Media Releases

Christmas Message from Mayor Susannah Pearse

As we come to the close of 2025, it is a time to reflect on what has been a busy and productive year for Moree Plains.

The end of June marked what was the busiest financial year on record for Moree Plains Shire Council, delivering $34,275,000 in capital works – a record-breaking achievement of which the whole organisation can be proud. While our roads are a constant work in progress, over $15 million in works were delivered, making transport and travel across the 18,000 square kilometres of our Shire safer and more reliable. More work needs to be done – it always will – but I want to thank our road crews for their relentless sweat and toil in what is a vital yet often underappreciated role.

After far too long with the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) in varying states of disrepair, it has been immensely satisfying to see work at the centre really pick up pace, particularly towards the back end of the year. It was a source of great joy when the Program Pool reopened in November and I can’t wait to step into the Active and Passive Pools early in the new year, when they are reopened, filled with our Shire’s famous, healing artesian water.

Keeping the people of our Shire safe is a top priority, and Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe and myself met with the new Commissioner of the NSW Police Force, Mal Lanyon in October. It was a highly productive and collaborative meeting, where we discussed a range of important issues for our community, including youth crime, as well as issues that contribute to unsafe home environments, such as drugs, and domestic and family violence. We will continue to advocate for the community in this space and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with NSW Police and seeing new initiatives implemented in our shire in the new year. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our team - led by General Manager Natalia Cowley - for their considerable efforts this year in what has been a period of significant change for our organisation, with a new council and new executive leadership.  

Council will be closed from 1pm on Christmas Eve, with the majority of our staff taking a well-earned break, but we will be back serving the community from 9am, Monday 5 January.

From all of Moree Plains Shire Council, wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a safe and restful holiday season! 

Council Services and Facilities for the Christmas Holidays 2025/26

Council would like to inform the Moree Plains community of the following services and facilities’ operating hours for the Christmas period, Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026.

Unless otherwise noted below, Council’s services and facilities, including the Moree Customer Service Centre, will operate as normal until 1pm Wednesday 24 December 2025.

Services and facilities will recommence as usual from Monday, 5 January 2026.

Waste Services

Please be advised kerbside garbage and recycling collections will be as normal.

Landfill operating hours:

Celebrating Community Champions Across Our Shire – Nominations Open For The 2026 Australia Day Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, offering an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and community groups who go above and beyond to support, enrich and improve life in the Moree Plains Shire.

“With so many worthy ambassadors within the Moree Plains, these awards provide a chance to acknowledge our community champions, those who generously volunteer their time and skills without seeking recognition yet continue to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of others.

“I would like to strongly encourage the community to get behind our dedicated locals and nominate individuals and groups for the 2026 Australia Day Awards,” stated Mayor Cr Susannah Pearse.

Moree Plains Shire Council is currently calling for nominations for

- Citizen of the Year (+25 years)
- Young Citizen of the Year (aged 14-25 years)
- Community Event of the Year
- Community/Volunteer Group of the Year
- Sports Person of the Year (+18 years)
- Young Sports Person of the Year (-18 years)
- Volunteer of the Year

Council is also delighted to announce its Australia Day ambassador, Bruno Efoti.

Bruno Efoti 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. Born on the island of Foa in the Kingdom of Tonga, Bruno 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.

After years working as a carpenter, Bruno witnessed firsthand the silent mental health struggles facing many tradies, particularly during the drought years of the late 2010s. Recognising a critical need for support, he retrained as a counsellor and, alongside JoAnna, established Tradies In Sight to provide practical, stigma-free mental health support.

Since opening in 2021, the INSight Shed in Dubbo has welcomed more than 2,000 visitors, offering safe spaces for connection through weekly events, apprentice wellbeing programs at TAFE, and partnerships with local mental health services. Bruno’s simple yet powerful approach, using food, fire and conversation to build emotional resilience, has earned strong community support and recognition, including nominations for Australian of the Year - Local Hero.

The 2026 Australia Day Award nominations are open until 5pm, Wednesday 7 January 2026.

Complete online or for a hardcopy head into Council’s Customer Service, Level 2, 30 Heber Street, Moree.

Nominate via completing and submitting the online form >> Australia Day Awards 2026

Keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for further event information.

“Let’s come together to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions that make our community stronger,” said Cr Pearse.

Christmas is a Time for Giving

The holiday break is a wonderful opportunity to sort through your belongings and donate to those in need.

As you do, we kindly ask that you be mindful of the operating hours of our local charity shops and donate only during advertised times.

Items left outside shops when they are closed can unfortunately be stolen, damaged, or soiled, which means they cannot be accepted or used to help others.

Holding onto your donations until shops reopen ensures they can truly make a difference.

Charity Shop Opening and Donation Dates

Vinnies

Shop now closed – reopens Friday 2 January 2026
Donations gratefully accepted from Friday, 2 January 2026

Salvos

Shop now closed – reopens Tuesday 13 January 2026
Donations gratefully accepted from Monday, 5 January 2026

LifeHouse

Shop now closed – reopens Wednesday 14 January 2026
Donations gratefully accepted from Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Our charity shops are deeply grateful for the generosity and care shown by our community.

Thank you for supporting Vinnies, Salvos and LifeHouse and for helping us help others this Christmas.