BEING named Volunteer of the Year four years ago was apparently a training run for Darryl Brady.
Today, Moree’s best-loved volunteer was named 2025 Citizen of the Year at the Moree Plains Shire Council’s Australia Day awards ceremony at Jellicoe Park.
Mr Brady was humbled four years ago when handed the volunteer’s trophy and this year he was lost for words – almost – when awarded the Moree Plains’ ultimate accolade.
“This is all a bit overwhelming – it’s the last thing I expected,” Mr Brady said.
“There was a strong field here today and there’s a lot of good people who really, really deserve this award more than I do . . . I’m not sure how come they didn’t get it, and I did.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone who was nominated for all the awards – they are all winners in my eyes,” he said.
Mayor Susannah Pearse said the Citizen of the Year award was about recognising someone whose dedication, service and selflessness have made an extraordinary impact on Moree Plains communities.
“Darryl is a cornerstone of the Moree community,” Cr Pearse said.
“He is a proud member of the Moree RSL Sub-Branch, where he serves as treasurer, as well as a committed member of the Moree Regional Military Museum and the Moree Rural Fire Service.
Moree Citizen of the Year Darryl Brady with Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse at Jellicoe Park on Australia Day.
“In 2023 alone, Darryl responded to an astonishing 450 call-outs, a number that includes motor vehicle accidents, house fires, grass fires and ambulance-assist calls – often in the dead of night, sometimes with three or four call-outs in a 24-hour period.
“Darryl’s name is synonymous with service, compassion and unwavering support of others,” Cr Pearse said.
Mr Brady also mans the gate at Moree Boars Rugby League Club home games as well as the Moree Show each April.
Each morning he delivers newspapers to residents at Whiddon Moree’s residential aged care facility and sells badges during Legacy Week and Remembrance Day.
He can also be found at the Moree Markets every month, raising money at a trash ‘n’ treasure stall for the museum and sub-branch and the weekend before Christmas each year, he’s out and about with local Rural Fire Service volunteers distributing lollies and treats to hundreds of kids around the streets of Moree as part of the annual Santa Run.
“All of this is done while he and his wife, Maree, care for their non-verbal adult son, who depends on them entirely,” Cr Pearse said.
“Darryl’s dedication to his family and his community is truly inspiring,” she said.
Mr Brady held back tears as the large crowd at Jellicoe Park cheered and congratulated him.
“I do what I do because I love what I do. I don’t do it for accolades or recognition,” Mr Brady said.
“It’s an honour to be awarded Citizen of the Year. To help out the community is a big honour – that’s an award in itself. I love what I do,” he said.
The Australia Day ceremony also recognised Moree Lion Beth Hearn, who was named the Mayoral Award winner, Volunteer of the Year winner Peter Winkley, Sportsperson of the Year Eric Dumas and Junior Sportsperson of the Year Kate McDonald.
The inaugural Run the Plains Carnival was named Community Event of the Year and Lifehouse Pantry Moree was named Volunteer Group of the Year.
Moree Online News will publish more stories and images from the Australia Day awards ceremony soon.
