ONE of Moree’s truly unsung heroes, Rob Bartel, was named Moree Plains Senior Citizen of the Year at a Seniors’ Week luncheon at Moree Services Club on Wednesday.

Mr Bartel was one of five very worthy nominations for the award, which also included local legends Colin Rice, Frank Crump, Marlene Howard and Denise Webb.

In announcing the award, Moree Plains mayor Susannah Pearse said Mr Bartel, 80, has dedicated many years of service to the Moree Plains Shire through various roles and volunteer work.

“Rob was an active member of Apex for many years and was honoured with a Senior Active Apexian Award for his significant contributions to various community projects,” Cr Pearse said.

Mr Bartel was also a member of Moree Lions Club for 32 years from 1986.

“Rob served two terms as Lions Club president and seven terms as treasurer,” Cr Pearse said.

“He has received multiple awards over the years, including the JD Richardson Honour Award and the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Medal – the highest recognition there is in Lions.

“Rob is also a volunteer at Moreena pensioner units and dedicates his time helping with any tasks that need doing, including shifting furniture and taking rubbish away,” Cr Pearse said.

“He also helps with lawn-mowing, shifting displays and any other chores that require attention at Moree Plains Museum for Moree and District Historical Society.

“Rob’s a committee member of Moree Services Bowling Club, where he’s involved in preparing for championship days, cooking barbecues and supporting visiting clubs.

“At the Croppa Creek Old Header Harvest weekend each year, Rob spends many days getting machinery in working order to ensure the event runs smoothly,” she said.

When Cr Pearse congratulated Mr Bartel, he was lost for words.

“I feel very proud and privileged,” he said.

“I didn’t realise I’d done so many things, but it seems like I have.

“I’ve enjoyed doing all of it, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my beautiful wife, Lorraine,” he said.

Cr Pearse extended a heartfelt thank-you to all Moree Plains seniors who have helped build and define local communities over many years.

“I want to thank all our senior citizens, who have done a tremendous job in shaping our community,” Cr Pearse said.

“I think it would be really good for our younger generations to understand how many services and how many of the privileges we currently have that were hard-fought and hard-advocated for by our senior citizens.”

Cr Pearse also congratulated Seniors’ Week co-ordinator Lorraine Bartel, who works tirelessly preparing Seniors’ Week events.

“I don’t know how Lorraine does it. She’s planned this whole week and will top it off by having more than 80 people at her home this weekend,” Cr Pearse said.

Nearly 200 people attended the luncheon, with entertainment plied on by acclaimed actor and Gold Logie winner John Wood and vocalist, musician and front man from Rock around the World, Dave Allen.

Lorraine Bartel thanked the many organisations as well as her helpers who work behind the scenes to make Seniors’ Week a success.

“I couldn’t do any of this without the help of my husband Rob, and friends Lyn Churchland, Sue Carter, Murray and Jo Shaw, Sharon Wilde, Brian and Kay Berger, and Helen Palmer,” Mrs Bartel said.

Wednesday’s lunch and Senior Citizen of the Year announcement marked the halfway point for Seniors Week in Moree.

“We had a beautiful morning tea and bingo at Pius X on Monday and a good crowd for a movie and morning tea at Moree Community Library on Tuesday,” Mrs Bartel said.

“We will have bingo and lunch at Moree Care on Friday, and they’ve donated a trolley full of goodies to raffle here today.

“Moree Lions Club will cook the barbecue lunch on Saturday. They’ve also given a donation, and the Moree Ukelele Band have donated their time and will perform on Saturday as well,” she said.

“There’s also bowls on Thursday night, so if anyone wants to come along and have a social game and have some fun, please do.

“Without all these donations and organisations helping, we simply could not run these events,” Mrs Bartel said.

Words and Images: Bill Poulos