Moree Plains Shire Council has marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week 2026 by honouring Elders whose leadership, cultural knowledge and lifelong contributions continue to strengthen communities across the Moree Plains.
At a gathering held on Thursday, 28 May, in the Banquet Hall at Moree Memorial Hall, Council unveiled the newest inductees to the Elders Honour Board, recognising their enduring impact on the shire.
Council congratulated the 2026 Elders Honour Board inductees: Marlene Howard, Gordon (Carl) McGrady, Julie Johnson and Garry Roberts.
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Susannah Pearse reflected on the significance of the occasion.
“The Moree Plains is a community that has worked hard to foster reconciliation, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our valued Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Elders who have led the way.” she said.
“This year four names from across the Shire have been added to the Elders Honour Roll, however we have many Elders worthy of recognition, including all those nominated this year.
“Council strongly encourages the community to continue to nominate our Elders, including this year’s nominees, to ensure they receive the acknowledgement they so deserve.”
As the shire looks to the future, Council acknowledged that many more names will be added to the Honour Roll and that the community will continue to come together to recognise the people and pathways that support reconciliation across the region.
Council also acknowledged the other 2026 nominees: Fred McGrady, William Pitt, Doris Davis, Meryl Dillon, June Connors, Darryl Brady, Dawn Dennison, Lloyd Munro (Senior), and Henry and Gloria French. All nominations were submitted by peers and community members.
Inductees from recent years whose honours had not yet been formally unveiled were also added to the Honour Roll Board, ensuring their contributions are recognised and celebrated.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, All In, calls on all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day. The week is observed annually from 27 May to 3 June and marks two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey.
Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relationships, deepening understanding and celebrating the cultural knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Moree Plains.
Marlene Howard
For more than 40 years, Marlene Howard has worked to support young people, Aboriginal families, women escaping domestic violence and vulnerable community members through her involvement with numerous local organisations and initiatives.
She has played a significant role with Miyay Birray Youth Service, including operating the StreetBeat bus to provide safe transport for young people, and currently serves as vice-president of the board.
Throughout her life, Howard has contributed to a wide range of community groups and committees, including Aboriginal health and medical services, education initiatives, sporting clubs, the Golden Grain Festival and many other organisations across the shire.
Through her leadership, compassion and lifelong commitment to community service, she has made a lasting contribution to Moree, Boggabilla, Toomelah and the wider region.
Gordon (Carl) McGrady
Carl McGrady is a direct descendant of the Traditional Custodians of Boobera Lagoon. Born and raised on the Toomelah Aboriginal Mission, he has a strong connection to Boobera Lagoon, one of the most culturally and spiritually significant Aboriginal sites in north-west New South Wales.
McGrady has played an important role in promoting reconciliation by helping Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities better understand the significance of Country, culture and shared local history.
Through storytelling, cultural education and advocacy, he has encouraged respectful engagement and strengthened understanding across the region.
For many years, he has guided young people and visitors through culturally significant sites around Boggabilla and Toomelah, teaching respect for sacred places, Aboriginal spirituality, bush knowledge and cultural identity.
His commitment to preserving culture and fostering understanding has had a lasting impact on the community.
Julie Johnson
Julie Johnson has been a dedicated volunteer with the United Hospital Auxiliary at Moree Hospital for many years.
She has played an important role in the day-to-day operation of the hospital kiosk, including rostering volunteers, serving staff and visitors, delivering stock on weekends and helping ensure the kiosk runs smoothly.
Johnson has also contributed countless hours preparing sandwiches, morning teas and lunches for hospital events and activities, always willing to assist where needed.
Through the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts, she has helped raise valuable funds for equipment and resources that directly benefit Moree Hospital and the local community.
In addition to her service with the hospital, she is a valued member of the Moree Evening VIEW Club and continues her strong commitment to community service and volunteer work.
Her dedication, generosity and willingness to support others have made a lasting contribution to Moree and its community.
Garry Roberts
Born and raised in Boggabilla, Garry Roberts has spent his life working alongside, employing and supporting members of the local Aboriginal community.
Through his long-running contracting business in the broadacre and irrigation industries, he provided meaningful employment opportunities across the region, from Boggabilla to Dirranbandi and Cunnamulla.
This included supporting an entirely Aboriginal-staffed and managed team in the Cunnamulla and Dirranbandi area.
Roberts is a foundation committee member of the Boggabilla Progress Association, where he advocates for improved services, amenities and opportunities for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents.
The association also works with organisations to support diversionary pathways for at-risk young people, helping reduce antisocial behaviour and contribute to safer community outcomes.
Through his ongoing commitment to inclusion, employment and community advocacy, Mr Roberts has made a significant contribution to building opportunity, safety and stronger connections within the Boggabilla community.
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