LIZ Taylor has worked in various government and non-government departments as well as Aboriginal community-controlled organisations for more than 40 years.

Her deep well of experience and strong work ethic, she says, holds her in good stead as she campaigns to gain a seat on Moree Plains Shire Council at the 2024 local government elections.

She has worked in education, training and employment, community development, natural resource management, water and cultural heritage, and family and children community services.

Ms Taylor, who has an Associate Diploma in Aboriginal Education from the Australian Catholic University, also taught at TAFE New South Wales Moree Campus and is currently employed with New South Wales Department of Education.

“I am passionate about community and economic development, supporting all our communities in our shire and giving residents a voice in Council,” Ms Taylor said.

A passionate Gomeroi Woman, Ms Taylor won the Uncle Albert Dennison Caring for Country Award at Moree Reconciliation Awards in 2017.

Liz Taylor won the Uncle Albert Dennison Caring for Country Award at Moree Reconciliation Awards in 2017 (Image Copyright).

Her work over the years has taken her across New South Wales and Queensland.

“I was born in Moree and have lived here for more than 50 years,” Ms Taylor said.

“Due to my employment, I have also lived in other communities including Sydney, Broken Hill, Tamworth and the Dubbo regions.

“When I returned to Moree, I worked all over north-west and far-western New South Wales, as well as south-east and south-western Queensland, but primarily in the Moree Plains Shire,” she said.

Over the years, Ms Taylor has sat on several committees, including Moree Family Support (1991), Forward Personnel (1991) and Pius X Aboriginal Corporation, where she was chairperson for 10 years and developed partnerships with Hunter New England Health.

She was also a Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority board member prior to gaining employment with the organisation in 2005.

She was also on the NP&WS Regional Board (2015-16), and now sits on the Miyay Birray Youth Service Board as well as the Gwydir Environment Water Advisory Group, newly-established Gwydir Reconnecting Watercourse Committee and Moree Reconciliation Group.

“I’ve also been very much involved with Mungindi and Toomelah Aboriginal communities, through the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service and St John’s, which has increased services and bought world standard doctors and specialist units, including ophthalmology, gynaecological and dental services to Moree for all rural people,” Ms Taylor said.

Ms Taylor said she wants what’s best for all communities across the Moree Plains Shire.

“I am an advocate for social justice and engaging our communities for a better future,” she said.

Words: Bill Poulos