MOREE Boars Rugby League Club president Todd Mitchell has been named Moree Plains Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day awards ceremony held in Jellicoe Park on Monday.

Mr Mitchell was unable to attend the ceremony, but said he was deeply moved by the award.

“I try to shy away from things like this, but it truly is an honour to be recognised in this way on Australia Day,” Mr Mitchell said.

Moree Boars second-grade coach, Charlie Shearer, said Mr Mitchell has been a major part of the Moree Boars Rugby League Club for more than 20 years.

“Not only as a president, either. Todd’s been known to occasionally throw on a blue and white jumper and play as well, albeit a few years ago,” Mr Shearer laughed.

Mr Shearer said Todd Mitchell is the glue that keeps the club together.

“In all honesty, if it wasn’t for Todd, I don’t think we would have a club,” Mr Shearer said.

“Todd is the backbone, heart and soul of our beloved Boars. When he isn’t flat out at Jocks Hire, he’s constantly worrying about what we can do to make our club better than it already is.

“All in all, Todd is a great bloke and an even better clubman. He’s always putting the club and players before himself and we all seem to be his main priority, especially when footy season comes around,” Mr Shearer said.

Moree Boars Rugby League Club president Todd Mitchell has been named Moree Plains Citizen of the Year.

Moree Plains Shire Council general manager, Natalia Cowley, also described Mr Mitchell as the backbone of the Moree Boars Rugby League Club and a pillar of the Moree community.

“For many, many years, Todd has served as president of the club, guiding it through periods of significant challenge and remarkable success,” Ms Cowley said.

“His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the club from its lowest troughs to its greatest highs, including securing the past two Group 4 premierships, an achievement that reflects not only sporting excellence, but the strong culture Todd has helped build.

“Todd’s impact extends far beyond the boundary lines of the football field. He is the founder and driving force behind the Greater Western Knock-Out Challenge, now recognised as one of the largest and most significant cultural and sporting events in the region,” she said.

The one-day tournament brings up to 4000 spectators to Moree, delivering an economic boost of thousands of dollars to local businesses, and showcasing elite rugby league talent from across New South Wales.

Under Mr Mitchell’s vision and tireless organisation, the event has grown to include nearly 1000 players, making it a premier destination on the rugby league calendar.

“What truly sets Todd apart is his unwavering commitment to community,” Ms Cowley said.

Mr Mitchell is a quiet, behind-the-scenes supporter of other organisations across Moree and the wider shire, regularly providing sponsorship, assistance, and leadership to community initiatives well beyond his own club.

“Todd gives his time, energy, and resources selflessly, always working to strengthen opportunities for others and to see Moree thrive,” Ms Cowley said.

Mr Mitchell’s dedication, resilience, and passion for sport and community has left a lasting legacy.

His contribution has not only shaped the success of the Moree Boars Rugby League Club but has enriched the social, cultural and economic fabric of the entire region.

“He is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award,” Ms Cowley said.

More Plains Shire Council deputy mayor, Wayne Tighe, presented all awards and announced all winners across eight categories.

“These awards are in recognition of the selflessness, generosity and community spirit that help make our community such a unique and special place,” Cr Tighe said.

The ceremony was also attended by Moree Plains Australia Day ambassador, Bruno Efoti, who spoke passionately about Tradies in Sight, a not-for-profit mental health and wellbeing organisation he founded in Dubbo nearly eight years ago.

Cr Tighe, wearing the mayoral robes for the first time, congratulated all nominees.

“I don’t envy the panel who had to narrow down the many deserving nominees, and thank-you to anyone who took the time to participate in nominating,” he said.

“I would also like to thank the Moree Lions Club for providing everyone with a free barbecue breakfast and to our Australia Day ambassador, Bruno Efoti.”

2026 Moree Plains Shire Australia Day award winners

Mayoral Award: Ronny Clissold

Citizen of the Year: Todd Mitchell

Young Citizen of the Year: Corey Scriven

Volunteer of the Year: Michael McNamara

Sports Person of the Year: Gabrielle Suckling

Young Sports Person of the Year: Isabella Boland

Community Event of the Year: The Sound of Music

Community Volunteer Group of the Year: Moree Parkrun

Moree Online News will over the next few days have more stories about all award recipients, Moree Lions Club award winners, Moree’s newest citizens and Australia Day ambassador, Bruno Efoti.