NOMINATIONS are now open for the Moree Plains 2026 Australia Day Awards – an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and community groups who go above and beyond to support, enrich and improve life across the shire.

Moree mayor Susannah Pearse said the awards provide a chance to acknowledge community champions in the Moree shire.

“With so many worthy ambassadors within the Moree Plains, these awards provide a chance to acknowledge our community champions, those who generously volunteer their time and skills without seeking recognition, yet continue to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of others,” Cr Pearse said.

“I strongly encourage the community to get behind our dedicated locals and nominate individuals and groups for the 2026 Australia Day Awards.”

Moree Plains Shire Council is currently calling for nominations for Citizen of the Year (over 25 years); Young Citizen of the Year (aged 14-25 years); Community Event of the Year; Community or Volunteer Group of the Year; Sports Person of the Year (over 18 years); Young Sports Person of the Year ( under 18 years); and Volunteer of the Year.

Last year’s winners with mayor Susannah Pearse and councillor Dominique Hodgkinson. Nominations are now open for the Moree Plains 2026 Australia Day Awards.

Council is also delighted to announce Bruno Efoti as its Australia Day ambassador.

Bruno is a passionate mental health advocate and founder of Tradies In Sight, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the emotional wellbeing of tradespeople and their families.

Born on the island of Foa in the Kingdom of Tonga, Bruno migrated to Australia in 1994 to study theology and later settled in Dubbo with his wife JoAnna.

Together, they have fostered 27 children and raised their adopted son, Reuben, with a strong commitment to service and community.

After years working as a carpenter, Bruno witnessed firsthand the silent mental health struggles facing many tradies, particularly during the drought years of the late 2010s.

Recognising a critical need for support, he retrained as a counsellor and, alongside JoAnna, established Tradies In Sight to provide practical, stigma-free mental health support.

Since opening in 2021, the INSight Shed at Dubbo has welcomed more than 2000 visitors, offering safe spaces for connection through weekly events, apprentice wellbeing programs at TAFE, and partnerships with local mental health services.

Bruno’s simple yet powerful approach, using food, fire and conversation to build emotional resilience, has earned strong community support and recognition, including nominations for Australian of the Year – Local Hero.

The 2026 Australia Day Award nominations are open until 5pm, Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Complete online or for a hardcopy head into Council’s Customer Service, Level 2, 30 Heber Street, Moree.

Nominate via completing and submitting the online form at Moree Plains Australia Day Awards 2026 Nominate HERE.

Keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for further event information.
“Let’s come together to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions that make our community stronger,” Cr Pearse said.