A lifetime of quiet, tireless community service has seen Moree local Tian Harris added to the prestigious NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, and in true country fashion, she didn’t see it coming.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “I don’t even know who nominated me.”
The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a statewide initiative recognising the invaluable contributions of rural women volunteers. It was launched as part of National Volunteer Week (May 19–25), which this year embraced the theme “Connecting Communities.”
Ms Harris has certainly done that and more. A lifelong Moree local, she said her passion for community started young.
“I’ve lived in Moree all my life. I went to school here and have always worked here,” Ms Harris said. “Volunteering just came naturally. I wanted to give back to the town that gave so much to me.”
From supporting the Moree and District Historical Society, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and the State Emergency Service (SES), to organising with the Moree Evening VIEW Club, Ms Harris’ name is well known among Moree’s many volunteer groups.
Ms Harris also works as an administration assistant at local non-profit HealthWISE, where she describes herself as a “problem solver,” helping connect people with vital health services
Her work at HealthWISE reflects Ms Harris’ deep care for rural health and wellbeing. HealthWISE is delivering two pilot programs in Moree: The Diabetes Shared Care Program, which helps locals manage their diabetes, and the Supporting Recovery Program, which assists domestic violence survivors. Ms Harris endeavours to get to know everyone who comes into the centre.
“If someone walks through the door and they’re nervous, seeing a friendly face can put them at ease. I try to get to know everyone,” she said.
“We have such a variety of services – everything from speech therapy to mental health and diabetes education. Let’s face it, mental health affects everybody.”
Ms Harris also represents HealthWISE in the Moree Welcome Experience, helping new health, education, and government workers settle into town. Whether it’s linking people to housing and childcare or simply inviting them for a coffee to meet locals, Ms Harris’ friendly face is often the first one newcomers see.
“We just wanted to try and grow our town. If you give to the community, the community gives back to you,” she said.
This dedication to Moree began long before her role at HealthWISE.
As a 16-year-old high school student, she submitted a design to a Shire-wide art competition hosted by Moree Plains Shire Council. Ms Harris’s winning entry became the Goanna Pathway, a colourful and symbolic mural trail in Jellicoe Park that tells the story of her life, friends, and the local landscape.
“That pathway is still there, it’s where the monthly markets are held now,” Ms Harris said.
Tian was previously named Northern Tablelands Local Woman of the Year, a title she received during Adam Marshall’s term in Parliament.
“When the Premier’s Department called, I thought it was a prank,” Ms Harris said. “I even rang Adam Marshall’s office to check if it was real!”
“There were 550 people at the ceremony – and little old me! It was overwhelming, but such an honour.”
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said volunteers like Ms Harris are the “glue that connects us.”
“Your efforts do not go unnoticed. The Hidden Treasures program is our way of shining a light on your immense contributions,” she said.
CEO of the Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate, noted that women in regional communities play a vital role in keeping essential services running.
“Our research shows that women contribute approximately $87 billion to the state’s economy through volunteering,” she said.
For Ms Harris, volunteering is simply a way of life.
“I’ve never really stopped to think about it. I just love Moree. I love the people. I just want to make it a better place.”
And she has.
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