Those gathered for the unveiling hold the Aboriginal flag above the memorial stone for Aunty Heather Boney at Wales Park, Moree, on Saturday 17 October 2026. Photo: Moree Online News.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a person who has died.
It took Blossom Pitt 25 years to see a memorial to Aunty Heather Boney placed in Moree’s Wales Park. On Saturday 17 October 2026, that wish finally became a reality, on the 25th anniversary of Aunty Heather’s death.
Family members unveiled the plaque at Wales Park in Tawarri Street, Moree, remembering a woman whose generosity, strong character and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Heather Ann Boney, affectionately known as Aunty Heather, died on 17 October 2001, aged 52. For those gathered at the unveiling, the occasion was an opportunity to share memories of a woman who gave much of her time to helping people across Moree.
Ceremony speakers and family members recalled how Aunty Heather helped raise money for families facing funeral expenses, organised bingo fundraisers and sold food, including hot dogs, chips and lollies, with proceeds going towards people in need. They recalled that her Christian faith was also an important part of her life, and she regularly held church services in her front yard.
For Blossom Pitt, however, Aunty Heather’s kindness was much more personal.
Ms Pitt grew up knowing Aunty Heather and later lived just one house away from her, in the street behind the park.
She recalled a difficult period in her childhood when her mother became ill and her family separated. During that time, Aunty Heather was among the people who offered her guidance and encouragement.
Ms Pitt remembered being bullied at school and the advice Aunty Heather gave her.
“Whatever you do in life just keep going,” she recalled being told.
It was advice that stayed with her, and Ms Pitt said she had spent 25 years advocating for the memorial.
Aunty Heather was also remembered as someone who was not afraid to stand up for herself.
“She was a boxer, she stood her ground. She was a strong woman,” Ms Pitt said.
Aunty Heather’s granddaughter, Shamira Duncan-Bay, remembered her grandmother’s distinctive laugh and the lessons she passed on to her grandchildren. Some of the grandchildren, she said, had even inherited that laugh.
“I love my grandmother very much and I miss her dearly,” Ms Duncan-Bay told the gathering.
“She taught me a lot, especially about respect and being kind.”
Ms Duncan-Bay recalled that Aunty Heather’s generosity extended well beyond her own family. Money raised through food sales helped families who had lost loved ones, as well as others struggling to get by.
She said her grandmother was willing to help people regardless of their background or circumstances.
Lloyd Munro recalled how Aunty Heather had made an impression on Moree after arriving in town, helping restart bingo activities to raise money for local events and community programs.
Mr Munro also remembered Aunty Heather travelling to Sydney to visit him after he suffered his first heart attack in 1987, an example of the lengths she would go to support someone she cared about.
The unveiling included a Welcome to Country, a minute’s silence, prayers and hymns that had been favourites of Aunty Heather, including The Old Rugged Cross and Where the Roses Never Fade.
Her children and grandchildren were among those present, with one of her sons thanking Ms Pitt for her efforts in establishing the memorial.
The plaque, set into a large bushrock in Wales Park, carries Aunty Heather’s portrait, her dates of birth and death, and a short verse that recalls her kindness and generosity.
Aunty Heather Boney’s plaque carries her portrait, her dates and a verse signed “Love from the kids of South Side Moree”. Photo: Moree Online News.
The verse reads:
“To Aunty Heather your love & affection we will always crave,
As sweet as the lollies that you gave,
You were everyone’s friend, true kind & caring
Another like you we will never find.”
Beneath the verse is a simple dedication that reflects how she is remembered beyond her own family.
“Love from the kids of South Side Moree”.
