MOREE Public School P&C Association president Casey O’Hara is overwhelmed by community response and support from sponsors as the countdown for the school’s first long lunch fundraiser begins in earnest.

The 2025 Supporting the Now, Paving the Future Long Lunch will be served on Saturday, March 1 – the first day of autumn – at Moree racecourse.

“We have been inundated with sponsorship, auction items and raffles prizes, with S&L Girard Grader Hire Moree generously offering to come on board as our platinum sponsor for the event,” Mrs O’Hara said.

“We have some amazing auction items and raffle prizes up for grabs, as well as a lucky door prize.”

Raffle tickets will soon be available online using a QR code or from the school office.

“This information will be advertised on our Facebook page along with the QR code and also a note with all details will be sent home with students for their parents,” Mrs O’Hara said.

Former Moree Public School student, bush poet and comedian Murray Hartin, has been confirmed as guest speaker and former teacher Mark Burgess will perform emcee duties for the afternoon.

“Murray did not hesitate when approached and was more than willing to offer his time for the day,” Mrs O’Hara said.

“Mark no longer lives in the Moree district. However, he’s kindly offered to travel back to town to take on the emceeing role.”

Claire Cubis (left) from platinum sponsor S&L Girard Grader Hire Moree with Moree Public School P&C Association president, Casey O’Hara and Claire’s daughter Isobel at the school this week. “We have been inundated with sponsorship, auction items and raffles prizes, with S&L Girard Grader Hire Moree generously offering to come on board as our platinum sponsor for the event,” Casey said.

Shaun Mills, Zach Hauser and John Fing – better-known as Kicked-In Bickie Tin – will entertain the huge crowd, along with local singing sensations Rachel Cubis and Kyla-Belle Roberts, who’s fresh from performing at the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“Everyone has donated their time throughout the day, which is absolutely incredible,” Mrs O’Hara said.

The long lunch will also host a Moree Public School Alumni Q&A, with the all-star panel featuring C&W Financial Services managing partner Mick Picone, physiotherapist from Gwydir Chiropractic and Physiotherapy, Rachel Bell, Rabobank area manager Felicity Taylor and Mitchell Dahlstrom, an Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs director.

“Mitchell currently lives in Canberra but is coming home for the long lunch and to be part of the panel,” Mrs O’Hara said.

Guests will be treated to a three-course meal, with Relish from Narrabri catering, and courtesy buses will be available for pick-up and drop-off runs.

“Scott and Melissa O’Dempsey, from O’Dempsey’s Charters and Local Tours, have kindly donated their time to provide this service,” Mrs O’Hara said.

Pick-up and drop-off locations will be Amaroo Tavern, Royal Hotel and Moree Golf Club.

“More Information regarding times and schedules will be available on our Facebook page very soon,” Mrs O’Hara said.

Part of the Moree Public School’s P&C Association’s mission is to work in partnership with the school principal and community to promote the interests of the Moree Public School.

“Contributing to our long lunch will allow opportunities for the P&C to support the school’s progress, including inclusive playground upgrades, excursions and sporting team travel, school support programs, and proposed kitchen facilities in the auditorium to enhance school and community events,” Mrs O’Hara said.

“One hundred per cent of profit from the long lunch will go directly to supporting current and future students at Moree Public School.

“With everyone’s support, we can ‘support the now and pave the future’,” she smiled.

Tickets for the 2025 Supporting the Now, Paving the Future Long Lunch are selling fast, and will be available online until Sunday, February 16.

Tickets available here: Supporting the Now, Paving the Future Long Lunch.

For all enquiries, contact Moree Public School P&C president Casey O’Hara: 0410 350571.