MORE than $85,000 has been gifted to nine important Moree and district not-for-profit organisations after this year’s hugely successful Young Aggies Ball, held at Moree racecourse in September.

More than 500 young aggies from across the district helped raise tens of thousands of dollars through ticket sales, raffles and charity auctions, with proceeds delivered to local community groups.

Incredibly, in the last three years, nearly $300,000 has been raised and distributed throughout the Moree Plains Shire.

This year, Outback Rowing Moree, Weemelah Hall committee, Chalky’s Boxing Gym, Town and Country Club, Ronny’s Runners, Moree Animal Welfare League, Pallamallawa Parents and Citizens Association and Country Universities Centre North West each received $9621.56.

Money raised also supports the Young Aggies Moree Rural Scholarship Fund, with Holly White, Grace Priestly, Jack Dadd and Isaac Barnes named this year’s recipients.

The annual scholarships give tertiary students the chance to complete work placement in the Moree district without financial burden.

Young Aggies’ outgoing president Sophie Hemsley-Hackett said Gwydir Cotton Growers Association again partnered with Young Aggies Moree to support one of the recipients, with Jack Dadd undertaking work placement in the local cotton industry.

“The Rural Scholarship Fund ensures us to continue running our scholarship program, in order to attract and retain students from across the country and showcase what the Moree region has to offer,” Sophie said.

Young Aggies Moree community partners are local-volunteer-led groups and not-for-profit organisations based in the Moree Plains Shire – groups committed to helping the region grow, connect and thrive.

“We had another successful ball, raising $86,594 to inject back into Moree community groups,” Sophie said.

“This year we had double the amount of applicants. It is an easy process to apply, where applicants describe what they require funds for, how they will utilise them and why it impacts the community.

“Our committee then selects through a criteria who we believe best aligns to use the funds raised from the ball.

“This year we chose eight recipients to equally share the profits, plus our annual Rural Scholarship Fund.”

Colin Rice, founder of Chalky’s Boxing Gym, said the grant will be put to good use.

“We really appreciate this funding. It will come in handy and be put to good use, and the kids will benefit from it,” Colin said.

“The money will go back into the community, and help look after the kids we’re looking after.

“We’ll use some of the funding for new flooring, and the cost of that will be about $5000.

“The flooring inside the gym is safety rubber, which protects the fighters if they fall. It’s about five years old and starting to wear out a bit. Now we can replace it.

“We can also purchase new gloves, wraps and equipment to help the kids,” he said.

Also on this year’s list of beneficiaries is Ronny’s Runners, the well-known squad of young athletes going places in a hurry.

Led by local icon Ronny Clissold, the group of young athletes train, grow and represent the Moree region with passion, pride and resilience.

The Young Aggies grant will help Ronny purchase essential training equipment, cover race entry costs and support travel to major competitions for runners and their families.

The extra financial support complements team uniforms and running uniforms sponsored by B&W Rural in Moree.

“This donation is very much appreciated and will be used for the advancement of the kids to state, country and national titles,” Ronny said.

“We’ll also use it to buy more running gear as well as accommodation costs for when we travel – it will go a long way to helping the kids.”

Ronny regularly has a stable of at least 16 runners training four days a week, sometimes more.

“We’re developing endurance at the moment,” he said.

“Come January and February we’ll start speed work and get ready for cross-country. Hopefully we can bring back a couple of state titles.

“We’ll have the local schools’ competition, then go onto zone, state and nationals, and I think we can be in the top-10 with at least three runners,” he said.

Early last week, Young Aggies held their 2025 annual general meeting.

Six new faces joined the team, bring the current cohort to nearly 30 members.

Young Aggies is headed up by newly-elected president Ruby Tighe, vice-president Jack Wiseman, secretary Sophie Venz, treasurer Sophie Boughton, major events co-ordinator Claudia Dunn, supported by Henry Pitman, social media officer Rose McNair and membership liaison officer Paul Murphy.

“The committee is constantly working hard behind the scenes, always thinking of how we can improve and strengthen community engagement,” Sophie said.

“With the new committee transition, we will be working with a few like-minded individuals to assist with plans for next year.”

The Young Aggies’ chief aim is to support young people in the agricultural industry, by hosting professional development events and providing a safe place for people to network and connect.

“In early June-July we will present the Future Focus Forum – a panel discussion of chosen Moree locals discussing opportunities and challenges in the region – and again host the Young Farmers Challenge at the Moree Show in April,” Sophie said.

To complete a hugely successful year, Young Aggies will enjoy Christmas celebrations next Friday, November 28 at the Moree Golf Club in the barbecue area from 5pm.

“We’ll have an arvo of golf-chipping, nibbles and networking – everyone is invited to come along,” Sophie smiled.