AUSTRALIA Day in Moree is expected to be one of the biggest seen at Jellicoe Park in recent years, with Moree Plains Shire Council staff and volunteers conducting a nomination drive for the local Australia Day Awards.

The awards ceremony will be held at Jellicoe Park on Monday, January 26, from around 8am.

Council staff and volunteers, including 2025 Moree Citizen of the Year, Darryl Brady, will over the next few days be at several locations on Balo Street taking nominations.

There are several categories, including 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.

Alternatively, nominations can be submitted online HERE.

Moree Citizen of the Year Darryl Brady and Moree Plain Shire Council’s Jacqui Moore at Brooker Trading Cp on Friday morning.

Current Citizen of the Year, Darryl Brady, said the last twelve months has flown by very quickly.

“Being crowned 2025 Citizen of the Year was a great honour,” Mr Brady said.

“I owe Moree Plains Shire Council and the community at large a huge vote of thanks for the kindness and recognition bestowed on myself by this great town.

“Being named citizen of the Year has been a wonderful experience and I urge everyone to lodge nominations for our very special and deserving quiet achievers in the community.”

Mr Brady said helping others is a rewarding experience.

“I don’t give my time for recognition – it’s an awesome feeling helping out in the community I love,” Mr Brady smiled.

“To be recognised for these efforts is very special, and shows the town appreciates the little achievements.

“It makes me proud to be considered alongside past award winners who generously give their time to promote and make our community what it is today,” he said.

Mr Brady has been extremely busy this year, helping Moree Lions with Christmas cake and pudding sales in the lead-up to Christmas.

He also helps the RSL and legacy with badge and pen sales leading up to Anzac Day and Remembrance Day as well as help man the gate for Moree Boars home games.

“I love every minute of volunteering and hope to keep going for a few years yet,” Mr Brady said.

Over the next few day, Mr Brady and council staff, including community, culture and libraries manager, Jacqui Moore, will be taking Australia Day nominations near Brooker Trading Co on Balo Street.

“We’ll also have staff walking Balo Street to show people how to nominate individuals and organisations,” Ms Moore said.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said Australia Day awards at a local level acknowledge community champions and the unheralded work they do behind the scenes.

“With so many worthy ambassadors in the Moree Plains, these awards provide a chance to acknowledge our community heroes,” Cr Pearse said.

The January 26 awards ceremony, to be emceed by deputy mayor Wayne Tighe, also features a free breakfast, tea and coffee supplied by Moree Lions Club.

This year, Bruno Efoti has been appointed Moree’s Australia Day ambassador.

Mr Efoti, born on the island of Foa in the Kingdom of Tonga, 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.

He 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.

From sunrise to nightfall on Australia Day, communities across the country will come together with friends and families to enjoy free events for all ages.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites the country.

“Our shared values, our diversity, and the spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian,” Mr Kamper said.

“Australia Day 2026 gives us the chance to come together with care, respect and unity to reflect on who we are and what we stand for,” he said.

Nominations for Moree Plains Shire Council Australia Day Awards can be submitted online HERE.