideal candidate to drive positive change for a brighter future for Moree Plains,” she said.

Words: Bill Poulos