Name: Frederick Ronald McGrady.

Age: 71.

Status: Married to Pat for 53 years. We raised our three sons, Richard, Fred and Linden, in Moree.

Current or past employment, retired or otherwise:

I have lived in Moree since 1967 and started work as a railway station porter at the Moree Railway Station. I completed a welder’s apprenticeship in the 70s.

I was also employed in government and non-government roles where I worked to support Aboriginal families in need, as an Aboriginal Employment Officer with the former CES, with Probation & Parole NSW, and was the Manager for Aboriginal Aged Disability and Home Care, Moree and The Northern Rivers. Until recently, I also ran my own lawn care and yard maintenance business.

I currently drive a school bus, in Moree.

How long have you lived in the Moree shire?

I have lived in the Moree Plains Shire most of my life, being raised and educated at Toomelah Aboriginal Mission.

I am a proud descendant of the Goomeroi People and Nation. As a Goomeroi man, I acknowledge I do not have the right or responsibility, nor am I obligated to speak on behalf of all First Nation People – we are not one people, we are many diverse peoples across this beautiful country with our own lores, cultures and customs.

When visiting another First Nation People’s Country, we should always respectfully Sit, Listen & Learn from local people before sharing any of our own thoughts, opinions or ideas relevant to matters presented, considered, discussed or negotiated in accordance with our respective cultural Lores, Cultures, Customs and engagement protocols.

I also acknowledge Non-Aboriginal People who, through birth, belong here and those people who have arrived here to make new lives in our beautiful country – you are very welcome here. Our ancient cultural values, and your values back to humanity have always been about caring, sharing and respect for each other, and for the land and the environment.

What part of the shire do you live?

I live in Moree.

What are the main reasons you are standing for council?

I want to see authentic change for the common good of all community members.

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 under-represented groups, driving inclusive, equitable and authentic change for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples across our region.

Is this the first time you have stood for council?

I stood for Moree Plains Shire Council about 25 years ago with about six other colleagues on the same ticket.

Are you standing alone or with a running mate(s)?

I am standing as an independent candidate.

What do you love most about Moree Plains Shire?

Moree is the traditional country of my ancestors, where my spirit is deeply rooted. I love the cultural diversity and camaraderie of our community. I am committed to embedding the ancient human values of caring, sharing and respect for the land, people and environment and diligently working to strengthen our regional opportunities and unity across our Shire.

What do you think the main issues are in Moree that need addressing. Crime is a major concern. What are your views on this?

With respect to Aboriginal youth, we need to enable ceremony to happen where young people reconnect to their Lore, culture, customs and values along with the obligations and responsibilities that come with this. This will provide a strong sense of connection and belonging, build pride in culture and appreciate the importance of cultural accountability. This approach could also be adapted to non-Aboriginal youth to help them strengthen their sense of connection and belonging, through birth to this country, but also to their ancestry back to humanity.

We need to develop youth engagement and empowerment programs that support mentorship and leadership and connect youth to positive role models and proactively provide opportunities for skill development and personal growth including vocational training, driver licensing, machine operating, arts, sports, and community service projects that engage young people constructively.

MPSC needs to implement council street beautification projects around social housing areas, by the local youths living in those areas – affording youth training and employment skills in landscaping, project planning and management, building work ethics, personal confidence and growth along with opportunities to apply for MPSC and mainstream vacancies.

Development of early intervention and prevention programs and strategies are needed to identify at-risk youth and provide support services before issues escalate including school-based counseling, family support services, and community outreach programs.

We also need to develop community policing and trust-building programs to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community through community policing initiatives. Encourage officers to engage with residents in non-enforcement roles to build trust and understanding.

PCYC should be supported to provide pathways for the local police & youth services to develop positive and sustainable relationships.

Develop restorative justice programs to promote restorative justice approaches that focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships rather than punitive measures including mediation sessions and community circles that involve victims, offenders, and community members in resolving conflicts.

The MPSC needs to adopt a diversity and inclusion approach to ensure Councilors and staff across its administration reflect and values the diversity of our community, our humanity, and our shared wisdom, knowledge and skills we offer, regardless of where we are from.

Do you think the current council is aiming in the right direction on various projects and/or issues?

I think there will always be room for improvement. I am committed to representing the interests and aspirations of those within our communities that often feel unheard and marginalised. To do this, if elected, I will work diligently with my fellow councillors to strengthen our regional opportunities and social, cultural and economic unity within the shire.

How can the current council improve on what it is doing at the moment? Is money being spent on the right projects:

We need to take time to reflect on our history – culturally, socially and economically – and review our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. We then need to invest in programs and strategies that deliver authentic change for the common good of all our community members.

Has the current council disappointed the people of Moree? If so, how?

Yes and No. Please refer to response immediately above.

What local organisations are you involved with at the moment?

My current involvement in Moree is the Moree Aboriginal Elders Group. I am currently the secretary of the Boobera Lagoon Trust, Boggabilla.

What are your pastimes, hobbies or passions?

My paid employment as a school bus driver, five days a week generally restricts my time from other community activities. As someone who has worked in various roles throughout life and now as a dedicated school bus driver, my daily commitment to safely transporting our children underscores my deep investment in our community. Though my role limits my involvement in other activities, it and past roles I have performed, offers me a unique insight into the needs and aspirations of our families.

In addition to previous points raised, my platform is based on these core principles:

Education and Safe Community: I will advocate for safe, efficient, and well-supported schools and transportation systems, ensuring every child has access to reliable education and our communities are safe.

Community Engagement: I aim to enhance opportunities for all voices to be heard and valued in local decision-making, bridging gaps and fostering inclusive and productive dialogue.

Support for Working Families: I will push for policies that aid working parents, helping them balance work and family life with essential resources and support.

Transparency and Accountability: I commit to clear communication, regular updates, and responsive feedback to build a transparent and unified community.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with all Councillors. Drawing on my 30 years of experience in the Commonwealth and NSW Public Service, I bring a deep understanding of our communities, government priorities, funding, and budget deadlines for community programs.

If elected, I pledge to serve all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the MPSC with dedication, honour, integrity, dignity and humility, always prioritising the best interests of our communities.

Together, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future where every community member thrives.

Footnote: Questions to candidates differ slightly, given the mix is made up of current councillors seeking re-election, past councillors seeking re-election and first-timers seeking election.

More on this candidate here: https://moreeonlinenews.com.au/2024/08/23/fred-mcgrady-mpsc-candidate