MOREE Plains Elders Marlene Howard, Gordon ‘Carl’ McGrady, Julie Johnson and Garry Roberts were on Thursday inducted to the Elders Honour Board at Moree War Memorial Hall as part of National Reconciliation Week.

Moree Plains Shire Council proudly commenced National Reconciliation Week 2026 by honouring Elders whose leadership, cultural knowledge and lifelong contributions continue to strengthen communities across the Moree Plains.

At a special in the banquet hall of the Moree War Memorial Hall, Council unveiled the newest inductees to the Elders Honour Board and acknowledged their enduring impact on the Shire.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said the Moree Plains is a community that has worked hard to foster reconciliation.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our valued Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Elders who have led the way,” Cr Pearse said.

“This year, four names from across the Shire have been added to the Elders Honour Roll, however we have many Elders worthy of recognition, including all those nominated this year.

“Council strongly encourages the community to continue to nominate our Elders, including this year’s nominees, to ensure they receive the acknowledgement they so deserve.”

As the Shire looks toward the future, Council acknowledges many more names will be added to the Honour Roll over time, and the community will continue to come together to recognise the many people and pathways of reconciliation across the region.

Council also acknowledged the other 2026 nominees Fred McGrady, William Pitt, Doris Davis, Meryl Dillon, June Connors, Darryl Brady, Dawn Dennison, Lloyd Munro (Senior) Henry and Gloria French, with all nominations came directly from peers and community members.

Reconciliation Week attendees, nominees and inducted nominees at Moree War Memorial Hall on Thursday.

Inductees from recent years, whose honours had not yet been formally unveiled, were also displayed on the Honour Roll Board, ensuring their contributions are recognised and celebrated.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, All In, calls on all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day.

The week is observed annually from May 27 to June 3, marking two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey.

Council reaffirms its commitment to strengthening relationships, deepening understanding and celebrating the cultural knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Moree Plains.

2026 Elders Honour Board recipients

Marlene Howard

For more than 40 years, Marlene has worked tirelessly to support youth, Aboriginal families, women escaping domestic violence and vulnerable community members through her involvement with numerous local organisations and initiatives.

Marlene has played a significant role with Miyay Birray Youth Service, including operating the StreetBeat bus to provide safe transport for young people, and currently serves as Vice President of the Board.

Throughout her life, Marlene has contributed to many community groups and Committees, covering Aboriginal Health and Medical Services, education, sporting clubs, Golden Grain Festival and many other community groups throughout the shire.

Through her leadership, compassion and lifelong commitment to community service, Marlene has made a lasting and valued contribution to Moree, Boggabilla, Toomelah and the wider region.

Gordon (Carl) McGrady

Carl McGrady is a direct descendant of the traditional custodians of Boobera Lagoon – born & raised on the Toomelah Aboriginal Mission, Boobera Lagoon being one of the most culturally and spiritually significant Aboriginal sites in north-west New South Wales.

Carl has played a vital role in promoting reconciliation by helping Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities better understand the importance of Country, culture and shared local history. Through storytelling, cultural education and advocacy, he has encouraged respectful engagement and strengthened understanding across the region.

For many years, Carl has guided young people and visitors through culturally significant sites around Boggabilla and Toomelah, teaching respect for sacred places, Aboriginal spirituality, bush knowledge and cultural identity. His commitment to preserving culture and fostering understanding has had a lasting impact on the community.

Carl McGrady is highly deserving of recognition for his lifelong leadership, cultural stewardship and dedication to reconciliation and community education.

Julie Johnson

Julie has been a dedicated and hardworking volunteer with the United Hospital Auxiliary at Moree Hospital for many years. She has played an important role in the day-to-day running of the hospital kiosk, including rostering volunteers, serving staff and visitors, delivering stock each weekend and helping ensure the kiosk operates smoothly.

Julie has also contributed countless hours preparing sandwiches, morning teas and lunches for hospital events and activities, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Through fundraising efforts with the Auxiliary, she has helped raise valuable funds for equipment and resources that directly benefit Moree Hospital and the local community.

In addition to her service with the hospital, Julie is also a valued member of the Moree Evening VIEW Club, continuing her strong commitment to community service and volunteer work.

Her dedication, generosity and willingness to support others have made a lasting contribution to Moree and its community.

Garry Roberts

Garry, born and raised in Boggabilla, has spent his life working alongside, employing and supporting members of the local Aboriginal community.

Through his long-running contracting business in the broadacre and irrigation industries, he provided meaningful employment opportunities across the region from Boggabilla to Dirranbandi and Cunnamulla, including supporting an entirely Aboriginal staffed and managed team in the Cunnamulla and Dirranbandi area.

He is a foundation committee member of the Boggabilla Progress Association, where he helps advocate for improved services, amenities and opportunities for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents.

The BPA also works with organisations to support diversionary pathways for at-risk youth, helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and create safer community outcomes.

Through his ongoing commitment to inclusion, employment and community advocacy, Garry has contributed significantly to building opportunity, safety and stronger connections within the Boggabilla community.