THE long history of Moree Vehicle Restorers Club entered a new chapter recently, when the club made large donations to three well-known local groups.

The Vehicle Restorers Club, formed nearly 50 years ago, presented Moree Homes for the Aged, Moree branch of the United Hospital Auxiliary and newly-formed group, Moree Mighty Hoopers, with a combined $25,800 at a special cheque presentation at Moree Regional Australia Bank.

Club president, Troy Jamieson, said members voted to donate excess funds to local organisations that put the community first.

“We’d built up quite a kitty over the last few years, and figured the best way to spend it was to support these great organisations,” Troy said.

“The hospital auxiliary looks after the kiosk at Moree hospital and is currently closed while the site is being redeveloped, and Moree Homes for the Aged looks after the Moreena Units right across the road.”

(from left) Julie Johnson, Troy Jamiseon, Ann Madden and Sharon Wilde with the $15,000 donation for the Moree branch of the United Hospital Auxiliary. Newly-formed group, Moree Mighty Hoopers, also received $5400 from Moree Vehicle Restorers Club.

The Vehicle Restorers Club donated $5400 to Moree Homes for the Aged and $15,000 to Moree United Hospital Auxiliary.

“They are fantastic organisations run entirely by volunteers,” Troy said.

New kid on the block, Moree Mighty Hoopers, established by local Kevin Cheong nearly 12 month ago, has also been boosted by a $5400 donation.

Kevin, who was unable to attend the cheque presentation, runs a basketball youth program for beginners at Moree PCYC – mini hoopers, magic hoopers and mighty hoopers – for ages five years and up.

Vehicle Restorers Club vice-president, Sharon Wilde, said Kevin established Moree Mighty Hoopers using his own finances.

“Kevin started the club for young kids to play basketball and used his own money to buy equipment like hoops and balls to give the kids something to do outside school hours,” Sharon said.

“We decided to make this donation so Kevin can get more basketball equipment for the group.”

(from left) Sharon Wilde, Troy Jamieson and Lorraine Bartel with the $5400 donation for Moree Homes for the Aged. Newly-formed group, Moree Mighty Hoopers, also received $5400 from Moree Vehicle Restorers Club.

Moree United Hospital Auxiliary president Ann Madden said their donation is perfectly timed.

“We are extremely grateful because our kiosk has closed due to the hospital redevelopment,” Ann said.

“We closed at the end of last year, but will keep our branch open – it’s been going since 1933.

“This donation will help considerably, because we’ll need to do other types of fundraising now that the kiosk is not running.

“The co-ordinator for the new hospital build assures me there will be space allocated for the kiosk at the front of the new building, with plans made public shortly so we’ll be able to see exactly where it will be,” she said.

Moreena units land manager, Lorraine Bartel, said the donation is great news for the units and residents.

“We’re very grateful,” Lorraine said.

“The money will be used to replace some of the cement paths, which are now very old and narrow. A few of our resident have walkers, and new paths will make it much easier for them.”

Moree Vehicle Restorers Club was founded in 1979 by early members Allan and Josie Tutt, Mick Turner, Sue Tutt and Aub, Joanna and Robert Sweedman.

The group is now headed up by president Troy Jamieson, vice-president Sharon Wilde and newly-appointed secretary-treasurer Errol Carter.

“The club has seen many events over the years, including the Golden Grain Festival, north-west rallies and many social car runs on weekends,” Sharon said.

“The club has also done a lot of fundraising for different charities in Moree, like Gwydir Industries and Fairview Nursing Home (now Whiddon).

“Club members have also taken Whiddon residents and clients and staff of Gwydir Industries on car runs across the district for days out,” she said.